Who Makes Things Happen at Texas Parks and Wildlife? Meet Kimberly!
12 People Who Make Things Happen for Kids in Houston
Who makes things happen at Texas Parks and Wildlife?
Meet Kimberly Sorensen!
Texas Parks and Wildlife
Kimberly Sorensen's fondest memories as a child were time spent together as a family camping and fishing. As the Outdoor Education Diversity Specialist for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, her hope is that by sharing her love of the outdoors with others she can create a new generation of stewards for our natural spaces. TPWD partners with non-profit and school groups in the greater Houston area to provide outdoor education and recreation activities to inner city youth and families. Kim's work days are highlighted by moments of sheer gratitude and appreciation when she sees a spark of hope and interest from youth as she engages them in knowledge and understanding of the outdoors.
What does your job entail?
Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas Outdoor Family is focused on introducing youth and families to outdoor recreation opportunities. My role as the Outdoor Education and Diversity Specialist is to target underserved populations in the Houston area and introduce them to the opportunities for outdoor recreation and camping in State Parks. We partner with non-profit and school groups and provide them with the opportunity for overnight camping, fishing, geocaching, hiking, biking, kayaking, and nature exploration within our State Parks. During the week I work in an office setting organizing all of the details for upcoming events. We collect data and compile reports on all of our outdoor education workshops. Each weekend we travel to a nearby State Park and prepare for our overnight camping workshops. During a workshop I am the lead Park Ranger in charge of the overnight camping experience.
How did you become involved in working with your organization?
Certifications: In 2008 I was ready for a career change. After 10 years in the corporate environment I wanted to find a way to reconnect with nature by becoming an outdoor educator and field guide. I wrote in a journal that I wanted to be an outdoor educator and I started taking the steps to make that happen. I started my training with a NOLS Wilderness First Responder course in 2008. Over the years I taught kayaking to the Texas Outdoor Women’s Network and I completed my American Canoe Association instructor certification in November of 2008.
- EMT – Basic
- ACA – Kayak instructor trainer
- ACA – SUP instructor trainer
- American Red Cross – Lifeguard instructor
- American Red Cross – Wilderness First Aid instructor
- American Red Cross – CPR/First Aid instructor
- NAI certified interpretive guide
What is the most fun part of your job?
Spending time outside and introducing new families to outdoor recreation.
How did you get started in your field of work?
I began by taking a NOLS Wilderness First Responder course and volunteering with The Expedition School as a first responder. Kimery Duda became my mentor and guide as my career as an outdoor educator expanded.
What are some of your favorite events at your organization?
Overnight camping workshops that include recreation opportunities for families to play and explore.
What kind of unusual things have you done in the course of your job there?
Every weekend in the field has new and interesting opportunities. Conducting workshops at Brazos Bend State park has been great because of the diverse animals and plants found in the park. Participants in our workshops have had the opportunity to view american alligators, great egrets, great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, water moccasins, american beautyberry trees, loblolly pine trees, red eared slider turtles and many other species. It is great seeing a family discover something in nature for the first time!
Tell us a little about your life outside of your work?
My life outside work is very similar to my life at work. I am an avid outdoorswoman who loves to paddle, bike, camp, hike and practice my photography skills. When I am not working, I am often out exploring a new park, visiting a nature preserve or spending time with family.
What other interests do you have in the community?
I love teaching CPR and water safety courses because I believe it is vital for families and youth to understand these important lifesaving skills. I love to attend local theatre and art events. I also love trying local eateries.
Do you have any new events in the upcoming year?
We offer camping workshops throughout Texas each Spring and Fall season. Visit the Texas Outdoor Family website! texasstateparks.org/tof
Tell us a few fun facts about yourself:
In 2008 I completed the Texas Water Safari – a 262 mile canoe race from San Marcos, TX to Seadrift, TX. I grew up in Oregon and spent many weekends camping and fishing with my family. I have taken photos in 8 National Parks and visited 29 of the 94 Texas State Parks.
OK, Ranger Kim, what's your favorite camping meal?
Favorite camping meal = Tin foil packs cooked over the campfire with lots of veggies and sausage or dutch oven chili and cornbread.
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