Twenty-five years ago, Jalynn Bosley left the traditional classroom to create something different. What started with a backpack, a few brave students, and a belief in the power of nature grew into Alive Outdoors, a nationally recognized outdoor education program.
In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, Jalynn shares how Alive Outdoors began, why she believes outdoor experiences are essential for personal growth, and what she has learned from a career built on trust, challenge, and connection.
0:00 – Intro
3:10 – How Jalynn's name and journey shaped her path
6:00 – Leaving teaching to follow a new direction
12:00 – Taking students beyond Canada to learn through travel
17:30 – A powerful conversation with a 10-year-old in Bhutan
21:00 – Resilience, anxiety, and the value of discomfort
26:20 – How outdoor education has changed in 25 years
29:10 – Teaching life skills beyond screens and routines
33:00 – Gratitude, growth, and building a community that lasts