ENGAGE
Engage programs for middle and high schoolers are all about building skills and connection. Our year-round mentorship program across various activities allows kids to develop concrete skills and challenge themselves under the supervision of adult staff and volunteers. Middle school is traditionally a difficult transition time, and the mentoring program is designed to offer support and encouragement in fun and engaging ways. From clubs that focus on alpine and backcountry skiing, mountain biking, climbing, and kayaking to after-school programs and backpacking trips, Engage programs are the next step in creating independent, life-long adventurers with confidence to explore on their own as well as a passion to help protect the places in which they explore.
Ski Program
Coombs Club
Coombs Club provides the opportunity for middle and high school Coombs participants to ski with their friends at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or Snow King, led by trained volunteer mentors. Meeting every weekend throughout the winter, participants have fun with peers, learn from mentors, and build skills & confidence on the mountain. Ski pass and season rentals are provided to encourage independent skiing.
Coombs winter programs are made possible with support from the Share Winter Foundation.
Backcountry Skiing
Coombs Backcountry Club
We were excited to launch our backcountry ski club in winter 2022/2023, introducing 15 high schoolers to uphill travel and backcountry gear. They met weekly at Snow King, enjoyed backcountry ski days in the Tetons with guides from Exum and NOLS, and even received their Level 1 Avalanche Certifications.
Summer Camp
Backpacking Summer Camp
Engage summer camp offers exciting outdoor adventures for middle and high school participants. Campers have the chance to build skills, take on new challenges, and make memories with friends and mentors. All Engage camps spend time backpacking in the mountains surrounding Jackson Hole.
Spring Break
Week-long Adventure Trips
Over spring break, Coombs middle school participants head out of town for a week of adventures with Coombs staff. This is a unique opportunity to explore new destinations with friends and mentors, such as Moab, Utah. Activities can include climbing, canyoneering, camping, skiing, and more.
Specialty Clubs
Climbing, Mountain Bike, Trail Running, & Kayak Club
Coombs offers clubs for specific outdoor interests so participants can dig in, really expand their skillset, and share their passion with a community. Coombs mountain bike club and climbing club meet once a week, and Coombs supports participants in joining other local bike and kayak clubs through partner organizations.
Afterschool Programs
Created at the request of parents and participants, fall and winter afterschool programs provide an opportunity for middle schoolers get outside, put down the screens, and enjoy fun activities with friends.
Coombs afterschool programs, including workshops and Activate lessons, are supported with funding from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.
Meet Denise
Denise (12) is one of our most exuberant Coombs participants. She started skiing at Snow King around 6 years old, and has now progressed to skiing with Powder Pals at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. She has loved the experience of getting to explore a bigger mountain, and her enthusiasm and positive attitude have brought a lot of joy to her Powder Pals peers.
“If you see me smiling from ear to ear, it’s because I’m having too much fun”
- Denise, Coombs Club 2021