Who We Are
Teen Trailblazers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in NYC dedicated to providing outdoor education for kids and teens. Our mission is to instill lifelong skills and a love for nature in the hearts of young individuals. Through immersive outdoor experiences, we inspire curiosity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the environment.
Call Today: (917) 525-0263
Email Today: contact@teentrailblazers.org
What We Do
Teen Trailblazers meets with a small group of students per program. Ideal ages are 4th-8th grade, but we can customize a program for any age. We usually meet with students after school, at their school or a nearby park, for up to six classes before embarking on a culminating, optional overnight camping trip. We learn skills like building a fire, setting up a tent, purifying water, navigating with a compass and map and more!
Customizable
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Cohort Size: Up to 16 students;
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Curriculum: Up to six lessons. Six, one-hour sessions will complete all core modules;
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Lessons can be mixed and matched or combined to meet your school’s goals;
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Location: On-campus or a nearby park, in partnership with a school administrator;
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Optional Overnight: to upstate New York for a fully immersive, phone-free camping trip;
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Application of skills and reflection exercises.
Our Partners
We have successfully implemented the program at The Brearley School (UES), PS 145 (Harlem) PS6 (UES), and at NYC's Annual Youth Climate Summit (run by the NYC Department of Energy and Sustainability).
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS: We will be working with several NYC public schools this summer as part of the Department of Education's Summer Rising summer program.
Meet Our CEO
Maya Bab has been camping and hiking since she was a little kid in upstate New York.
She loves nature and has been on expeditions with NOLS and Outward Bound. Maya is CPR certified.
She is deeply grateful to the skills camping and hiking instilled in her -- empathy, working well with others, grit, determination, appreciation for those around her, and how to overcome obstacles, to name a few. She uses those skills daily in her life.
She is currently a high schooler at The Brearley School. In Middle School she began leading courses on outdoor education. With the support of her teachers and the administration, Maya created an Outdoor Education Club for middle schoolers at Brearley. She created and carried a curriculum and culminated the course in a camping trip in upstate New York.
Based on this engaging program, Maya decided to bring outdoor education to other kids and teens living in NYC. That's when Teen Trailblazers was born!
Maya is also an art enthusiast and an award-winning writer and brings her passion for art and literature to Teen Trailblazers by discussing nature inspired work and encouraging her students to get inspired to create themselves!
Call Today: (917) 525-0263
Email Today: contact@teentrailblazers.org
Teen Trailblazers NYC Team
Cohort Leader at Abraham Lincoln High School
Hira Batool
Hira Batool is a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School and a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability. She has a deep appreciation for nature and enjoys learning about ways to protect and preserve the environment. As a member of her school’s Green Team, she helped launch the first recycling program at Abraham Lincoln High School, promoting environmental awareness and responsible habits among students. Through her involvement in sustainability initiatives, Hira has developed leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while making a positive impact in her school community. She is excited to continue inspiring others to care for the environment and create positive change.
Teen Trailblazers California Team
Co-Manager of California Operations
Courtney Taylor
Hi! My name is Courtney Taylor, and I attend Palo Alto High School. I’m very interested in communications, and in my free time I love going on walks and spending time outdoors. I would love to lead a Trailblazers cohort because nature has always been an important part of my life, and I believe it’s essential for children and young adults to have opportunities to explore the outdoors. I would be excited to help create a fun, supportive environment where participants can build friendships and connect with nature.
Co-Manager of California Operations
Cassidy Taylor
Hi! I'm Cassidy Taylor, and I'm a senior at Palo Alto High School. I love swimming, hanging out with my friends, and going on hikes. I'm a huge animal lover and would hopefully want to pursue a career in medicine, either in veterinary or oncology. I want to lead a trailblazers cohort because I believe nature should be accessible to everyone, especially teens. In a world where social media plays an active role in our society, it’s important to disconnect from online and create a relationship with nature. Proven by several studies, being in nature can improve mental and physical health. As we are in California, we have access to numerous areas of nature, and we need to take advantage of this privilege!
Co-Manager of California Operations
Kelson
Hi! I’m Kelson, and I’m a senior at Palo Alto High School. I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s surfing, fishing, hiking, or camping. I also love finding new spots with friends and staying active through sports! One of my biggest goals is making a positive impact on my community while engaging with others and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone. I want to lead a Teen Trail Blazers cohort because I think everyone should have the opportunity to experience nature. Especially with so much of our lives consumed by our screens and social media, it’s important to disconnect and spend time outdoors.
Teen Trailblazers Board
Board Member
Jennifer worked as a lawyer for fifteen years before becoming a stay-at-home mom; her last position was General Counsel of a restaurant conglomerate. She's been deeply involved in various non-profit initiatives ever since, including fundraising
Board Member
Andrew Bab specialized in M&A law at Debevoise & Plimpton and founded the firm's Healthcare practice. He practiced for many years before retiring in January 2026. Andrew is a musician and scholar and currently pursuing several initiatives involving those passions.
Instructor & Consultant
Kelly Joyce is a knowledgeable naturist, certified lifeguard, and experienced teacher. She ran a 'Kelly Camp' at the Trail Club for decades teaching kids outdoor education, and is now exploring nature on her own.