Inspiring Conversations with Mary Grodman of Community Schools Outdoors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Grodman.

Hi Mary, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved the outdoors, and that passion started early. Growing up, I spent as much time as possible outside, exploring nature and staying active. In high school and college, I worked at summer camps, where I discovered how much I enjoyed teaching kids about the environment and outdoor skills.

I attended Stockton University in New Jersey, where I studied Environmental Science and Criminal Justice. While in school, I knew I wanted a career that combined my love for the outdoors with education and adventure. To gain more hands on experience, I took guiding courses through IWLS and NOLS, which deepened my knowledge of wilderness skills, leadership, and safety.

After graduation, I moved to Tucson and began my career teaching after-school classes in the same district where I work now. I worked my way up to become a Program Director, helping shape the district’s after-school program and launching its outdoor program. Before the pandemic, I transitioned to working as an Event Coordinator at Kino Sports Complex, organizing sporting events, and later as the Natural Resources Supervisor for the Town of Marana, where I managed the trails, outdoor recreation programs, and conservation projects. While both roles were valuable, I felt a strong pull back to work more directly with kids again in the outdoors.

That pull ultimately brought me back to my district, where I now get to yet again share my passion for adventure and nature with students. Guiding has become my true calling—I love helping kids experience adventure, develop outdoor skills, and build confidence in nature. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them discover new abilities, overcome challenges, and develop a lifelong love for the wild places I’ve always cherished.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into the guide and educator I am today. One of the biggest struggles was figuring out how to turn my passion for the outdoors into a sustainable career. Early on, I knew I wanted to work outside and teach, but finding the right opportunities and gaining the necessary experience took time and persistence.

Another challenge was navigating career shifts. Moving from after-school programming to event coordination and then to natural resource management was an interesting journey! Each role taught me valuable skills, but I often found myself missing the hands-on, people-centered work that I loved most. It took a while to find my way back to guiding, but now I know it was the right path all along.

The pandemic also threw a curveball, disrupting programs and forcing me, like so many others, to adapt and rethink my approach. It was a difficult time for everyone, but it reinforced for me the importance of outdoor education—helping kids connect with nature became even more meaningful.

Through it all, I’ve learned that challenges aren’t roadblocks; they’re stepping stones. Each struggle has made me more resilient, resourceful, and passionate about the work I do today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I developed a program that introduces kids to outdoor adventure, exploration, and environmental education. It focuses on creating meaningful, hands-on experiences that help students build confidence, develop outdoor skills, and foster a lifelong connection with nature. Whether hiking, camping, caving, backpacking, or learning about conservation, each activity is designed to be both educational and fun.

What sets it apart is the focus on experiential learning. We don’t just take kids outside—we immerse them in the experience, teaching them how to navigate trails, understand ecosystems, and appreciate the natural world. Our trips are more than just outdoor excursions; they’re opportunities for kids to challenge themselves, work as a team, and gain a deeper respect for the environment.

I’m most proud of the impact we have on our participants. Seeing kids push past their limits, discover a love for adventure, and gain confidence in the outdoors is incredibly rewarding. We strive to create programs that are inclusive, engaging, and memorable, giving every child the chance to explore and grow.

For anyone looking to get their kids involved in outdoor education, adventure trips, or skill-building experiences, our program offers a welcoming and supportive environment. We believe in the power of the outdoors to inspire, teach, and transform, and we’re committed to making those experiences accessible to as many young people as possible. I recently heard from a parent that their child came back a different kid—more open to new experiences, more outgoing, and more interested in staying off devices and spending time outside.

We are always striving to create new and exciting programs, exploring fresh excursion destinations while staying rooted in core principles like Leave No Trace and other valuable outdoor ethics that campers can carry with them for a lifetime. This is especially important these days to help preserve and protect our nation’s natural resources.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love travel books and field guides—they’re essential to how I prepare for each trip. Every time I embark on a new adventure, I gather books and maps that correspond with our destination. These resources help myself and my team gain a deeper understanding of the area, from its history and geology to its wildlife, plant life, and cultural significance.

My team and I also create journals for each program, incorporating maps, educational content, and space for students to reflect on their experiences. These journals not only enhance the learning process but also give participants a keepsake to remember their journey.

Beyond books, I enjoy reading outdoor adventure magazines and blogs that focus on exploration, conservation, and environmental education. Staying connected to these resources helps me bring fresh ideas into our programs and continually improve the experiences we offer.

Pricing:

• $40-$75 half day programs
• $80-$90 full day programs
• $216-$432 In town weeklong programs
• $595 out of town weeklong programs

Contact Info:

• Website: https://communityschools.cfsd16.org/
• Instagram: @cs.outdoors
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFSDCommunitySchools
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-grodman-565821118
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/mgrodman

Image Credits
Mary & Jason Grodman