Our Mission
At Himmelsberg OUR MISSION is to connect youth who have physical challenges to the outdoors and create positive, lasting memories!
OUR VISION is to empower physically challenged youth by providing them with opportunities to explore and connect with the outdoors. We believe that every young person should have the chance to experience the beauty of nature and the joy of outdoor activities, regardless of their physical or mental abilities. Through the opportunities of Himmelsberg, we strive to remove barriers and create inclusive spaces that promote outdoor recreation, education, and personal growth. We aim to inspire and motivate our youth participants to challenge themselves, build confidence, self-worth, and develop lifelong skills that will enrich their lives and enhance their well-being. In addition, we provide youth and adult ambassadors with leadership opportunities as they build positive relationships with our participants. Our ultimate goal is to create lasting memories where young people have access to the transformative power of the great outdoors.
HOW do we meet the goals of our MISSION and VISION? By connecting GREAT people with other GREAT people in the right setting. Our experiences are built on financial and in-kind donations, coupled with amazing commitments of time from our supporters! We express our sincere appreciation to everyone who gives in any way and hope you feel the impact you’ve made on the lives of those involved.
WHY did we organize? Our youngest son suffered a stroke in utero (perinatal stroke). As young parents, we had no idea what this meant, but we were told that our son may never walk, talk, or comprehend anything in life. The flood gates of emotion and understanding swung wide open. All that mattered was how much we knew we loved this little boy.
Over the years, he has learned and grown. He runs and plays sports. He comprehends life. He embraces his challenges and he’s constantly showing us that we can all do hard things! His journey brings a heightened awareness of the emotional stress that some people endure. We continue to learn from him and are grateful to be his parents.
Himmelsberg has been a dream for many years for our family as a way to connect many to nature. Himmelsberg in German translates to “Heaven’s Mountain,” a place where we can all love completely. We believe that we are all intended to be trusted stewards of earth’s creations and also stewards for each other. We commit to being a connection between those with a special need and those willing to serve. We cannot wait to see what our next day in the outdoors brings!
Kati Marsing, President & CEO
Kati has a unique ability to connect with everyone and is always trusted by her family, friends, and colleagues. Kati has an undergraduate degree in finance and business. She has 20+ years’ experience working with youth and young adults through teaching, mentoring, coaching, and managing. She currently has the opportunity to work with students at local high schools and universities.
Eric Marsing, Vice President
Eric’s passion for the outdoors began as a young child. His family spent every summer in the high Uinta Mountains of Utah’s wilderness where he loved to 4-wheel, build huts, hike, fish, hunt, catch frogs and salamanders, and help their sheep herder friend, Marciano. He has a genuine love for people of all backgrounds and enjoys nothing more than breathing in some fresh mountain air with friends and family!
Eric has a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has been working in the banking industry since 2003.
YOUTH AMBASSADORS
Colton Marsing, Presley Marsing, Wyatt Marsing
SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Volunteer TODAY to be part of our team! Go to the Volunteer link or email us at info@himmelsberg.org!