Outdoor Leadership & Environmental Education
My connection to the environment has been lifelong, shaping both my academic path and personal values. Learning, living, and working outdoors is central to who I am. Being immersed in natural environments and experiencing them hands-on is essential for me to feel grounded and truly alive.
In the summers of 2023 and 2024, I lived and worked outdoors full-time, instructing, guiding, and supporting others in outdoor settings. These experiences reinforced my belief in the power of experiential learning and time spent outside as tools for personal growth and environmental stewardship.
Sections:
Pangaea Adventures
Mountain Camp
Training in Environmental Education
Pangaea Adventures
Sea-kayak & Outdoor Guide
Based in coastal Alaska, I supported sea-kayak and rafting trips across South Central Alaska. I helped guide and support guests through the tours. This included leading safety briefings, helping guests properly fit gear, and assisting with safe kayak launches and landings. During tours, I educated guests on local wildlife, geology, and cultural history while answering any questions they might have.
Behind the scenes, I also managed logistical responsibilities, including driving a 12-passenger van with a trailer for rafting shuttles, planning and scheduling guest trips, answering questions in person and over the phone, managing finances, and photographing trips for guest purchase and company use.
During my time in Alaska, I went on two overnight trips, one solo (3 nights, 20 miles) and one with coworkers (5 days, 60 miles). Through this experience, I became very familiar with and comfortable living and traveling in the remote outdoors. When not on these trips I lived in a tent at our home base.
Photo album (May 2024 - August 2024)
Mountain Camp
Camp Counselor & Outdoor Activity Facilitator
As a camp counselor in Northern California’s Eldorado National Forest, I lived onsite (in-cabin) in a co-ed overnight summer camp for campers entering 2nd-12th grade in the High Sierras.
I led camping and mountain biking trips, and taught outdoor skills like rock climbing, archery, and outdoor cooking. I’ve always been passionate about outdoor education, and this role allowed me to sharpen my teaching skills in a hands-on environment. These roles deepened my belief in the importance of experiential environmental education and my love for sharing nature with others.
Beyond technical instruction, I provided emotional support to campers navigating homesickness, group dynamics, and the challenges of being away from home. Building relationships and supporting campers were central to my role and were the most meaningful and eye-opening parts of the experience.
Photo album (May 2023 - August 2023)
Environmental Education Training
Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education
Elected Student Board Member
Served as one of the two student board members for the 2024-2025 school year, representing the needs of students and young environmental education professionals across the state of Wisconsin.
Featured Coursework
Focused on curriculum design, engagement strategies, and facilitation practices:
Environmental Educator Public Engagement Plan
