Mary Grodman is a force of, by, and for nature.
Grodman is the coordinator of the CFSD Community Schools Outdoors program, where she and her team facilitate the discovery and exploration of our little corner of the blue celestial marble we call Earth.
The New Jersey native started her lifelong partnership with the outdoors as a kid at summer camp in Western Pennsylvania. “Attending a sleepaway camp opened up a world of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, canoeing, and exploring the woods — things I couldn't do back home. It was there that I discovered a profound joy and comfort in nature, unlike anything I had experienced before, fostering a newfound appreciation for the natural world.”
Each year, Grodman eagerly awaited the chance to return to camp, and after high school, she seized the opportunity to work there, “sharing my passion for the outdoors with campers and re-creating the transformative experiences I had enjoyed,” she said. This passion propelled her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at Stockton University in Southern New Jersey.
“Upon graduating, I sought a place where I could engage in outdoor activities year-round, leading me to Southern Arizona,” she said, noting that here, the pursuits that brought her joy were hiking, backpacking, kayaking, spelunking, and wildlife observation. “The sense of accomplishment that accompanies conquering a challenging hike, completing a backpacking trip, or scaling a rock face fosters confidence, pride, and happiness, which extends into my everyday interactions,” Grodman said.
“My primary objective for our program is to continually broaden our range of programming, seek out novel and exhilarating adventures, and enlist dedicated guides to deliver enriching outdoor experiences,” Grodman noted. “We firmly believe that immersive experiences are vital for nurturing young environmental enthusiasts who will play pivotal roles in preserving and safeguarding our country's natural resources and outdoor spaces for future generations.”
Andy Obler’s daughters Kinzie and Stella, who attend schools in the Catalina Foothills School District, have begun their camping adventures with Grodman and her team — and they’re becoming regulars. “Our experience as parents has been tremendous,” Obler said, adding that the family’s introduction to the outdoors program led Kinzie to participate in the White Mountain backpacking trip in the summer of 2023. This is where the domino effect began as Obler explained that Kinzie’s next camping trip was to Cochise Stronghold with younger sister Stella over fall break, Stella’s camping trip to Joshua Tree this spring, and more trips planned for both girls this summer and beyond.
Obler noted that Stella’s most memorable moment so far was spotting the “Subaru” (also known as Pleiades) constellation while stargazing at Joshua Tree, while Kinzie had fun bouldering at Cochise Stronghold.
Over the past year, Grodman said that she and her team have placed significant emphasis on understanding the night sky. In addition, she said that campers create and go home with journals for each program, which include detailed maps of their hiking trails, park and camping information, essential survival skills, Leave No Trace principles, wildflower guides, scat and track identification, and wilderness first aid tips.
As a parent, Obler appreciates Grodman’s dedication and commitment to the quality of these enriching and educational outdoor programs. “My first backpacking trip was organized by a high school teacher, and that led to my participating in many outdoor activities while in college. My daughters having similar opportunities in elementary and middle school is fabulous.”
Programs are open to everyone, not just CFSD students. Registration is currently open for the summer season. Discover seven weeks of exciting adventures from geocaching to backpacking, as well as out-of-town excursions with limited enrollment.
For details and dates about upcoming adventures, visit communityschools.cfsd16.org/home/special-programs/outdoor-adventures