Congratulations to our September Volunteer of the Month, Cameron Boldin! Cameron joined the SAFE community in August 2024 bringing with him a wildly varied volunteer history! Prior to SAFE, he volunteered as a horticulturist assistant at the Point Defiance Zoo from 2017–2018, contributing to the development of the new aquarium’s gardens. From 2007 to 2015, Cameron served as a river guide from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) and Grand Canyon Youth (GCY), guiding scientist and researchers down the Colorado River and its tributaries. At SAFE, Cameron has shown incredible dedication and attention to detail. He is always learning and always finding new ways to contribute! He has approached every job with such care and has an innate ability to deeply connect with the horses and with nature. We feel incredibly lucky to have Cameron on our team and are grateful to his lifelong dedication to making a positive impact through hands-on work and community involvement. Learn more about Cameron below:
“The horses challenge me to refine my communication and patience. I look forward to every day I’m at the barn.”
- Cameron
How and when did you first get involved with horses? Do you have one now you want to tell us about?I was introduced to horses early on in life through many family friends and neighbors. I learned the value of patience and trust while riding through the mountain trails, all with little to no real training. Those early experiences stayed with me, and though I don’t currently have my own horse, being at SAFE has given me the opportunity to reconnect with that passion in a very meaningful way.What do you like most about volunteering?What I love most is the sense of purpose and connection — both with the horses and with the incredible team of people who care for them. Every shift is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and be a part of helping these horses find new beginnings, love and support.Do you have a favorite horse? If so why?It’s hard to choose, but Sienna has a very special place in my heart. She challenges me to refine my communication and patience, and being able to work with her in a couple of clinics will forever be a highlight in my life. She and I have a very special bond and I look forward to seeing her every day I’m at the barn.What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?Outside of SAFE, I spend much of my time working on business projects, developing ideas for future ventures. I also enjoy being outdoors, whether hiking or paddle boarding, gardening or grilling, I simply love to spend time in nature.Do you have family or special people…My family and close friends have been very supportive of my involvement at SAFE, encouraging me to pursue this work that beings me so much fulfillment.
