Posted December 11, 2008 by Admin
Bob Bond, Wilderness Program Director for the BOEC for over 12 years, was awarded by the Summit Foundation as the Outstanding Professional in Non-Profit work for 2008. Bob was recognized at the Summit Awards Ceremony, November 21, at Beaver Run Resort. Robin “Bean” Albert, Youth Programs Manager for Summit County and long time associate, presented the Award.
Bob has served in the non-profit educational world for over 22 years and has been the Wilderness Program Director at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) for twelve years, a post he still holds. During that time he has overseen the design, safety, staffing and conduct of all Wilderness Programs. These programs are custom-designed for adults and children with disabilities and special needs, as well as youth at risk. Wilderness activities include ropes courses, rafting, canoeing, camping, climbing and many other outdoor pursuits, as well as facilitation tailored to meet very specific needs. Courses are conducted at the BOEC facility in Breckenridge, on the Upper Colorado River, in SE Utah and in many wilderness areas in the region.
Bob’s work has impacted over 10,000 individuals in his time with BOEC, people with virtually every disability or special need imaginable-terminal illness, autism, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, MS, CP. With each client he has designed programs to inspire and uplift, to move beyond perceived limitations and find success that brings hope and greater independence into their lives.
One example of Bob’s exemplary work is the creation of the Brain Injury Camps at the BOEC. Working with the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, these seven day courses immerse adults with severe brain injury in a range of activities that progressively lead these individuals to new levels of confidence and self-esteem. So successful, these camps have grown from just one camp five years ago to five, fully enrolled camps today.
Bob has also worked extensively over the years with the Summit County community, designing and implementing courses for youth in the Mountain Mentors program, the SOAP program for at-risk girls and boys, for Upper Blue Elementary students, for employees at the Rec. Center, for Town of Breck leadership and others. He has worked hard to make the BOEC part of our community by providing direct services and partnering on local programs and events.
Prior to BOEC, Bob worked for other non-profits, including ten years with Outward Bound as Instructor, Course Director and Program Manager, and as an instructor/trainer for the American Red Cross. At Outward Bound, Bob was instrumental in creating one of the best leadership semester programs in the country. Bob also served for many years as a state-licensed Physicians Assistant in Denver’s Lutheran and other west-side hospitals.
As long as he has worked here, Bob has known no “standard work week.” He has put in whatever time is necessary to make his programs successful. He has served all roles to support his courses, from course design to course leader to logistics to clearing snow off the walk. He is a dedicated professional and passionate advocate for those in need. Through his relentless hard work and expertise, Bob has earned his way to be one of the most respected outdoor educators in the country and his efforts have greatly enhanced the quality of life for many, many people, and especially for all of us here in Summit County.
The BOEC is privileged to have Bob as a leader and manager on our staff and we are grateful to the Summit Foundation for honoring his valuable and devoted work to help improve the lives of so many people in need.
