Thank You for Making VOBS the Best

Yoshie Kateada, Instructor: “I’ve never been in a group of such highly functioning humans! It’s rare to work at an organization where the values are so clear and it’s also how everyone lives in their daily lives.”

Rachel Hedlund, Course Director: “Why am I still here? Well, simply put, it’s a part of who I am. From the first time I picked up a paddle, I knew I was about to enter into a sick addiction with wilderness travel. I can’t imagine my life without wilderness expeditions—they are the very essence of my identity. And that’s why I’ve made it my career to help others figure out those incredible things about themselves, in the woods.”

Tyler Fish, Staffing Director: “There’s nothing like that moment of satisfaction, knowing that you’ve been at the right place with the best people at no better time. You’ve seen the signs. One happening points to the next – like a connect the dots, more than coincidence marking the road well chosen and continually well-traveled. Just when it couldn’t get better, it does. And at the same time it all seems so normal, because this is where you are. There is nowhere else. How could there be. You can’t imagine your life without this.”

Laura Greenlee, Course Director: “These students change our lives just as much as we change theirs. They mold us into compassionate, fun, understanding people because they see us for who we really are. They are survivors who are now becoming leaders. They teach me each day that the world is a bright place and that “there is more in us than we know, and if we can be made to see it, perhaps we would be unwilling to settle for less.”

Bud Ahrens, Winter Program Director: “My career with VOBS has been full of ups and downs, but I can say there is no better place to work. The community, the growth mindset. Living in paradise is definitely a perk, and then there’s all the coffee you can drink...”

Marlais Brand, Group Outreach: “I know firsthand what it’s like to learn through people and nature. I know what it’s like to fall down and get back up–again and again–and how to find laughter and be swayed by beauty just about anywhere.”

These testimonials could be a little biased; they come from the “inside.” However, thanks to supporters like you, we get plenty of “outsider’s” perspectives too.

This Fall, I got to spend some time up at Homeplace for our Intercept Parent Conference. As parents welcomed their children home after a 28 day expedition, I got to sit down and hear their stories. One of the parents I spoke to told me how much a program like this means to their family. I asked why they would recommend VOBS to others, and here is what they shared:

“I would start by advocating for the people. The tools and framework of this program are critical and excellent, but really, it's about the people. At VOBS, these people really care; they're generous, principled, and loving. They made this experience life-changing for us and our son.”

Supporters like you make these stories and testimonials happen. Your generosity helps support a phenomenal team of staff, allowing us to provide life-changing programs year after year.

So thank YOU for your support, and for making VOBS the BEST place to work!

Have a wonderful holiday,

Courtney Kupsch
Director of Development

Courtney.Kupsch@vobs.org
(651) 401-0635

YOU'RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Thank you for being a part of a community that develops accomplished and compassionate people to make a positive difference in their lives, their communities and the world.

When you donate to VOBS, you are changing lives by providing students with unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, self-reliance, teamwork and compassion. Click here or on the image to the left and read about how your gift makes a difference for the students we serve.

Your support is critical to helping VOBS provide “life-changing” expeditions to over 2,000 students every year. Donate today, and give the gift of challenge and discovery!