Interviews with Adventure Treks Instructors

We’re back with another staff spotlight! Today’s instructors are loved by their students and have created super-fun trips in recent summers. As always, these posts give you a sneak peek into the lives of our staff who tirelessly dedicate themselves to creating unforgettable experiences for our students.

Below, meet Chloe and Sammy!

We receive hundreds of resumes from hopeful outdoor educators every year, starting as early as September. Because we have such a high return rate for staff, the selection process for new staff is quite competitive.

And selective we are. Facilitating meaningful experiences for students on 10- to 30-day trips is an incredible rewarding and challenging job. Imagine waking up at 1:30 am to get everyone ready to summit Mount St. Helens, making sure everyone is packed, geared up, and, yes, has pooped before climbing 4,500 vertical feet at sunrise, all while making sure they’re having the time of their lives. And that’s just one day on the trip. Consider it a teaser!

Chloe

  • Instructor since 2021
  • From California
  • Read Chloe’s full bio here

Chloe, what’s one thing that brings you joy as an outdoor educator?

When I see a student or peer get really excited about something in the outdoors, whether it’s an accomplishment like summiting a mountain, something nature-oriented like identifying a bird, or an achievement like overcoming a fear of heights on a rock wall. It is the most energizing feeling to see a spark of joy run across a person’s face when they’re really psyched about something, and it reminds me that there is always more to learn.

What’s one of your favorite memories from last summer?

Singing Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor” in the van with a bunch of boys definitely stands out! OR on our pretty epic summit attempt hike—which involved a snowball fight, seeing multiple bears, and getting snowed on at the lake—we were descending and I kept hearing students encouraging other hikers, “You’re almost there!” “It’s beautiful up there!” That was very heart-warming.

When you’re not adventuring with AT, what keeps you busy?

Graduate school, work, an internship, my pets, my partner, doing New York Times Spelling Bee, and house projects like “maple-ing” and gardening!

Got any pro tips for new instructors looking to crush their first summer?

  • Be yourself, and have fun!
  • Ask for help or support if you need it.
  • And use your trip notes!

What’s one tip for students to come fully prepared for the summer season?

Please break in your hiking boots, even if you just wear them around the house a few times :). Also, it’s OK to be nervous or anxious! I still get a little nervous before the summer as well.

What’s your next big adventure?

Finishing grad school and getting licensed as a social worker in New Hampshire!

Tell us some fun facts about you—what would surprise us?

I love to scrapbook and I LOVE watching reality TV as background noise while doing homework. Right now, I’m really stuck on “Court Cam.”

Sammy

  • Instructor since 2025
  • From Colorado
  • Read Sammy’s full bio here

Sammy, what brings you joy as an instructor?

Helping people do hard things and growing alongside them. Some of my most transformative experiences came in the wilderness, and being able to facilitate that space for others is incredibly rewarding.

What’s one of your favorite memories from last summer?

One of the mountain biking instructors made a joke about showing up the next day in jorts and a Hawaiian shirt because it makes you ride better. So we took all of our students to Goodwill and bought Hawaiian shirts and jeans to cut into jorts. It was super fun to be spontaneous, and the jorts became a very prominent theme for the rest of the trip.

When you’re not adventuring with AT, what keeps you busy?

I’m an avid snowboarder, and I try to spend as much time on the mountain as possible. I also enjoy being active and moving my body through things like yoga, running, or rock climbing. When I want to spend time inside, I love to drink tea, play Minecraft, or board games (this winter I got really into Mahjong).

What’s your advice for new instructors this summer?

Merino wool everything! Also, pack strategically and don’t be afraid to re-wear or re-use items to help save space.

How can students prepare for their trips this year?

Bring a journal and camera if you can!! The days are long, but they go by fast—having a way to document your experiences will help you take more away from the trip! Your future self will thank you for it :).

What’s your next big adventure?

In the fall, I am moving to Bend, OR, to pursue a master’s degree in social work. I am excited to have the opportunity to settle down and be a bit more stationary in my living situation, and explore a cool new area!

Tell us some fun facts about you—what would surprise us?

  • Last summer, I learned from an AT student how to solve a Rubik’s cube.
  • In college, I bought a retired prison shuttle bus and converted it into a full RV camper.
  • I don’t like bananas.
  • My favorite movie is Kung Fu Panda.

Get to know the whole Adventure Treks team:

READ OUR STAFF BIOS!

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