Skip to content

Jody Rutten she/her
Director of Youth Programs
jody@ventureoutdoors.org

1. Briefly tell us about your background: where did you grow up, where did you go to school, or what brought you to Venture Outdoors?
Homegrown Pittsburgher here! After college, I spent 13 years in Ohio working at a year round youth camp. I quickly learned that sharing nature and outdoor recreation opportunities with youth is a passion. When I moved back to Pittsburgh, I learned about Venture Outdoors and knew that it was a perfect match.

2. Describe your role at Venture Outdoors in 10 words or less.
Creating opportunities to get youth outside

3. If you had to pick only one recreational activity to practice for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Kayaking on a calm lake. It is so peaceful and allows me to connect with nature.

4. What are your top five favorite outdoors/travel destinations?
In no particular order:

  • Leesville Lake in Ohio – it’s where I found my passion for this career
  • Pymatuning, PA
  • Walt Disney World
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Pacific Northwest

5. What is your favorite forest/camping snack?
Pizza Mountain Pies!

6. Name three people in history (dead or alive) with whom you would want to take on a Venture Outdoors program of your choice.
My partner and parents. Willie Nelson. Joey Fatone from ‘NSYNC because who wouldn’t want to enjoy time with someone from your favorite boy band.

7. What is the earliest memory you have of being outside?

As a kid, we would spend every weekend at Pymatuning Lake. I’d spend so much time in a nearby creek looking for salamanders and crawfish.

8. Any hidden talents?
I play the bagpipes.

9. What is your favorite song (or album) right now?
My current favorite song is Overtime by Rainbow Kitten Surprise

10. What is your biggest challenge nowadays?
The daily struggle of figuring out what is for dinner.

Back To Top
Search