Sarah Laufer, 37, is a “girl from Brooklyn” who can’t get enough of the outdoors.

As a child, she and her family spent most summers camping and backpacking in Nova Scotia, away from the noise and heat of the city. It never mattered that they carried all the wrong gear—the joy came from spending time together in the fresh air and sunshine.

Sarah pursued her love of the outdoors throughout college. She worked as a ski boat instructor and whitewater river guide. She led hiking and paddling trips for fellow students. She sold specialty gear to fellow outdoor enthusiasts. When she wasn’t working, Sarah was on a snowboard honing her big mountain riding skills. In between, she earned a law degree.

Sarah stopped practicing law to spend more time with her two young children, and to give them the chance to explore the world instead of watching it on television—to enjoy firsthand the sun, the grass, the mountains, the water and the air. Inspired by their joy, and by the outdoor lifestyle of their hometown in Bend, Oregon, Sarah launched www.playoutdoors.com  in 2008.