Brad, what is your most treasured memory from Adventure Treks?
It’s tough to really pinpoint one. AT was so foundational to my youth—and frankly, to who I am today. But if I really had to pick, probably backpacking in Alaska with a group of people I had gotten to know over the previous four summers. At the time they were some of my closest friends, and I’m still in touch with many of them today. There’s something truly special about that.
What about your most treasured memory from family camp with Fox?
Just getting to see Fox experience so many of the AT traditions that meant so much to me as a teen (and us learning about new ones together!). He’s not much of an outdoorsman himself, but seeing him lean into all of the activities and realize he was really enjoying himself is something I will treasure forever.
How have the relationships you made at AT impacted your life?
I have lifelong friends from AT. People I know that, even if we haven’t spoken in years, would be there for me if I needed them. But even more than that, AT taught me a lot about relationships—not just about how to foster and structure friendships, but to deal with people that I may not like or agree with… because when you’re in the woods, all you have is each other!
Can you describe a moment when you and Fox overcame a particular challenge on your trip—and what it taught the both of you?
Maybe not the best example, but Fox tripped on our backpacking trip and ended up with a nasty cut on his head. Obviously, as his parent I was panicking, and he was too at first. But once the initial shock wore off and we realized it wasn’t anything requiring serious medical attention, we both learned a bit about the importance of lightening up a bit. The whole ordeal has now become an ongoing joke in our household, mostly to tease his mother.
