The Boojum Institute for Experiential Education: Outdoor Education and Challenge Course Programs Throughout California and the Southwest

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Boojum Institute for Experiential Education. I am often asked, “What makes the Boojum Institute’s programs so special?”

I fundamentally believe that the Boojum Experience is special because it changes lives, institutions and communities. It does this by reaching students in meaningful ways through a shared outdoor experience which fosters leadership, enhances the ability to work together and inspires environmental citizenship. The experiences of the over 80,000 young people and adults who have participated in Boojum programs since its inception in 1975 are testimony to our impact.

All of The Institute’s experiential outdoor education programs focus on our organization’s core values: Learning and Personal Growth, Teamwork and Partnerships, Leadership, Compassion, Environmental Stewardship, and Community... values that are inextricably linked to everything that we do. The Boojum Experience also engages children, teachers and staff holistically, making learning fun, exciting and inspirational.

Whether you’re an educational partner or a potential supporter, I encourage you to explore our website or call me to learn more about The Boojum Experience – and how we can work together to improve young peoples’ lives.

Kurt A. Merrill, Executive Director

Warren Christopher Scholars to participate in a Boojum Leadership Program

A group of academically gifted high school scholars from Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools were recognized on June 11 at the Los Angeles Public Library during the annual Warren Christopher Scholarship Awards. Ten extraordinary honorees and their families, teachers, academic counselors, past scholars and supporting business leaders gathered for the annual awards ceremony and luncheon where each young scholar was presented a $20,000 college scholarship from the Warren Christopher Scholarship Fund.

Seventh Graders Journal About Boojum Experience

Seventh Graders Journal About Boojum Experience was published by the Chandler School in Pasadena, CA in their newsletter for parents, alumni and friends. The article has some wonderful pictures and quotes from students that canoed on the Colorado River, backpacked in the High Sierra's and rock climbed in Joshua Tree National Park.

Buzzing with Bees (High Country Journal)

Buzzing with Bees was published in the March issue of the High Country Journal. The article is a great overview of a group of Hamilton Elementary students that participated in a Boojum Honeybee and World Health program.

Boojum Institute Earns National Distinction

California's leading outdoor and environmental education provider has reaffirmed its distinguished place among its peers by earning re-accreditation for five years from the internationally respected Association for Experiential Education (AEE), making it one of only fourteen wilderness/adventure programs in the country to achieve this distinction.

Study Finds Positive Impact of the Boojum Experience

In a recent study, students participating in a Boojum Institute program significantly increased their environmental knowledge, self-awareness and leadership skills.