YMCA of the Rockies Hosts 8th Annual Mountaineering Weekend Celebrating Accessibility of Safe Spaces in the Outdoors for All

The Family-Friendly Introduction to the Outdoors Will Feature Keynote Speaker, Parker McMullen Bushman, and the Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Conservation at the Estes Park Center February 18 – 19, 2023

ESTES PARK, Colo. - Feb. 2, 2023 - PRLog -- The YMCA of the Rockies will host its 8th Annual Mountaineering Weekend at its Estes Park Center during the weekend of February 18-19, 2023. This signature event presented by the YMCA of the Rockies highlights programming that makes the outdoors more accessible for all through educational sessions, skills development, guided explorations, demonstrations and more. Parker McMullen Bushman will serve as this year's Keynote Speaker for the weekend.

"Winter sports can be and feel intimidating and we have created a great way for anyone to participate through the activities offered at Mountaineering Weekend," states Susan Taylor, Program Director for the YMCA of the Rockies.

According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, "America's public lands are for everyone, regardless of ability." The YMCA of the Rockies wholeheartedly supports this sentiment and has worked diligently over the past seven years to welcome all people to experience both the Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch. During the 8th Annual Mountaineering Weekend, The Y will offer special activities to guests that include- survival classes, knot tying, winter survival skills, junior survival, snow caves, winter ecology hikes, introduction to snowshoeing, and a winter mountaineering scavenger hunt.

The weekend's Keynote Speaker, Parker McMullen Bushman, is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Inclusive Journeys and Founder of Ecoinclusive Strategies. Her expertise is in engaging organizations to develop new thinking around what it means to be a diversity change-agent as well as spur dynamic organizational change. In 2022, Parker was named one of Outside Magazine's "20 Most Influential People in the Outdoor industry." Past Speakers for the Mountaineering Weekend have included Len Necefer, CEO of the Natives Outdoors, Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to summit Mount Everest, and Tommy Caldwell, a Professional Rock Climber.

"The YMCA of the Rockies looks forward to this special weekend each year where we get to see individuals and families getting outdoors and developing new passions by trying fun winter activities," states Kellen Toulouse, Marketing Manager, YMCA of the Rockies. "We are honored to provide a safe and comfortable space for those looking to explore a possible first-time winter adventure!"

For more information on the 8th Annual Mountaineering Weekend, visit https://ymcarockies.org/

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