ALIVE Outdoors 25 Years In and Still Changing Lives Outside the Classroom

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 – Intro3:10 – How Jalynn's name and journey shaped her path6:00 – Leaving teaching to follow a new direction12:00 – Taking students beyond Canada to learn through travel17:30 – A powerful conversation with a 10-year-old in Bhutan21:00 – Resilience, anxiety, and the value of discomfort26:20 – How outdoor education has changed in 25 years29:10 – Teaching life skills beyond screens and routines33:00 – Gratitude, growth, and building a community that lasts