Ryan Costello

A Milwaukee, WI, native, Ryan’s love for outdoor education began when he was a counselor for a YMCA camp in his home state. He later became the outdoor explorer director, leading campers on multi-day canoeing and backpacking trips in northern Wisconsin. He was also an environmental education instructor, leading team-building, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing activities for kids and teenagers. He’s worked at Camp Kindred, a intentional community that brings together children of different race, ethnicity, and economic advantage. Ryan has worked a graphic designer for an advertising agency, and he spent the last few winters as a ski instructor in Steamboat Springs, CO, and Park City, UT. Fun fact: Ryan has thru-hiked both the Pacific Crest Trail and Colorado Divide Trail.

• Education: University of Minnesota, bachelor’s degree in journalism
• Medical and outdoor certifications: Wilderness first responder, PSIA alpine level 1
• Favorite outdoor memory: Sleeping on the islands of the Wisconsin River with campers.
• Biggest outdoor achievement: Summiting Mt. Shasta with my students in 2021! A snowless ascent, the scree fields made for a challenging adventure.
• Favorite place you’ve traveled: The Wind River Range in Wyoming, where there are beautiful wildflowers and alpine lakes.
• Favorite hobbies: Skiing, cycling and walking!
• What are you excited for this summer? Taking my students to their next level, and learning more about plant identification.
• Previous trips with Adventure Treks include Blue Ridge Adventure, Ultimate Blue Ridge, California Challenge, California Adventure