Tag Archive for: Headlamp Series

,

Adventure Treks Headlamp Series: Craig McGowan

Craig Mcgowan - Adventure Treks Trip LeaderName: Craig McGowan

University Attended: Brown University, BS Environmental Science / Georgia State – MAT Secondary Science Education

Hometown: Ridgefield, CT

Years with Adventure Treks: 4 Seasons – Currently a Trip Leader

Favorite A.T. Activity: Toss up between backpacking and whitewater kayaking.

Cool Fact: Craig’s left arm is a 1/2 inch shorter than his right due to a few broken wrists when he was growing up.

What do you do for work when you are not with Adventure Treks?

I currently work as a sixth grade science teacher in Atlanta, GA, but I will be attending UNC – Chapel Hill in the fall to earn a masters in biostatistics.

Do you have a most treasured piece of outdoor gear?

This would have to be my pack. It fits like a glove and can easily carry 60+ pounds, but it is nice and lightweight and very durable.

Do you have a dream travel destination?

I would love to spend a few weeks backpacking and climbing in Patagonia. I’ve never been to South American and am jealous of all the pictures I see from friends!

So you have worked with Adventure Treks for 4 years, what keeps you coming back?

The students and the instructors keep me coming back year after year. It’s an honor to work with and lead such amazing outdoor professionals, and to get to spend my summers with the awesome AT students ! One of my favorite parts of an AT trip is the Mexi Cook Off after the first backpack. It’s amazing to see how much the students have already started to come together as a community at this point and how excited they are to reunite with their friends who were in the other backpacking groups.

Finally, the questions we have all been waiting for… If you could cannonball into a swimming pool filled with anything, what would it be?

Obviously cotton balls. The amount of fluff would be both staggering and amazing.

Thanks Craig, we are excited for another awesome summer!

– Josh Goldbach

Staffing Director

/by
,

Adventure Treks Headlamp Series: Julia Schleifman

Adventure Treks Instructor Julia Schleifman

Adventure Treks Instructor Julia Schleifman

Name: Julia Schleifman

Education:

M.Ed School Counseling from Lewis and Clark College, Portland OR.

B.S. Psycology from James Madison University, Harrisonburg VA.

Hometown: Arlington, VA

Years w/ A.T.: Two as an Instructor

Favorite A.T. Activity: Backpacking in Wells Grey Provincial Park, British Columbia

Julia, what do you do when your not at Adventure Treks?

Right now, I spend most of my time being a graduate student at Lewis and Clark studying to get my license as a School Counselor. I work in a high school interning as part of my program. It is a great opportunity to help students with academic and personal issues as well as give guidance with college and career planning.

Do you have a favorite A.T. meal?

Mexi-cookoff, duh. Beans! Beans! They’re good for your heart…

How about a nickname, is there something that people call you besides Julia?

In the first two years of college everyone called me Schleifman because I lived on the same floor as the basketball team (and it was standard to call everyone by their last name). In my last year of college my best friends called me Juice(box) and still do to this day!

What has been your favorite part of working for A.T?

I love when I hear students say “This is the most beautiful/spectacular/awesome/sick place I have ever been!” I also loved swimming in Fontana Lake in North Carolina. The water is clear and warm and the lake is surrounded by the lush and green Smokey Mountains!

What’s your go-to activity when it rains?

There are a lot of rainy days here in Portland… and most of the time I wish I was snuggled up with my dog, reading and making chili in the crock-pot.

Any final words of wisdom Julia?

My favorite quote: “A ship in harbor is safe – but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

 

Thanks Julia!

Josh Goldbach

Staffing Director

/by
,

Adventure Treks Headlamp Series: Brandon Tyrrell

Trip Leader Brandon Tyrrell

Trip Leader Brandon Tyrrell

The Adventure Treks Headlamp Series showcases some of our exceptional staff, instructors and alumni. Check back often to read bio’s of the wonderful people who are the A.T. community, not to mention read up on the philosophy that makes Adventure Treks tick!

Name: Brandon Tyrrell

University: Adventure Education / Human Development – Prescott College, Arizona

Years w/ A.T: Four as an Instructor. (Currently a Trip Leader)

Favorite A.T. Activity: Canoeing in Colorado

Dinner of Choice: Yahoo Dinner!

 

So what do you actually do for Adventure Treks?

Maximize Safety. Maximize Fun.

Do you have a treasured piece of outdoor gear?

My Patagonia R1 Hoodie… I always have it with me either climbing rock faces, mountain bike riding, or skiing in cold Montana. If you don’t have one you should probably go out and get one.

Do you have a favorite A.T. memory?

One summer we built a slip-n-slide on California Challenge during a rainstorm at our campsite. We didn’t let the rain ruin our parade that day. Also, I remember the most hilarious game of capture the flag in Bend, Oregon after a long drive day.

What is your spirit animal, and why?

Well, the house cat because they are:

  • Patient, always waiting for the right moment to act
  • Independent, while also enjoying connecting with others
  • Adventurous and courageous
  • Deep, you are always uncovering new layers of their personalities
  • Curious, they enjoy the exploration of the unknown

What do you do when you’re not at Adventure Treks?

I teach alpine skiing in Bozeman, MT. When the snow dries up I am a Course Director in Southern California at a non-profit experiential education company called Boojum. When I find free time I try to get on my bike and ride around the USA. I also love spending time at my local bike co-op fixing bikes.

What keeps you coming back to A.T?

The community of people I work with and the incredible students who come back year after year.

Finally, if you could cannonball into a swimming pool filled with anything, what would it be?

Jello Pudding Swirl, I still don’t know how I would get out…

 

Thanks Brandon, we look forward to working with you again this summer!

Stay tuned for more fun profiles of Adventure Treks Staff & Alumni through the A.T. Headlamp Series.

– Josh Goldbach

Staffing Director

/by