Recreation Without Borders was started in 2009 by Lauren and John Woodmansee after seeing the need for affordable recreation opportunities in Northwest Washington.  RWB is an adventure-based business offering 1 to 3 day trips and tours.  A wide variety of programs are available throughout the year. Groups are kept small for a more enjoyable and enriching experience.

 

It seems Lauren was born to be in the Recreation profession. 

Born in Annapolis, Maryland, at a very young age she learned how to swim at the local community beach.  From there she was involved in area Parks and Recreation softball programs, enrolled in tennis lessons, running in community fun runs, competing on local sports teams and much more.  Her family was an avid Parks and Recreation supporter as well attending local fairs, volunteering at various community events, partaking in day-long family adventures to name just a few.

Little did she know that her (un)official Parks and Recreation career would begin at age 16 when she was hired as a life guard and swim instructor in South Florida.  Since then she has taught, refereed and coached thousands of individuals in swimming, soccer, softball, basketball, flag football and general fitness.

Lauren graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia with a major in Communications and Minor in Physical Education-Coaching.  In 1986 she came to visit Washington's beautiful Skagit Valley and hasn't left since.

In 1992 Lauren's official Parks and Recreation career resumed and over the last 17+ years she worked for the City of Mount Vernon, City of Bellingham and Skagit County coordinating a wide variety of community enrichment programming. Areas included activities for youth, teens, families, adults, aquatics, women-only and specialized recreation offerings as well as special events, concerts, fun runs, etc.  Meantime Lauren has stayed active participating in adult softball, kickball, volleyball and basketball leagues, running marathons, golfing, as well as other general recreation activities.  Over the last 9 years her love of travel, the outdoors and overall cultural enthusiasm resulted in a very diverse and popular adventure-based program.

In 2009 Skagit County Parks and Recreation was victim of the economic downturn and a new administration vision which did not include community enrichment programming.  This resulted in over half of the department programs and staff being eliminated. 

Thus...came the birth of Recreation Without Borders! 

Your adventure awaits!!!!!!

 

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, John truly is a Northwest native. 

Like Lauren, he became very involved in community Parks and Recreation programs at a young age. 

In his early teens he became enthralled by the surrounding forests, mountains and peaks.  He joined Skagit County Explorer Search and Rescue at age 14 and then Skagit Mountain Rescue at 17.  For years he, family and friends trekked up and down and in and through out the North Cascades exploring hundreds of miles of trails. 

An avid outdoorsman and sports fan, John is at home whether he's in the deep woods or cheering on his favorite team.