Outdoor Mentors Honors Founder, Mike Christensen, Upon His Retirement
Christensen’s legacy includes more than two decades of youth mentorship, hunting advocacy and conservation education.
WICHITA, Kan. — Oct. 30, 2026 — Outdoor Mentors (OM) announces the retirement of Mike Christensen, its founder and a driving force behind connecting thousands of young people with hunting, fishing and other conservation-related outdoor experiences.
As the founder of Outdoor Mentors, Christensen established the organization in 2002 after recognizing a need to provide Kansas youth with opportunities to experience the outdoors alongside caring, knowledgeable mentors. His vision helped create pathways for young people who otherwise might never have had the opportunity to participate.
Christensen led OM until 2022, when he transitioned into an operations and development role. Throughout his tenure, he was instrumental in expanding the organization beyond Kansas into nine additional states, building partnerships and creating opportunities for thousands of youth to develop outdoor skills, confidence and an appreciation for conservation.
“Mike saw a need and devoted himself to doing something about it,” said Eric Dinger, Chair of the Outdoor Mentors Board of Directors. “The organization he built has brought people together around a shared commitment to youth and the outdoors. On behalf of the board, we thank Mike for his leadership, his perseverance and the lasting difference he has made in so many young lives.”
Christensen’s impact extends beyond the experiences themselves. By connecting young people with mentors and introducing them to hunting, fishing and conservation, he helped strengthen traditions, build relationships and inspire a new generation of outdoor participants and conservation advocates.
“Those of us working in hunting advocacy and youth mentorship owe Mike a tremendous debt of gratitude,” said Dr. Scott Petrie, CEO of Outdoor Mentors. “Mike recognized that mentorship is built through repeated outdoor experiences, time spent learning, participating and building relationships with a dedicated mentor. Those experiences can help young people develop the skills, confidence and connection to the outdoors that lead to a lifelong commitment to outdoor recreation. As we build on his work, we carry forward his belief that more young people deserve those opportunities.”
Although retiring from his staff role, Christensen has offered to remain involved with OM as an Emeritus Advisor, sharing his institutional knowledge and continuing his commitment to the organization and youth mentorship.
To honor his legacy, the Outdoor Mentors staff and board are developing a Lifetime Achievement Award in Christensen’s name. Details about the award and how it will recognize outstanding mentorship will be announced at a later date.
On behalf of its staff, board, volunteers, partners and the families it serves, Outdoor Mentors thanks Mike for his lifetime of dedication to youth mentorship, hunting advocacy and conservation education.
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About Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Outdoor Mentors is a nonprofit organization that connects youth and their families with trained, background-checked volunteer mentors for hunting, fishing and other outdoor experiences. Working with conservation organizations, wildlife agencies, landowners and community partners, OM helps remove barriers to participation while promoting safe, responsible outdoor recreation. Through hands-on mentorship, the organization builds confidence, strengthens connections to nature and fosters a lifelong commitment to conservation. Learn more at outdoormentors.org.
Media Contact:
Steve Windom
Development Director, Outdoor Mentors
810-730-2667
