Mission
Run Wild Trail Camp aims to expand access to the outdoors for all to enjoy by working collaboratively within communities to identify and provide the resources needed. It’s our goal to let each member define what the outdoors is for themselves and to support accordingly.
Philosophy
Run Wild Trail Camp is a free trail running and outdoor camp designed to work in collaboration with communities. At RWTC, we prioritize empowerment, rest, and connection for our campers and staff members alike. We believe that by empowering our campers in the outdoors through experience, education, and exposure, they can define what the outdoors is for themselves and how they want to connect with it. We believe in supporting our staff with external leadership opportunities and reimagining what work-life balance looks like so that together we can create a sustainable future.
How we’re making this happen
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RWTC is ever-evolving to meet the needs of the community. By continuing to provide a free camp funded by our partners and grants we are able to:
1.) Keep camp free
2.) Hire community members and provide them with additional outdoor and leadership opportunities
3.) Help facilitate connections with other partners and organizations so they can foster new relationships and grow the camp how they see fit
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We want to hire exclusively from the communities and community-adjacent we’re working with. In doing so, they’ll be able to lead the camp, provide insight on how to tailor it to the experiences of the community, be provided with partially or fully-funded opportunities for leadership and outdoor training, and be part of shaping the future of the outdoors in a way that includes their narratives.
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Monthly community hikes for the campers, partners, and other organizations who help keep RWTC running. It’s our hope that by bringing everyone together, relationships will be made organically, and community resources can be shared.
Meet the Team
Meredith Merkley (she/her)
Co-founder, co-director
Meredith is a general pediatrician and has been running since her mom coaxed her with gummy bears to complete the Granville Firecracker 5-miler in the 4th grade. Though she was reluctant about running at first, Meredith has developed a love for it, an appreciation for the communities it has led her to and the beautiful places it has allowed her to explore. She has over 15 years of experience working with youth and youth organizations, and she is thrilled to be a part of this effort to educate the community about the environment and the great sport of trail running.
Laura Cortez (she/her)
Co-founder, co-director
From San Antonio, Texas, Laura grew up as a competitive soccer player before running Division 1 cross-country and track in college. Now in Denver, Colorado, Laura spends her time running and exploring the mountains, and a member of the BOA Rockies Trail Running Team. She has over 5 years experience of working with kids ages 5 to 15 in the outdoor space.
