Jared

Instructor

A New Yorker by birth, Jared has traveled extensively around the US and world, having lived in places like Hawaii, Alaska, Montana, New Zealand, and Peru. He spent three summers with AT as a high school student, going to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. In Tongariro National Park, NZ, he worked as a snowboard instructor for kids and adult. He’s also worked as an ocean and river kayaking guide in Hawaii; there, he also worked on an organic farm. Before that, he was a sled dog handler and tour operator in Denali, AK; AmeriCorps disaster relief member in Sacramento, CA; and Sloop Clearwater Foundation intern who taught environmental science courses to students.

Education

Central European University, pursuing master’s degree in environmental sturidUniversity of Maryland, bachelor’s degree in geology

Certifications

Wilderness first responder, SBINZ snowboard level 1 and 2, NZSIA level 1 ski instructor

Favorite hobbies

I’m someone who thrives off adventure and loves the rush or serenity from outdoor activities. From hiking, cold-plunging, hitting the slopes for snowboarding, going out for a paddle on the kayak, to pickup basketball. On my down time, I’m usually playing guitar/drums, chess, watching sci-fi films, or practicing Spanish. Recently, I’ve gotten into bouldering, road biking, and boxing.

Favorite outdoor achievement

Passing my level 2 SBINZ snowboard exam in New Zealand during my first season as an instructor. I set a goal to earn two certifications in the same season, achieving my level 1 early on and then dedicating the season to improving my skills for level 2. When I passed, the recognition from coworkers and supervisors was incredibly rewarding. This certification lets me teach more advanced riders internationally, a job I love, especially seeing my students’ progress.

Another one of my favorite outdoor moments was seeing the group of boys on one of my trips last summer successfully summit Mount St. Helens. It was incredibly rewarding to watch their growth and progression throughout the trip culminate in a final summit where everyone made it to the top.

Favorite outdoor memory

Taking a bush plane to see Wonder Lake in Denali, AK, I was dropped off to backpack and kayak with not a soul around me, surrounded by the vibrant autumn colors with Mt. Denali in the distance. I have to throw this out here as well, but witnessing Mauna Loa erupt in Hawaii in 2022 and the Aurora Australis rip though the skies in New Zealand might also be tied!

Favorite place in the world

My favorite place is a hill near my childhood home in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. Overlooking the Hudson River valley, it was a retreat my brother and I called “Pepper Hill.” We spent countless hours there as kids, escaping life’s stresses. Even now, whenever I visit, I return to that hill, drawn to its peace and memories of childhood.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I’m most looking forward to creating fun, memorable moments with students for another summer with AT, as we all share that same passion for being outside. I’m excited to get to know new people, push each other, and be part of the kind of experiences and adventures that stick with me long after the trip ends.

Previous Adventure Treks trips include Blue Ridge Adventure, Ultimate Northwest, Alaska Expedition, British Columbia Adventure, Pacific Northwest Adventure