Ellen Bashor

Ellen Bashor serves as an Associate Agent with University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and as Director of the James 4-H Camp and Outdoor Learning Center, located in the Prescott National Forest near Mingus Mountain, Arizona. In this role, she leads statewide 4-H camping and outdoor education initiatives, working with youth, educators, families, Extension professionals, schools, and community partners to expand access to high-quality experiential learning. Her work focuses on youth development, environmental education, outdoor recreation, and organizational leadership, with an emphasis on innovative programming, collaborative partnerships, and safe, inclusive learning environments. Through these efforts, she aims to strengthen connections between young people, their communities, and the natural world while expanding opportunities for youth leadership, workforce development, environmental stewardship, and lifelong learning across Arizona.

With more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of education, conservation, and recreation, Ellen is a collaborative leader dedicated to advancing innovative, high-quality, and evidence-based outdoor and environmental learning for people of all ages and abilities. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Environmental & Outdoor Education and has applied this expertise across public, nonprofit, and higher education settings as a practitioner, professor, trainer, and mentor to emerging educators and leaders. Beyond her professional roles, Ellen has served extensively in field-wide leadership on local, state, and national committees and boards. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally through multiple awards and fellowships. Across career and service, Ellen remains deeply committed to expanding access to outdoor experiences and cultivating learning opportunities that support a healthy, just, and sustainable future for all.