BGV Employees and Owners Stock the Keystone Science School’s Gear Closet

When the Keystone Science School put out a call for winter gear donations, the employees of Breckenridge Grand Vacations jumped into action.

“Many of our program participants aren’t adequately prepared for Summit County’s winter weather, explains Kristin Williams, Keystone Science School’s Development Director. “By having extra gear on hand, like jackets, rain coats, water bottles, we can better serve all of our campers that want to experience Summit County’s great outdoors.”

Breckenridge Grand Vacations’ new Community Impact department organized the gear drive, which generated over $2,500 in donations and included over 100 unique items.

Emily Kimmel, BGV’s Sustainability Manager, explained, “We did outreach to our owners and all BGV employees about the drive. The gear drive had a dual benefit in that it saved over 100 items from the landfill, and also equipped kids with the gear they need to enjoy the outdoors, even in tough conditions.”

Each year, the Keystone Science School serves over 1,500 students in day camps, overnight camps, and outdoor education field trips. Visit the Keystone Science School’s website to learn more about their programs.

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BOEC’s Banff Mountain Film Festival was One for the Books

On February 24th and 25th, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) celebrated hosting the 14th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival.

From sinkholes in Mexico to Afghan women runners to adaptive mountain biking, this year’s films celebrated diversity and perseverance through incredible hardship. Over two nights, the Banff Mountain Film Festival showcased 16 films and welcomed over 1,400 viewers in the audience.

BOEC Development Director, Hallie Jaeger, shares, “Being able to rely on BGV and BGV Gives as integral supporters of this event allows us to bring the community together offering an evening of outdoor adventure films showcasing diversity, equity, and inclusion- which is exactly our mission on screen. We are so thankful to BGV and BGV Gives for everything they do in this community, especially for BOEC!”

As the Mount Elbert Premiere Sponsor, BGV Gives and Breckenridge Grand Vacations provided financial support to help make the event a success. Raising over $70,000 net from sponsors and attendees, the Banff Mountain Film Festival is one of BOEC’s largest fundraisers of the year.

“BGV and BGV Gives are grateful to be supporting cornerstone community events such as the Banff Mountain Film Festival,” explains Ellen Reid, BGV’s Director of Community Impact. “This event generates funding for the BOEC; it builds community and leaves all of us in the audience with a sense of awe and inspiration for what we can achieve if we put our minds to it.”

Established in 1976, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) aims to expand the potential of people with disabilities and special needs through meaningful, educational, and inspiring outdoor experiences. Serving over 2,500 individuals each year, the BOEC’s primary programs include the Adaptive Ski and Snowboard program, the Wilderness program, and the Internship program.

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