Outward Bound’s mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery. Through our courses, teachings and process, our goal is for each student to walk away a more resilient and compassionate individual. Our work would not be possible without our passionate, dedicated and amazing Instructors and staff. They are living and breathing our mission every day, and allow us to continue to serve more students each year.
Each fall, Outward Bound takes time to reflect on what we’ve done over the year, and how we have strived to achieve our goals. Part of this reflection includes the Josh Miner Award, given on an annual basis. This award allows us to recognize and honor a staff member whose commitment and contributions to Outward Bound have improved the lives of students and staff and enhanced Outward Bound’s ability to fulfill our mission. In doing so, the recipient exemplifies the qualities and character of our Founding Trustee, Joshua L. Miner III.
Congratulations Kenja Griffin, 2017 Josh Miner Award Recipient
Kenja Griffin is pictured here at the Outward Bound National Benefit Dinner, 2017. Photo courtesy of Michael Priest Photography.
From the award announcement by The Josh Miner Selection Committee:
We are pleased to announce that Kenja Griffin, Instructor/Course Director/Trainer has been selected as the recipient of this year’s Josh Miner Award. The Josh Miner Award honors Outward Bound employees who exemplify the qualities and character of our Founding Trustee, Joshua L. Miner III, and whose commitment and contributions to Outward Bound have improved the lives of students and staff, and enhanced Outward Bound’s ability to fulfill its mission.
The stories and anecdotes in Kenja’s nomination packet describe a passionate, humble, and dedicated educator – with a great sense of humor. He models service and compassion and for more than twenty years, and across at least a dozen OB basecamps, Kenja has imparted wisdom to thousands of students and mentored hundreds of instructors. He is clearly someone who embodies the spirit of Josh Miner and has played a profound role in changing the lives of those he meets.
Excerpts from his nomination:
‘”What continues to inspire me and catch me off guard, is how consistently his humble nature and essence infiltrates everything he does, regardless of whether or not he is working or being around like-minded people. I’ve been amazed to see how tirelessly he lives what he teaches. He is the living, breathing, walking, talking epitome of who I imagine Josh Miner or Kurt Hahn to be. The same way that Kenja never misses a regular call home to his mom and dad, is the same way he selflessly continues to offer his heart, time and energy to making the world a better place. Kenja doesn’t get lost in the details; he just keeps doing what he can, nearly always with an infectious laugh or smile.”
–
“For me and dozens of others, Kenja is a touchstone in Outward Bound. He’s a rock. And a rock star. I am constantly encouraged by his stamina in this work and organization. He’s a bright light and wise sounding board. He’s seen more than most of us ever will. And through it all, he’ll just look at you, grin and nod his head knowingly, and then laugh. We’re doing just fine. We’re changing lives, after all.”
–
On behalf of his nominators and the Josh Miner Committee, please join us in congratulating Kenja and honoring his endless service and commitment to the mission of Outward Bound.
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE
Read More
Read More
Read More
