Summer has begun at Coombs!
Dear Friends,
Summer is here, and the energy at Coombs is electric.
Over the past month we have onboarded and trained 14 amazing new summer staff and launched our extensive summer program offerings which include overnight trips, Activate Camps, Fly Fishing Camp, skills clubs for mountain biking, swimming, and climbing, and exciting collaborations with partners like Wilderness Adventures and NOLS. What makes summer at Coombs truly special isn't just the programs, it's the people leading them.
One of the things I'm most proud of this summer is watching more former Coombs participants than ever step into leadership roles on our staff. These are young people who once showed up nervous for their first backpacking trip, and are now the ones planning meals, navigating trail maps, and mentoring the next generation of outdoor explorers. This full-circle journey from participant to practitioner is at the heart of everything we do. It's proof that our collective investment in the Coombs community can shape so much more than a season, it can shape a career, an identity, and a life filled with the benefits of getting outside.
That Coombs leadership pipeline doesn't happen by accident. It is a product of intentional programming, such as our brand-new Empower Leadership Training and Trips, our expanded Engage Day Camps, and the new Activate Mountain Bike Club, all of which are designed to meet kids where they are and grow with them year after year.
As you read about our summer programs and the inspiring staff who are running them, I hope you feel the same excitement we do. And if you haven't had a chance to make your FY26 gift, this is it. June 30th marks the close of our 2026 fiscal year, making this your last opportunity to make a gift before year-end. Every dollar goes directly toward keeping these programs accessible, expansive, and extraordinary.
With more than 300 kids enrolled in summer programs this year, your support means more than ever to the organization and to the kids and families of Coombs. Thank you for being part of this community.
With gratitude,
Jenny Wolfrom Holladay
Executive Director
The first two weeks of summer camp at Coombs have been fast and fabulous. We've had 5 overnight trips go out, 7 groups of Activate Camp, and collaborations with Wilderness Adventures and NOLS. In addition, last week brought the first round of Activity Days and Afternoon Clubs, and our annual Fly Fishing Camp with Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School.
A look at our new programs:
This summer we're expanding our impact by adding more high-demand programs. We're excited to share what we've been working on. And make sure you keep reading below to meet our summer instructor team!
Empower Leadership Trip
Over the last few years we have worked hard to incorporate opportunities for students to grow from participants into talented and knowledgeable leaders as they move through programs. Last week we launched our new Leadership Program for high schoolers with a Leadership Trip. This 3-day backpacking trip in Yellowstone’s Firehole Meadows was designed for older students who are ready to take on some extra responsibility. The trip provided an introduction to co-leading extended trips in the backcountry led by veteran Coombs staff in partnership with NOLS instructors. Participants who embarked on the trip learned risk mitigation skills, group management, and how to best support instructors and younger participants.
Later on in the summer, students who participated in the Leadership Trip will have the opportunity to assist Engage instructors on overnight trips, acting as student leaders and demonstrating their reliability and maturity. We're excited to support Coombs participants and alumni in growing their outdoor experience and leadership skills. This "full circle" structure also means younger Coombs kids are able to have older participants as leaders, strengthening representation and mentorship in our programs.
Engage Day Camp
In response to requests for more camp opportunities for middle schoolers, we have added two weeks of Engage day camps this summer. Participants will spend the week completing day hikes in Grand Teton National Park, floating the Snake River, taking part in activities with partner programs around town, and spending time laughing with friends. These camps are a perfect option for kids who aren't interested in a long backpacking trip, but still want to explore all of the amazing opportunities for recreation right in our backyard.
Activate Mountain Bike Club
Five years ago we began an afterschool mountain bike club for middle and high school participants who sought the skills and knowledge to confidently ride technical trails throughout the valley. This program has remained popular as participants progress an extraordinary amount over the course of a summer.
This year, in collaboration with Mountain Bike the Tetons, we are offering a similar structure for younger kids in the Activate program. Getting an early start, especially in a challenging sport like mountain biking, will allow participants to hit the ground running (or pedaling) when they graduate to the Engage bike club. We're looking forward to seeing what these kids will accomplish!
