Congratulations to Judith Robertson, the Outward Bound USA 2022 Joshua Miner Award recipient. Judith has been part of Outward Bound for nearly 30 years, and is a Trainer and Course Director at the Mazama Base Camp for Northwest Outward Bound School (NWOBS). Judith truly embodies the Outward Bound spirit of compassion, and she has impacted the lives of thousands of students and staff.
The Joshua Miner award honors a current employee who exemplifies the qualities and character of our Founding Trustee, 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. Judith epitomizes theses qualities, and she has touched schools and people across the Outward Bound organization and from staff at every level.
“Just today, my 7-year old son complimented the woman running his Montessori farm camp (who is an amazing educator) by saying that she was ‘kind of like a Judith’…so, basically ‘a Judith‘ is just our household word for someone totally amazing…”
-Josh Cole, former NWOBS Program Director
“Judith included me and made me feel like I belonged, and that is profound. Her presence is radical and how she moves through the world is legendary, Judith fully shows up in every way… and she keeps coming back, year after year. ”
-Lawrence Schuessler- Outward Bound California (OBCA), Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS), Southeast Program Florida, Alabama
“After decades of service Judith‘s unfaltering dedication to the mission and values still ring true today. While co-training with Judith this year, Judith’s dedication to support staff in their development through encouragement, creativity, and care is awe-inspiring. Her ability to embody the values of Outward Bound and model/teach to staff these values and the magic of Outward Bound amazes me. For an example, during training, feedback given from a seasoned trainee said I have never witnessed a training and trainer with such attention and wisdom to the craft of Outward Bound. Judith has truly inspired me to be a better instructor… She truly deserves this recognition of many years of excellence dedicated to her students and co-workers.”
-Megan Fraser, former NWOBS Associate Program Director and current Trainer
“Anyone who gets a new staff washhouse named after them (The Judith in Leadville) is definitely a candidate for the Josh Miner Award.”
-Henry Morse, NWOBS Board Co-Chair
“Craftsmanship – always honing a skill. Judith had confidence in me as a new instructor that gave me confidence to lead. She never talked down to me even though she had loads more experience. I always felt believed in and encouraged by her. Judith’s quiet strength makes her humble, trusted, and safe to work with. She possesses a competence that put me at ease and a disposition that was always welcoming and easy to be around. Judith is worthy of all the awards!”
-Jessica Heller Parker, former Golden Office Assistant Logistics Administrative Coordinator and Leadville Assistant Instructor
“Please open your eyes and look around. This woman is everywhere! And has been for 30+ years! Judith has been working IN THE FIELD for 30 years and brings nothing but dedication, love, drive and passion to everything OB-related!”
-Meagan Buck, former Program Manager, Trainer, Course Director, Instructor at NWOBS, OBCA, COBS, and North Carolina Outward Bound School-Patagonia
Congratulations Judith! We’re so grateful you’re part of the NWOBS community. Thank you for your service and commitment to the mission of Outward Bound.