Courtney Aber

Courtney Aber is the National Director for BOLD and GOLD (Boys and Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) at the YMCA. She works to lead efforts across sectors to expand opportunities for youth to create a meaningful personal connection to the outdoors. BOLD and GOLD brings youth from all different backgrounds together to build self-confidence, community awareness, and a sense of wonder for the natural world. In addition to running outdoor programs, she has been the Education Director for a maritime museum and worked for several years as a Learning Specialist. Courtney has been involved with outdoor programming since 1992 when she decided to take a summer “off” and lead outdoor trips before getting a real job.  Since then she has led trips on 3 continents, in 5 countries, and throughout the US.  She continues to be amazed at the power of the outdoors to change lives and to bring out the best in people.

She will participate in the Conservation Leadership panel on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the SHIFT Summit.