We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mary Grodman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mary below.

Hi Mary, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents were instrumental in shaping the person I am today, especially in fostering my love for the outdoors and my passion for working with kids. One thing they did right was giving me the freedom to explore and encouraging me to take risks while always providing a safety net.

My parents also didn’t realize it at the time, but they made a life-changing decision when they started sending me to a sleepaway camp in the woods of western Pennsylvania when I was a child. I’ll admit, at first, I was hesitant—I even cried the first time they sent me off on the camp bus! The thought of being away from home, surrounded by towering trees and unfamiliar faces, was daunting. But looking back, it was one of the best gifts they ever gave me.

Camp taught me independence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. I remember learning how to prepare for a hike on unfamiliar trails and paddling a canoe for the first time. My parents’ decision to send me there showed they believed in my ability to thrive outside my comfort zone. It also introduced me to the joy of camp culture—the traditions, the sense of community, and the way the wilderness could foster self-discovery.

Beyond sending me to camp, my parents also modeled the lessons I learned there in their everyday lives. They consistently demonstrated the importance of commitment and perseverance—whether in their own jobs or the way they tackled challenges at home. Seeing their example, combined with the skills and confidence I gained at camp, instilled in me a strong work ethic that has guided my life and career.

These experiences have had a profound impact on my career. As an outdoor guide, I strive to recreate that sense of wonder and empowerment for kids. I want them to experience the same transformation I did—to see the outdoors not just as a place to visit, but as a space for growth, connection, and adventure. My parents’ trust in me and their willingness to prioritize these experiences have shaped the way I approach guiding others today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an outdoor adventure guide and program coordinator in a school district in Tucson, AZ, with a passion for inspiring kids to explore, connect with nature, and discover their own resilience. My journey into this field began with a childhood spent outdoors, enriched by summers at a sleepaway camp that taught me independence, problem-solving, and teamwork.

I pursued Environmental Science and Criminal Justice at Stockton University in NJ, a path that deepened my understanding of the natural world and the importance of preserving it. During high school and college, I worked at summer camps, which solidified my desire to help young people grow through outdoor experiences. Later, I enhanced my expertise by taking guiding courses with AMGA, IWLS, and NOLS, earning certifications in wilderness first aid, backpacking and canyoneering, rock climbing, and outdoor leadership.

Today, I guide kids on outdoor adventures that are as educational as they are exciting. Whether it’s hiking, caving, backpacking, or exploring wilderness areas, my goal is to equip kids with the tools to challenge themselves, build confidence, and foster a lifelong appreciation for nature. I provide carefully curated experiences that emphasize safety, fun, and learning. These include teaching essential skills like map reading and Leave No Trace principles, while also weaving in history and science to enrich each trip.

What sets me apart is my dedication to crafting meaningful, personalized experiences. I design every trip with care, creating itineraries and journals that incorporate road trip games, wilderness education, and even night sky exploration. I also draw on my background to teach kids how to overcome challenges, collaborate with others, and celebrate their achievements.

I’m most proud of the moments when kids surprise themselves—whether it’s summiting a hill they thought was too steep, carrying a heavy backpack for hours for the first time, or simply gazing up at the stars in awe. These moments remind me why I do what I do: to help kids see the outdoors not just as a place for adventure, but as a space for growth and self-discovery.

For anyone considering one of my programs, I want you to know that my work is rooted in passion, experience, and a commitment to creating safe, transformative adventures. Whether your child is an experienced camper or stepping into the outdoors for the first time, I strive to meet them where they are and help them grow. One of my proudest achievements has been building my outdoor adventure program from the ground up within a school district through its community education department, turning my passion into a lasting resource for kids and families.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team, especially in an outdoor adventure setting, requires a balance of leadership, communication, and empathy. Over the years, I’ve learned that maintaining high morale comes down to three key principles: fostering a sense of community, empowering individuals, and leading by example.

People thrive when they feel like they belong. I make an effort to create an inclusive and supportive environment where team members feel valued and heard. Whether it’s team-building activities, shared meals, or open forums to discuss ideas and concerns, creating connections between team members builds trust and camaraderie.

Everyone on the team has unique strengths, and it’s important to recognize and utilize those talents. I try to give team members autonomy in their roles and opportunities to contribute their ideas. When people feel ownership over their work, they are more motivated and engaged. For instance, during trips, I might assign a team member to lead a specific activity they’re passionate about or encourage them to develop a new program component.

As a leader, your attitude and work ethic set the tone for the team. I believe in staying calm under pressure, showing appreciation for hard work, and being willing to jump in and help when needed. By modeling positivity and dedication, I create an atmosphere where I hope people feel inspired to do their best.

I also emphasize the importance of celebrating successes, big or small. Recognizing achievements—whether it’s completing a challenging hike or handling a difficult situation with grace—I believe it goes a long way in boosting morale.

Lastly, I encourage a focus on purpose. In my field, it’s about remembering why we do what we do: to inspire kids, connect them with nature, and help them grow. Keeping that mission at the forefront helps my team stay motivated, even when challenges arise.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time in my career when I made a pivot that taught me a lot about myself and my passions. After spending years as an outdoor adventure guide and enrichment program director, I decided to take on a new challenge and worked as an Event Coordinator at Kino Sports Complex for two years, overseeing and coordinating sports events. I also served as the Natural Resources Supervisor for the Town of Marana, managing trails, open spaces, and the town’s natural resources for a year. Both roles provided me with valuable experience in logistics, management, and community engagement. While I enjoyed these positions and learned a lot, I eventually realized something was missing.

As much as I appreciated the work I was doing, I found myself longing for the hands-on outdoor experiences I had shared with kids—the kind of moments that help young people discover their own resilience, connect with nature, and build confidence. I missed the excitement of guiding and teaching kids how to navigate the outdoors, conquer challenges, and experience the natural world in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

After reflecting on this, I made the decision to pivot back to what I truly loved: leading kids on outdoor adventures. I know now being back in the field that it was the right choice. This experience taught me that sometimes stepping away from something helps you gain a better perspective on what truly makes you fulfilled. Returning to guiding has reenergized me, and I’m grateful for the chance to once again create transformative experiences for kids in the outdoors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tinyurl.com/csoutdoors10
• Instagram: @cs.outdoors @mgrodman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFSDCommunitySchools
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-grodman-565821118?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Image Credits

Mary Grodman