Serving All Abilities
Extraordinary things happen here at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC). A man with quadriplegia finds the courage and patience to take on the high ropes course, a woman who is blind feels the thrill of carving down some fresh powder, a group of teenage boys learn what it means to work hard as they set fence ties on a desert farm in Utah - these are mere glimpses of what happens at the BOEC. For more than 30 years, the BOEC has been changing lives, or more accurately, showing people that they have the power within themselves to change their own lives.
The mission of the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center is to expand the potential of people with disabilities and special needs through meaningful, educational, and inspiring outdoor experiences. The BOEC began back in 1976 with a staff that consisted of volunteers only, gear that came from their closets, and food that was donated or provided by the clients. We have come a long way since then. The BOEC offers Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding, Wilderness Courses (on-site as well as mobile courses), Professional Challenge Courses, and a unique Internship Program. Situated on 39 acres, the BOEC boasts a climbing wall, a high ropes course, high and low team initiatives, rafts, canoes, sea kayaks, cabins, teepees, and much more, as resources for experiential education.
The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center is a 501©3, non-profit, educational organization. We are funded both through fees for service and through the generous support of many foundations, corporations, government and many, many individuals. We strive to keep our fees as low as possible and also raise scholarship monies to further help those in need. See our Donations page to see how you can help.
Who does the BOEC serve?
The BOEC has something for everyone who seeks outdoor adventure. Educational experiences are offered for people with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities, people from low-income backgrounds or disadvantaged environments, people looking for more team unity in their workplace, people learning English as their second language. . . the list goes on and on. Courses are custom-designed for specific agency groups and individuals are welcome to sign up for our open-enrollment programs. Volunteer and internship opportunities are available for people of all backgrounds and abilities, including those with disabilities and special needs.
Our clientele include:
- Youth
- Adults
- Agencies
- Schools
- Individuals
- People with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities
- People from low-income backgrounds or disadvantaged environments
- People looking for more team unity in their workplace
- People learning English as their second language
- Youth seeking leadership development
It is said that “Attitudes are the real disabilities.” The BOEC endorses this view and welcomes all who are interested to become part of a very unique family. Simply contact us and we will find an educational experience that is perfect for you and your needs.
“Working here at the BOEC has left me with many memories and such a great fulfillment. The many beaming smiles, pushing through the tears, to the resounding cheers of encouragement and accomplishment, the lives we touched and challenged to grow more, think bigger and be better - it will all stay with me forever.”
– Melanie Chivers, Winter Intern 2001-2002, Summer Course Director 2002
