Though JP's leadership career with Bold Earth is still young, he's been living by the company credo for most of his life. JP's parents had him hiking and boating through the American Southwest while in him he was in diapers, instilling a life-long love of the outdoors and adventure. In high school, JP built upon his foundation by taking his friends on river, hiking and backpacking trips through the desert, canyons and mountains surrounding Flagstaff. Before college, JP started working with Grand Canyon Youth (GCY), a non-profit youth organization that guides rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. JP has since worked for the Northern Arizona University Outdoors Program, earned his Wilderness First Responder and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) degrees, led Leave No Trace Trainer courses, and taught Wilderness First Responder classes. Every day, JP wakes up with the energy and motivation to continue his leadership career, grateful for the opportunity he has to learn from his participants, share with them and make a difference in their lives.
What BOLD EARTH means to me?: To me, Bold Earth is about inspiring learning, creativity, and self awareness. It means helping youth be more understanding, tolerant and conscientiousness. It means discovering the wildernesses of the world, from a simple pool of water after it rains to the open vastness of the Grand Canyon. BOLD EARTH means encouraging new ideas, overcoming personal challenges and breaking down barriers. Through Bold Earth, I'm able to encourage youth to take control of their own lives and change the world around them.
Favorite Quote: "Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit." - Edward Abbey
What I do when I'm not at BOLD EARTH: You might find me hiking the canyons, biking the trails, skiing the slopes or backcountry, cooking in my kitchen, paddling through water, running through town with tattered shoes, or relaxing under a tree with a good book. Where you might find me, you'll see me having fun, learning and enjoying life.
Education: Northern Arizona University, B.S. in Parks and Recreation: Outdoor Education and Leadership - Fall 2011