Activate Swim Lessons
The most popular request we receive from our community is for swim lessons. Due to busy schedules and limited pool space, building consistent swim lessons into our programming has long been a challenge. This summer 3 staff members completed a water safety instructor course in order to implement our own classes, and we are now offering weekly morning swim lessons for elementary aged participants.
Participant Bus Routes:
We are always trying to make our programs more accessible for families with busy schedules and multiple kids, so this summer we implemented bus routes for Activate campers. Summer instructors have been driving the Coombs vans around town every morning and afternoon for pick up and drop off in order to include those participants who otherwise may not have been able to get to programs. This update was developed through feedback from parents and we have already been receiving positive responses!
Summer Partnership Updates
Along with these brand new programs, we're also growing our partnership with Wilderness Adventures by adding more Yellowstone and Camp New Fork trips! These adventures allow us to combine resources with WA and give more kids an introduction to camping.
Ukulele Club with Grand Teton Music Festival begins next week for our Activate musicians. Alongside the GTMF music teacher, rising 6th grader and veteran Ukulele player Bryan will help lead the club, which culminates in a concert at Teton Village!
Abe
Position: Activate Instructor
Worked at Coombs for: 2 years
Started as a participant: Age 11
Favorite Trail Snack: Trail mix
What are you excited about this summer: I am beyond thrilled about being outside and in the water all day!
Allison
Position: Engage Program Coordinator
Worked at Coombs for: 2 years
Favorite Trail Snack: Peanut M&Ms
What are you excited about this summer: Playing outside!
Dani
Position: Activate Instructor
Worked at Coombs for: 2 years
Started as a participant: Age 15
Favorite Trail Snack: Granola bars
What are you excited about this summer: Being outside!
Diego
Position: Engage Instructor
Started as a participant: Age 7
Favorite Trail Snack: Pepperoni pizza
What are you excited about this summer: Leading the same trips I went on as a kid.
Emma
Position: Activate Instructor
Favorite Trail Snack: Nerds gummy clusters
What are you excited about this summer: Getting local kids excited about the outdoors!
Heidi
Position: Activate Program Coordinator
Worked at Coombs for: 3 years
Started as a participant: Age 17
Favorite Trail Snack: Trail mix
What are you excited about this summer: Creating new memories with all the staff and Coombs kids this summer!
Itzela
Position: Activate & Engage Instructor
Favorite Trail Snack: My secret stash of Mike and Ikes
What are you excited about this summer: Being outdoors with the participants exploring new areas, learning from each other, and having FUN all summer!
Ivan
Position: Activate & Engage Instructor
Favorite Trail Snack: Gummies
What are you excited about this summer: Having fun outside!
Jack
Position: Clubs Coordinator
Worked at Coombs for: 3 years
Favorite Trail Snack: Coffee
What are you excited about this summer: Hanging out with all the office dogs!
Jenna
Position: Engage Instructor
Favorite Trail Snack: Dried mango
What are you excited about this summer: Getting participants more comfortable in the outdoors, helping them grow a love for camping and backpacking, and playing games on the trail and around the campfire!!
Mars
Position: Activate Instructor
Started as a participant: 8 years old
Favorite Trail Snack: Dried mango
What are you excited about this summer: Making new memories with everyone and having lots of fun!!
Miles
Position: Inclusion Coordinator
Worked at Coombs for: 3 years
Favorite Trail Snack: A full block of cheese
What are you excited about this summer: Jumping in water as often as possible.
Ricardo
Position: Activate Instructor
Started as a participant: Age 15
Favorite Trail Snack: Fruit by the foot
What are you excited about this summer: Getting to know the kids and all the unique perspectives they have to offer.
Saúl
Position: Activate Instructor
Started as a participant: Age 5
Favorite Trail Snack: Gummy worms
What are you excited about this summer: Meeting participants and my co-workers
Our Fiscal Year is Almost Over! Make your gift by June 30
Donate before our fiscal years ends on June 30 and secure your place in this year's Annual Report!
2026 was full of adventures, new experiences, and many big moments for us. We skied, we biked, we hiked, we paddled, and we got to see participants grow into experts and instructors. It was a year with many highlights, and we'd love for you to be one of them.
