Stephen Adamson was an attorney who was passionate about wild places, outdoor adventure, and Grand Teton National Park. He inspired many who knew him to dream big and explore. Through a sponsorship fund established in his honor, we celebrate his life by giving young people a chance to do meaningful work in Grand Teton and to ultimately find their place in the natural world.
We are pleased to share that one teen was given the opportunity of a lifetime to participate on the 2017 Youth Conservation Program (YCP) trail crew through support from the Stephen P. Adamson, Jr. Outdoor Fund. Hayden Collins is the proud beneficiary of the scholarship this summer. Through Stephen’s legacy, this young man will gain invaluable leadership skills, wilderness experiences, and conservation ethics that will continue to impact him well into the future. Without the generous support of the Stephen P. Adamson, Jr. Outdoor Fund and many other donors who care about connecting youth to Grand Teton, this experience would not be possible.
Learn more about Hayden below, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates on how this young man and his fellow trail crew members leave their mark on Grand Teton National Park.
Hayden Collins grew up in Moose and Jackson, Wyoming and is returning for his second season on the YCP crew. He is the child of two Grand Teton National Park employees and has spent a lot of time being active around the Teton area and in other national parks across the country. Hayden first learned of the YCP program from his parents when he was 10 who told him he should do it once he turned 16. When he was old enough, Hayden applied to the program and was accepted. He has always loved being outdoors and active. Having a job that is outside and physically engaging is perfect for Hayden, especially as it allows him to give back to the place that has given him so much. On the trail, Hayden works to keep crew members’ spirits up, as well as managing aspects of different projects. In his free time, Hayden captains the high school lacrosse team, is the student body president at the high school, and loves reading. Hayden will be a senior at Jackson Hole High School next year with hopes of attending a military service academy the following year for college.
