Headshot photo of Jen Smith

JEN SMITH

Vice President Outdoor Connection

Jen Smith serves as Vice President of Outdoor Connection at Camp Fire First Texas, overseeing the strategic direction and implementation of all programs at Camp El Tesoro, including overnight and day camps, the El Tesoro de la Vida Grief Camp, and the Texas Outdoor Education Center.

Before being named Vice President of Outdoor Connection, Jen first joined Camp Fire First Texas in March 2019 as the outdoor education coordinator for the Texas Outdoor Education Center and day camp director for Camp El Tesoro.

But the main thing you need to know about Jen is that she loves the outdoors. Growing up in Northern Indiana, Jen’s backyard ran into the local forest, where she spent much time exploring with her brother and friends. They built forts and tree houses and played hide-and-seek. By spending so much time outdoors as a child, Jen knew that when she graduated from college, she would have an outdoors degree of some kind. She credits her dad, a college professor, and an ‎AmeriCorps program for helping to spark her love for the outdoors and shape her career.

Jen’s dad enjoyed being outside and provided her with outdoor experiences like hiking, camping, and canoeing.

Her college professor, Mary Linton, was passionate about conserving and preserving the natural environment. She was a tremendous mentor to Jen in undergrad, teaching her to be aware of local natural resources.

After college, Jen participated in the Elkhart EnviroCorp (an AmeriCorps program), an experience that opened her eyes to many aspects of environmental work. She enjoyed working at the local nature center, teaching school children about local natural resources.

Now, here she is some 20 years later, still teaching children about their local natural resources and training staff to share her interest, knowledge, and passion for conserving and protecting our natural resources.

She also carries a lot of credentials! From special training to certifications, let’s count them all – BA in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies from Goshen College; MS in Recreation Administration from California State University, Sacramento; Project WILD Facilitator; Texas Master Naturalist; Archery Level 1 Instructor; CPR/First Aid Certified; American Camp Association Member.

Jen lives in Granbury with her dogs, Cricket and Daisy.

Senior Quote

Life’s better outdoors!