Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Fruh.
Hi Jean, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2006 I joined the staff at Outside Brands as kayak guide and retail associate. Over the years my position expanded to include overseeing the intern program, leading team building programs, and in 2011, leading the company’s “Green Team.” This Green Team organized a number of sustainability initiatives including bringing recycling to Outside’s flagship store and boat service area, and eventually to a nearby marina. The idea to create a separate non-profit grew from these initiatives as well as the desire to increase to on-water programs for our local youth. By establishing The Outside Foundation we opened the door to receive grant monies from the outdoor industry to do just that – get kids outside! By 2014 we received or 401c3 status, established our Board of Directors, and created our mission statement – “To get kids outside and to protect and preserve our local environment.” From day one we decided that providing leadership, funding, and infrastructure to the “Kids in Kayaks” program would be our main focus. The “Kids in Kayaks” program had begun over 15 years before, created by two middle school science teachers who had the idea that their students would understand the importance of the salt marsh ecosystem much better if they actually experienced it first hand. To do so the teachers enlisted the services of local kayak outfitters and those students who could afford the kayaking program fee enrolled. Unfortunately too few students participated. In our first year we hosted 400 students from three local schools. In 2025 we hosted 1105 7th graders from 14 different middle schools in the county.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
From the very beginning there were enormous challenges. The Foundation had no money and one part-time employee, me. My salary that first year was $5000. However during that first year I managed to convince the Beaufort County School District that this program was critically important if we expected the next generation of residents to protect our local waterways. With the help of one of the program creators I developed a curriculum consistent with the SC 7th grade environmental science learning objectives. This critical step directly connected the program to the student’s classroom studies. Making the program affordable for all was a huge step. 47% of the students enrolled in the Beaufort County School District come from families who qualify for reduced price or free lunch. Their families simply could not afford the program. I wrote grants to raise scholarship money and needed these granting institutions to understand that in this world-famous resort area were many families living at or below the poverty line. That continues to be the case as housing as become increasing unaffordable and wages have stagnated. Last year we provided $21,000 in scholarships to make sure no child was left in the classroom. In addition to the kayaking portion of the program, we also offer interactive dockside learning stations – all of which require volunteers to be recruited and trained. Along the way we have also developed programs to collect litter and marine debris all year long and, in 2018, established a “Community-based oyster shell recycling and reef building” program after receiving a grassroots environmental grant from Patagonia Inc. Until 2025 this non-profit was run by one employee and 5 contractors – all of whom work part-time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I was an Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Director of Athletic Training for 20 years prior to moving to Hilton Head Island and joining the staff at Outside Hilton Head (now Outside Brands). I hold a doctorate in Kinesiology from the University of Virginia and a bachelors and masters from Springfield College. In 2006 I joined the staff of Outside Hilton Head as a kayak guide, standup paddle board instructor, team building program leader, intern program coordinator, and retail associate. During that time I became a Lowcountry Master Naturalist. I am currently in my 13th year as the Executive Director of The Outside Foundation. Throughout my careers I am proud to have created programs where none existed before. Along the way my strengths as an effective communicator, community organizer, tireless volunteer, and dedicated leader with a strong work ethic have served me well. I have always led by example and thoroughly enjoy the “grassroots” focus of the non-profit I lead.
In January of 2026 I received the HHI/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce “Guardian” award for my work in environment protection and work to connect local children to our local waterways. I was the first recipient of this award.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
As the Executive Director of The Outside Foundation we are only able to deliver our programs through the work of our dedicated volunteers. Throughout the year the Foundation invites volunteers – locals and visitors – to help with our “Kids in Kayaks” program, litter sweeps, and oyster shell bagging and reef building events. We host two fundraisers a year and solicit donations in support of our programming. Just about everything the Foundation has been able to accomplish is connected to the partners we have reached out to to work alongside of us for 13 years.
Pricing:
- $30 sends a kid kayaking
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.outsidefoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoutsidefoundation
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/outsidefoundation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-fruh-3a0b4223/
- Youtube: youtube.com/@outsidefoundation
