Q: Tell me about how got into outdoor education.
A: I took a friend of mine to a job fair, and really wasn’t going for myself. I was fresh out of the military, and went in my uniform. We stopped by the Outward Bound booth, and the recruiter really sold me on the mission and vision. He wanted people of color to instruct, with the goal of making the program more accessible so instructors more reflected the participants. That really spoke to me, so I signed up.
My first experience was an 8-day course as a participant. I was the youngest person there, but I quickly realized this was a space where people were sharing some pretty deep, personal challenges. I’d been in diverse groups before, but this was different. We shared some hard stuff, and I felt the need to cry, and it was also okay to do that – which wasn’t something I’d been used to.
The trust that grew within the group felt powerful. We’d been through something physically and emotionally challenging together, and that created a bond I hadn’t experienced outside of OB. It took longer to build that kind of trust outside of this space because, in OB, you’re all responsible for each other. You’re part of a crew, and that’s rare to find.
Q: Funniest course memory?
A: Oh, this one’s easy. It was during a 22-day course in Baltimore—canoeing, sailing, backpacking, the whole deal. I was feeling pretty good about myself in my third year as an instructor, so I decided I’d try something different and bought some men’s hair dye. I had a short fro, and I thought maybe I’d come out looking different, you know, mix things up. The next morning, I looked in the mirror and… nothing. I looked exactly the same. I thought maybe if I were white it would’ve had more effect.
But then, as we hiked the Appalachian Trail, kids started pointing out that my hair was changing color. I took off my hat, and sure enough, my hair had started turning light brown, then orange. By the time we were canoeing, it was bright yellow, and by the end of sailing, it was full-on white. I didn’t realize how wild it looked until we got home, and suddenly I had this bright white hair, like an old Frederick Douglass! It was hilarious—I’d been gone for 22 days, no mirror of course and the sun bleached it!
Q: What’s the best course meal you’ve ever had?
A: Mac n’ Cheese, hands down. But not just any mac and cheese—add some Old Bay seasoning and cream cheese, and you’ve got my comfort food right there. It’s like eating at home – I may not know this course area, but I know Mac n’ Cheese.
Q: If you had a full day off, what would your ideal day look like?
A: I’d start by getting up at 6:30 and meeting my buddy Roger Lopez in the East Building parking lot for a sparring match. After that, I’d make myself a big breakfast—potatoes, kale, onions, mushrooms, and eggs, like a potato pizza. Then, I’d catch a bus and throw my bike on it, head out thrift shopping. I love picking up random stuff and chatting with the cashier.
After I find some deals—hopefully, one of them is a DVD—I’d swing by Grocery Outlet to plan a nice meal. I’d marinate and season pork chops, make mashed potatoes, peas, and a salad, something that reminds me of home. Before cooking, I’d meet someone to play horseshoes with the sunset in the background. I’d finish the day by eating, watching the DVD I bought, of course I’d fall asleep halfway through so then I gotta rewatch it the next day.
Q: What’s your favorite course area?
A: I’ve got two —Philadelphia Urban LOVE IT and the Everglades LOOOVE IT
Q: Any advice do you have for staff or students?
A: My advice is to Instructors: “You Are Needed.” In a world where real connection is hard to find without devices, every instructor provides a unique experience for participants. We help identify boundaries and overcome them. We strive for excellence, we own our mistakes, and if we’re lucky, we get to share this parallel experience with our students each time.
Kenja Griffin was announced as the recipient of the 2017 Josh Miner Award, which honors Outward Bound employees who exemplify the qualities and character of our Founding Trustee, Joshua L. Miner III. Kenja has epitomized service and compassion for more than twenty-five years, across at least a dozen Outward Bound basecamps. He has imparted wisdom to thousands of students and mentored hundreds of Instructors.
Kenja is pictured with Nettie, longtime Outward Bound staff, former Executive Director of Outward Bound California. We’re honored that Kenja has been at OBCA’s basecamps for the past few years.
