Maryan Riojas
River Camp Programs Assistant
Maryan Riojas, a dedicated and passionate individual, is a proud employee of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. With a deep-rooted love for the outdoors and a commitment to education, Maryan's journey with the Trust began in 2017, when she was a junior at Fresno State pursuing a B.A. in Liberal Studies. Upon receiving an email outlining the Trust's mission and their search for camp counselors, Maryan knew it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. Driven by her unwavering passion for the outdoors, Maryan enjoys various activities such as hiking, walking, kayaking, and camping. In the summer of 2017, she joined the Trust as a camp counselor and immediately fell in love with the organization's work. Maryan's upbringing as a self-proclaimed "nature enthusiast" perfectly aligned with the Trust's mission to preserve and restore the lands along the San Joaquin River.
Motivated by her passion for education and her desire to guide the next generation towards environmental stewardship, Maryan continued her involvement with the Trust as an intern for their educational programs during the fall and spring of her senior year. In 2018, she successfully obtained her B.A. in Liberal Studies, with a concentration in Social Institutions and Processes. Embracing her teaching aspirations, Maryan pursued her teaching credential through an advanced accelerated program at Fresno State from 2019 to 2020, graduating with an exceptional 4.0 GPA. She spent 3 dedicated years teaching 6th Grade in the Sanger Unified School District, positively shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning.
Simultaneously, Maryan's commitment to the Trust remained unwavering. In the summer of 2020, she was promoted to the role of Camp Director for the Firebaugh location, a testament to her exemplary skills and dedication. She played a pivotal role in preparing the Camp Programs for the summer of 2021 and reprised her role as Camp Director in 2022 for the newly established River Camp Academy at Sumner Peck Ranch. This innovative program, developed in collaboration with local school districts, highlights Maryan's ability to bridge the gap between education and environmental stewardship. Maryan returned for the 2023 summer as a Camp Director for the River Camp Academy, working primarily with students from FUSD & Madera Unified.
Maryan is currently a 6th Grade Teacher in Fresno Unified, even having the opportunity to teach her campers from previous years at River Camp Academy. Her commitment to the Trust's mission and her enthusiasm for empowering the next generation shine brightly. Her blend of outdoor expertise, educational background, and dedication help her work with the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust to further their mission of preserving and restoring the ecological, scenic, and historic significance of the San Joaquin River lands.
Motivated by her passion for education and her desire to guide the next generation towards environmental stewardship, Maryan continued her involvement with the Trust as an intern for their educational programs during the fall and spring of her senior year. In 2018, she successfully obtained her B.A. in Liberal Studies, with a concentration in Social Institutions and Processes. Embracing her teaching aspirations, Maryan pursued her teaching credential through an advanced accelerated program at Fresno State from 2019 to 2020, graduating with an exceptional 4.0 GPA. She spent 3 dedicated years teaching 6th Grade in the Sanger Unified School District, positively shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning.
Simultaneously, Maryan's commitment to the Trust remained unwavering. In the summer of 2020, she was promoted to the role of Camp Director for the Firebaugh location, a testament to her exemplary skills and dedication. She played a pivotal role in preparing the Camp Programs for the summer of 2021 and reprised her role as Camp Director in 2022 for the newly established River Camp Academy at Sumner Peck Ranch. This innovative program, developed in collaboration with local school districts, highlights Maryan's ability to bridge the gap between education and environmental stewardship. Maryan returned for the 2023 summer as a Camp Director for the River Camp Academy, working primarily with students from FUSD & Madera Unified.
Maryan is currently a 6th Grade Teacher in Fresno Unified, even having the opportunity to teach her campers from previous years at River Camp Academy. Her commitment to the Trust's mission and her enthusiasm for empowering the next generation shine brightly. Her blend of outdoor expertise, educational background, and dedication help her work with the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust to further their mission of preserving and restoring the ecological, scenic, and historic significance of the San Joaquin River lands.