We passionately believe that children who spend time in a natural setting are happier, healthier, more connected to their community, and conscious of the environment. We create, lead and share energetic outdoor programs that give children the opportunity to play outside, experience the joy of discovery, build self-confidence and healthy lifestyles, and develop a personal connection to the natural world.
John Becker is a musician and professional aviator. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music, Boston, and has worked in television advertising as an audio post-production engineer and creative assistant. John lives with his wife Sue and two children in the Mogollon Rim Country of Arizona. He currently works as an airline pilot for United Parcel Service.
“For better or worse, we’ve all become largely dependent on gadgetry and electronics, and that can be useful. More useful still is to strive for a balanced life. I do my best to nudge this concept upon my two children, who succumb all too easily to the latest gameboy or DVD. I find that a mindful, deliberate hike is it’s own best reward. Move, breathe, stretch, crack a sweat, look around you, marvel, embrace moments of personal discovery, and feel gratitude. Be it a Vernal Falls summit, or a short stroll thru a city park, I feel nothing better restores the mind and body than a trek outside.”
Michael Rose is an entrepreneur, educator, technologist, musician and wilderness advocate. Over the past 30 years, Michael has been the Chief Technology Officer for an Internet Software division of the Hartford Insurance Group, Vice President of Development for a Web Banking Software startup, and Director of Information Systems for a Regional Community Bank.
Michael is currently the President of The Universal Sun, Incorporated, an incubator of Geo Consciousness focused Internet companies, founder of GeoKidz, an Internet Site promoting nature-based education and experiences for children, and an Adjunct Facility member of Gila Community College focusing on Computer Science and Web Technologies.
Michael attended Antioch University in Santa Barbara, and the University of Santa Monica’s Spiritual Psychology program before being swept away by the ‘dot com’ storm. Along with his wife Deb Rose, and his children Marcus and Ashley, Michael lives in beautiful Payson, Arizona which he calls “... the best kept secret in America.”
As a leading member of the Geo Consciousness movement, Michael is passionate about integrating spiritual, personal, social, and global transformation through peaceful process.
Deb Rose is passionate about the outdoors, being out in nature and getting kids “unplugged” and outside. As a retired professional beach volleyball player and a 1996 Olympian, Deb understands the benefits of begin active, getting in tune with your body, and quieting the mind and feels the best way to do that is being out in nature.Deb calls her family Sunday hikes her version of going to church. Nowhere does she feel closer to God and in tuned with herself than when she is in nature.
