The Youth Experiential Training Institute (Y.E.T.I.), a local non-profit dedicated to engaging youth in meaningful, outdoor adventures, this week announced the naming of Jordan Kimmerly (pictured above) as their first Executive Director. For the last three years Jordan has been a Y.E.T.I. guide, leading students on hiking, backpacking, climbing, and other adventures, all while tackling an increasing amount of administrative duties. She brings to the organization six years of teaching experience, two of which at an alternative program with an emphasis on experiential learning in the outdoors, and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. An avid hiker and backpacker, Jordan is also a raft guide with a love of climbing and skiing who has studied instructor development with industry leader, Outward Bound. Her experience with Y.E.T.I. programming made her the clear choice for the position. Y.E.T.I. is currently facing the exciting dilemma of being at capacity for programming. Their programs fill up fast, scholarships are fully taken advantage of, and the community has spoken and they want more youth involved. Bringing on an executive director will allow them to do just that. “I’m excited to make experiential education in our community sustainable and make our existing programs consistent in order to serve more youth,” Jordan said about her new role. Y.E.T.I.’s mission is to develop character, stewardship, and grit in all youth through challenging outdoor adventure, using nature as a tool to help students reach their full potential. Primarily serving students ages 5 to 18 in King County, they work with students from diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. It is their quest to make the outdoors accessible to all youth so that they can experience the inclusion of nature. If it is outside and challenging, their goal is to find ways for youth to experience it. Through these experiences students gain important skills like confidence, creative problem solving, and resilience to face the many challenges they encounter throughout their lives. “Y.E.T.I. is thrilled to have Jordan in this crucial leadership role!” Want to learn more or help out our organization? Go to www.goyeti.org for more information! Also, here’s a video about this great local group: [embed]https://youtu.be/rpDtVzQId0g[/embed] ]]>

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