Rosanne Thompson - Biography

Rosanne Thompson was born into an active family in Port Angeles. She grew up in the outdoors of the Olympic Peninsula. Horse camping trips into the Olympic National Park, harvesting the bounty of wild berries, beachcombing and salmon fishing were a childhood constant. She learned the art of food preservation from her mother: canning jams, jellies, and fruits – each in their own season. Her home canned products continue to win high awards at the Thurston County Fair. She has extended her love of gardening with completion of the Master Gardener’s training.

Earning a B.A. in Education from Western Washington State University, Rosanne concentrated her studies on bringing literature alive for children and teens. Continuing with this specialty she received an M.A. in Library and Information Services from the University of Denver. Bringing over 25 years of experience in working with youth and families to Washington Outdoor Adventures, Rosanne retains a sense of childhood wonder and excitement. Her environmental stories from many cultures add depth to a family’s beach walk. She can pull rhymes, stories, and songs from the air to fill children with glee.

Rosanne continues being an outdoor person. She enjoys the friendship of fellow horse people on trails throughout the Cascades and Western Washington. She is a member of the McCleary Riders and Backcounty Horseman of Washington. Fellow campers enjoy the taste of her hearty dutch oven meals.

Rosanne will be retiring from working full time as the Youth Services Librarian in Shelton in May 2010. Her first major outdoor adventure will be to horseback ride around the Olympic Peninsula, no small feat!