Tag Archive for: Staff Bio

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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

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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

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