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

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Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Boojum Institute for Experiential Education. I am often asked, “What makes a Boojum program so special? "

I fundamentally believe that Boojum programs are special because they change lives, institutions and communities. We do this by reaching students in meaningful ways, fostering positive peer relationships, self-confidence and environmental stewardship by connecting individuals with nature and each other through a shared hands-on experience in the out-of-doors.

Last year was no exception, Boojum engaged more than 4000 youth in outdoor experiences by expanding the delivery of our programs by 65%. Guided by our mission and grounded in our values, we demonstrated once again that Boojum programs provide relevant, life shaping experiences even in this difficult economic time.

Whether you’re an educational partner or a potential supporter, I encourage you to explore our website or call me to discuss how we can work together to improve young peoples’ lives.

Warm regards,

Kurt A. Merrill, Executive Director

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Student Philanthropy Inspired by Boojum

The students of Westwood Charter School in Los Angeles, CA fundraised in order to "give back" to a cause of their choice. Boojum was very proud to hear that these students chose to use their limited resources to buy bee hives through Heifer International to give to communities in need. Beekeeping can make a big difference for struggling families. They produce sweet honey to eat, beeswax that can be turned into goods like candles, and they also help pollinate crops to increase yields. From Uganda to El Salvador, bees from Heifer International help struggling families earn income through the sale of honey, beeswax and pollen. A beehive can be a boost to a whole village and beekeeping can be a family's livelihood.

In April of 2010, Boojum was pleased to be able to bring our Honeybees and World Health traveling education program to the classrooms of Westwood Charter School in Los Angeles, CA. Through this program Boojum Institute brings live bees in a glass observation hive into classrooms to provide a “hands on” educational experience to students. The students were inspired while learning about the importance of bees to our ecosystems, to humankind, and to our world health.
Way to go students at Westwood Charter School!!

Boojum Marks Third Consecutive Year of Growth

As we arrive at the end of 2011, Boojum is very excited to announce that we experienced another year of positive growth, more than 60% over the last three consecutive years!

Boojum Partnered with the Nation's Leading Pro-bono Service Foundation

August 18, Los Angeles, CA

The Taproot Foundation, the nation's leading pro-bono service organization, has made a commitment to partner with Boojum and award a second $50,000 pro bono service grant to the organization. The Taproot Foundation is dedicated to leading the pro bono service movement in the United States and is currently focused on strengthening the nonprofit sector in major metropolitan areas of Washington DC, Chicago, New York, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

High School Students Face New Challenges

March 2012, Idyllwild, CA

See what these high school students are raving about from their recent Boojum program at our Idyllwild Challenge Course:

"Boojum, "WOW" it was really fun going there. My first time feeling the snow, climbing trees and letting go was really good... I was shy that maybe people were going to make fun of me but no, everybody in my group encouraged me... At first I was afraid but everybody was encouraged me. I would love to go back to "BOOJUM"!!!!!! ;)"

"The Boojum trip was one of the best field trips I've been on. The experience of climbing 40 feet up a tree was awesome! I accomplished a goal of overcoming my fear of heights. I got on all 4 courses. My favorite activity was the zipline because that course you had to climb higher up tree than any other course. Then when I jumped off I glided in the air 300 feet across the field. There was also a little bit of snow. It's not everyday we see snow so we had a little snowball fight."

"The Boojum trip was awesome. There were many activities that I wanted to get on but I was afraid of heights, that wouldn't stop me from getting on at least one or two. My favorite activity was the Leap of Faith. That one was my favorite one because the Boojum trip was about teamwork and trusting and on that one you had to climb a tree and jump to touch a bell and your teammates had to hold the rope that was attached to you so you won't fall. My teammates were pretty good they were encouraging, cheering and helpful for everyone who did an activity in my group. I would like to go on this again next year because PSA is about trusting your peers and working together and that's what this field trip was all about."

Read more at
http://cvhighschool.squarespace.com/boojum-2012/2012/2/23/boojum-sophomorejuniorsenior-trip.html#comments

Boojum Institute is now partnering with PlanetExplore by The North Face!

September 22, 2011

Boojum Institute has recently been hand selected to partner with PlanetExplore by The North Face. This exciting new affiliation further advances Boojum's and PlanetExplore's common goals to address the critical need to connect youth with our natural world.

Warren Christopher Scholars Explore the Coast with Boojum

July 30, Santa Barbara, CA
Fourteen of the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) Warren Christopher Scholarship recipients joined Boojum for a sea kayaking program along the Santa Barbara coast.