Who we are
Located in Parkton, Maryland, just off Route 83, Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center encompasses 140 acres and operates year-round. We offer a variety of programs, including leadership and team-building activities, summer day camps, early childhood programs, and adventure therapy. The LaMonica family still owns the property, ensuring its legacy and mission continue. They warmly welcome students and community members to explore and enjoy the land's natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the enriching programs designed to foster growth and connection. The center remains a cherished resource for experiential learning and personal development. In the summer of 2021, we celebrated 40 years of Genesee Valley, having provided programming to over 1 million participants of all ages and backgrounds. We continue to take pride in our foundation and look forward to the future!
Tom LaMonica - Founder
David Pines - Founder
Tom LaMonica & Jane LaMonica - current Executive Director
Mission
“Our mission is to provide quality learning experiences that promote growth and nourish the development of individuals of all ages and backgrounds.”
Community
Through collaborative activities and the cultivation of a sense of belonging, we strive to build lasting connections that extend beyond our programs, creating a community that values diversity, nurtures relationships, and contributes positively to the well-being of all. By prioritizing respect in each facet of our work, we aim to serve as an example, promoting the existence of communities that are inviting, inclusive, and supportive.
Leadership
By fostering an environment that facilitates continuous personal and intellectual development, we empower participants to embark on journeys of constant growth. Our thoughtfully designed learning experiences not only challenge comfort zones and promote character development but also encourage curiosity, instilling a profound passion for lifelong learning in each individual.
Growth
As practitioners of and advocates for experiential leadership development, we cultivate leadership skills that extend beyond traditional boundaries. Leadership is more than simply managing others to achieve a goal. Experiences at GVOLC, strengthens a leader’s ability to build consensus, communicate values and manifest positive change, all the while acting in the best interests of the individuals in their community.
Vision
At Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center, our vision is to be a trailblazer in the realm of experiential education, cultivating a dynamic environment where transformative learning experiences are the cornerstone of personal and collective growth. We envision a world where individuals of all ages and backgrounds are not merely participants in education but active architects of their own development.
In our vision, the great outdoors becomes a boundless classroom, fostering a deep sense of connection to the natural world. We see a community where every person, regardless of their starting point, is empowered to explore, discover, and unleash their full potential. Our commitment to quality learning experiences extends beyond traditional boundaries, embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral components of our educational fabric.
As we look ahead, we aspire to set new standards in educational excellence, leveraging innovative approaches that engage, inspire, and leave an enduring impact. Our vision extends beyond the immediate horizon, foreseeing a ripple effect of positive change in individuals that extends to families, communities, and beyond.