Young people continually surprise me with their wisdom.
I love to see the leadership progression that is a part of BOLD & GOLD and how participants thrive when given the opportunity.
Many things naturally happen in the outdoors, like feeling more confident and creating connections with others, but with BOLD & GOLD they become special – all part of one amazing package. The final night of a trip, around the campfire, hearing the reflections of participants and their own perception of their growth is always a highlight for me. It’s a very rewarding feeling to watch a group start out nervous and unsure gain confidence.
I strongly believe that all youth benefit from the transformation that happens in small group outdoor experiences. I want as many young people as possible to have these types of experiences that are unique and personal to them.
Outdoor programs were foundational for me – personally and professionally. I was an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School for several years before I came to BOLD & GOLD; teaching backpacking, rock climbing, and canoeing throughout the west. I was then the Program Director for Camp Widjiwagan, overseeing everything from four day introductory canoe trips to six week arctic expeditions. During these years living out of a tent, I saw over and over again people learning to shine because of what they learned and experienced in outdoor programs.
I grew up moving around the country, but the constants in my life were building ice rinks and playing lots of sports outside. I came to Minnesota for high school where I was a competitive hockey player. I went to Hamilton College and graduated with a degree in economics before I realizing that outdoor education was my true calling.
I love getting outside for all activities, but my favorite is whitewater tandem canoeing. I have also been obsessed with rock climbing, backpacking, and Trivia Night at various times in my life. I live in Minneapolis with my wife Fay, our daughter Edith, and an adventure loving dog named Hank.
