How Adventure Treks Instructors Found Lifelong Love During an AT Summer

Before trips kick off each summer, our instructors come to our basecamp in Washington for state staff training. Lauren and Kyle had just missed each other as Kyle and Lauren attended different orientations. Once trips kicked off, they were both assigned to separate California trips, but due to wildfires, both trips were rerouted to the same campground one evening. Although they had eyes for each other from the moment they met, Lauren and Kyle didn’t have their first date until the following summer.

Walking up to a staff team meeting Kyle was leading, Lauren had only known of him through mentions by other instructors. She immediately knew what all the hype was about as she observed his kindness and grounded calmness as a leader. “He has a way of making others feel seen,” she said. She could tell the members of his team loved him. Kyle’s first impression of Lauren was that she was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen, and he fell in love with her laugh and the feeling of peace she brought to him and everyone around camp. 

In the summers to follow, soaking in the community of fellow friends and instructors at Adventure Treks was one of Lauren and Kyle’s favorite moments as instructors. “Nothing beats the joy of being around everyone you love at orientation,” Lauren said. They especially loved working with other instructors to plan extravagant, meaningful hat presentation ceremonies for their friends before evening meeting. These two have a deep appreciation and priority on not only building community, but also maintaining the relationships they’ve created.

The lessons and experiences Lauren and Kyle had while being instructors shaped their relationship in many ways. “AT gives you a common ground to build from. We are able to understand the most meaningful and craziest parts of each other’s lives,” the couple said. Additionally, AT taught Lauren and Kyle the value of consciously shifting perspective and switching on your expedition mindset when adversity hits. Adventure Treks provides a foundation of honesty and determination in the face of challenges, and when you trust and encourage your partner and the community around you, there’s no mountain too big to face. 

Last fall, Kyle proposed while on a hike in Castle Valley near Moab, UT, and Lauren excitedly said yes! These two have kept the good vibes going into the new year, as they just returned from a two-month trip to Nicaragua exploring the local culture and learning Spanish. Kyle is set to start medical school this summer, and Lauren has been training for her first offroad triathlon in New Zealand later this year!