Meet the Crew: Barry Brokaw, volunteer and donor

"I have never found a more rejuvenating or inspiring influence than what I experience in nature," said Barry Brokaw. "Whether it's hiking, running, paddling, fishing, skiing (or) working in the yard, I'll make any excuse to get outside."  These days, Barry shares his love of the outdoors and nature as an Adventure Crew volunteer and donor. The Toledo native, who moved to Cincinnati in 1989 to complete pediatric training at Children's Hospital Medical Center, first learned about the Crew from board member Brewster Rhoads a few years back.

"The mission really hit home as what I felt was essential for our youth," the Anderson Township resident said.

As a retired pediatrician who "felt privileged to care for children and facilitate their growth and development," Barry witnessed a number of cultural and societal changes impacting young people during his nearly 30-year practice.

"Most concerning to me was the development of technology that interrupted true interpersonal relationships and interposed screens and devices. Also, technology became a barrier to having outdoor experiences. As a result, I saw huge increases in rates of anxiety and depression, as many felt their own life wasn't as interesting or worthwhile as others they witnessed on social media. 

"It seemed that the young people who weathered this the best were the ones who were grounded by their relationships with close friends and activities, especially ones that involved being outdoors and witnessing nature," he said. "Additionally, it became clear to me later in my career that there were substantial barriers to being welcome and comfortable outdoors based on race/gender/socioeconomic class."

So after learning about Adventure Crew, Barry was eager to get involved.

"Adventure Crew holds an invaluable role in helping our city's youth to become confident and comfortable in nature," he said. "In doing so, many life skills and resilience are fostered and in some cases, interests are stimulated that can inspire educational and vocational choices for the youth."

First, Barry helped establish a partnership with Pediatric Associates of Northern Kentucky, where he practiced. Since then, he has started volunteering in-person on adventures. 

"It is wonderful to see the joy on faces when a skill is gained," he said. "My first event was roller skating (which I hadn't done since I was a kid), and I was amazed at how quickly confidence was gained by many of the kids. Even those who were more nervous had smiles on their faces and welcomed the support of their friends and the Adventure Crew staff. Most were making easy loops around the rink by the end of the day."  

Barry said he's looking forward to volunteering during our upcoming skiing and snowboarding adventure, as skiing has been his favorite winter activity with his family through the years.

Speaking of family, Barry traces his love of nature to his early childhood, when he first started visiting family property in northern Ontario. The small island has no electricity or running water; visitors sleep and cook at an old loggers' cabin. Being there involves hard work -- like cutting wood and hauling water -- and big rewards.

"Each day is filled with feeling close to the weather, the birds and animals, the sun and stars," he said. "I end up refreshed and energized." 

Barry credits his maternal grandmother, who bought the land to share with her family, and his father, who "modeled the attraction and love for 'getting away' to recharge." 

He said he's tried to be a similar model for his two sons and daughter, as well as their friends, over the last 30 years. 

"My hope is that Adventure Crew fills a similar role for the youth in our community," he said. "All should be welcome in our parks and forests. Hopefully it stimulates a lifetime of outdoor appreciation and enjoyment!"