Since 1964, Ketcha Outdoors has created wonderful memories for youth and adults alike on its spectacular grounds in Scarborough—107 acres of meadows, forests, streams, and wetlands—the perfect backdrop for year-round nature-based children’s programming. The campus features an extensive collection of trails; a pond and swimming pool; an animal barn; and distinctive classroom and event spaces to support a rich array of youth programs including: a summer day camp, Farm and Forest pre-school, animal- and farm-based experiences, a ropes/challenge course, and after-school and vacation camps.

In 2014, Ketcha helped launch the Portland Gear Hub, an outdoor gear and bike shop in Downtown Portland, to increase equitable access to the outdoors for individuals and families. In just a few years, the Gear Hub has grown to become an integral part of the organization and its urban community. With a small, year-round staff and many dedicated volunteers, Gear Hub now manages a robust repair and retail operation, lowering the barrier of entry for those interested in outdoor recreation and sustainable transportation. The Gear Hub emphasizes equity in the outdoors by offering free educational earn-bike programming for kids and adults as well as expert instruction in bike maintenance. 

With annual revenue of approximately $2.4 million, Ketcha Outdoors employs 35-40 staff year-round, varied in background but united in purpose. They see themselves as not only the stewards of a very special 107 acres, but the stewards of young lives, with the opportunity to extend to the community’s most vulnerable a strong sense of connection, support, and just plain fun!

More information about Ketcha Outdoors can be found at https://ketchaoutdoors.org/.