Forrest
Instructor
Originally from Ohio, Forrest currently calls Fort Myers, FL, home. Most recently, he worked at the Pali Institute in California as an outdoor instructor. He was a trip leader for the UNF climbing club, and he helped run climbing camps for kids ages 6 to 14. Forrest is also an Eagle Scout!
- Education: University of North Florida, bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Certification: Wilderness first responder
- Favorite outdoor memory: My first backpacking trip in the Scouts. It was a very challenging but formative experience. I was not as well prepared as I thought I was and had to begin to learn how to improvise and adapt to less-than-ideal situations.
- Favorite outdoor achievement: Probably summiting Gray’s Peak on a very brief trip to Colorado while living in FL.
- Favorite hobbies: I am an avid rock climber and love trail running, backpacking, and rafting. I am also an avid photographer and woodworker.
- Favorite place you’ve traveled: The most surprising place I have visited is probably the Angeles National Forest. I randomly decided to go backpacking there for a few days and was astounded by the natural beauty of the place. I had low expectations having driven directly through the city to get there, but once I got into the mountains just a little bit I was shocked to find some incredibly beautiful spots right outside of one of the biggest cities I have been in.
- What are you most excited about this summer? I am looking forward to being around people who love doing cool stuff in the outdoors!