Avid4 Adventure

Avid 4 Adventure Staff

Through participant awareness and education, and high staff-to-student ratios, the crew at Avid 4 Adventure is able to promote safety as a top priority while at the same time providing a fun learning environment. In addition to our camp being Accredited by the American Camp Association and Licensed by the State of Colorado as a Childcare Facility, all of our staff is certified in a minimum of Wilderness First Aid (WFR) and CPR, trained in defensive driving, and background checked. Each team member has lots of experience working with kids and, as their students will attest, has proven to be great role models. In addition, all staff are proficient in their area of instruction, and participate in an extensive pre-season staff training and orientation. Please read on to learn more about the Avid4 Adventure team.

Are you interested in joining the Avid4 Adventure Staff?
Please download and fill out an electronic application.
To be an Avid4 staff, you must be age 21 or over. If you are interested in a leadership position and are between the ages of 13 and 17, please check out our Teen Leader in Training Program.

David Secunda- Program Director

Avid4Adventure founder David Secunda has made his livelihood not only as a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and outdoor industry leader, but also as a parent and an educator. "Some of the most incredible experiences that I've had with my daughters have been either outdoors or while traveling. These environments provide both kids and parents with prime opportunities to grow and enjoy adventures together." His bicycle trip across New Zealand with his wife and 11-month-old daughter is just one of these types of trips David has embarked on in the last 20 years. Secunda is the recipient of the Jim Rennee Outdoor Industry Leadership Award, the Woodchuck award (20 years in the outdoor industry), and was named CEO of the Year by the Denver Post in 2000. Secunda has a BS in Outdoor Recreation and a BA in Psychology. Previously he has served as the Director of Outdoor Education at CU, Boulder, the President of the Outdoor Industry Association, and the CEO of PlanetOutdoors. He has served on the boards of Leave No Trace, the American Hiking Association, and the Student Conservation Association. He currently is a Wilderness First Responder, and a Certified American Mountain Guides Association Top Rope Site Manager.

Kyle Littman- Director of Operations

After growing up in New Joisey and graduating from the University of Virginia, Kyle moved to Boulder in 2001 and has never left. Formerly a classroom teacher both in the United States and abroad, Kyle decided to pursue his love of the outdoors and most recently has taught adaptive skiing for the Breckenridge Outdoor Ed Center, led bike trips in Southeast Alaska with Sockeye Cycle, and guided wilderness trips for adjudicated youth for Outward Bound. Currently, Kyle is the Director of Operations for Avid4. Kyle returns to Avid 4 Adventure for his 5th year and is greatly looking forward to all of the exciting, new programs and more opportunities for children across the Front Range. “To be a part of Avid4’s growth and witness firsthand its ability to continuously create smiles and laughter for children and families makes me want to stay around for a long while.” When he is not working, Kyle is traveling the world, digging in the dirt, or reading on his porch. If Kyle seems a bit tired this summer, make sure to ask him how it's going being a new daddy.

Robb Green - Events Director

Robb was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and has had a love for the outdoors his entire life. After being transferred by MicroSoft to Colorado in 2000 he has rearranged his career to better suit his active lifestyle, teaching snowboard lessons in the winter months and working for Open Space during the summer months before joining Avid4 Adventure in 2008. In his free time Robb has seized the opportunity to pursue his passion for Mountain biking, Hiking, Fishing, Rock Climbing, snowboarding or most anything else you could think to do in the mountains. 'With all of the beautiful days Colorado has to offer I can't sit still for a moment'

Richard Vercoe- Consultant

While Richard has been working in the outdoors--as a guide, environmentalist, naturalist, and firefighter--for over 15 years now, it was only in the last 7 years that he has been working full-time professionally with kids in the outdoors. The reason for this dedication? "Because nature itself is the most perfect learning environment for complete development in young people," he says. "In nature all aspects of a person are allowed to develop; the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual." In addition to his leadership at Avid4 Adventure, Vercoe (pronounced ver-ko) is the director of development for Ayacara International, a group that focuses on youth development and human development in South America through outdoor recreation and environmental education. Richard is a Wilderness First Responder and certified sea kayak guide; he also recently worked as a cycling guide for youth groups on expeditionary cycling trips along the Pacific Coast. With degrees in Nature and Culture from the University of California, and Environmental Studies and Anthropology from Sierra College, Richard is an obvious asset and a foundation instructor of the Avid4 Team. "I really enjoy working with youth in the outdoors as the combination produces an endless source of energy and learning for both the kids and me as well as a greater level of appreciation and understanding of the natural world."

Mariah Fogarty-Sears- Travel and Day Camp Director

Mariah’s love for the outdoors has been lives in many environments and with many different populations. Mariah worked as an instructor for Outward Bound Discovery in Florida leading canoe trip for adjudicated and at risk youth for three years after college. This job deepened her belief that the outdoors is a powerful resource for learning, challenge and self discovery. Mariah’s real outdoor love is the mountains, leading her to many beautiful and remote places including the Front Range. Mariah spent this past year working in a middle and high school here in Boulder. Mariah is a certified NOLS mountaineering and backpacking instructor. She has her Wilderness first responder as well as CPR and first aid certifications. It is the ability of the wilderness to humble us one moment and empower us the next that draws Mariah back to working in the outdoors year after year.

Sarah Pekala - Day Camp and School Program Director

Sarah has been teaching in the outdoors for the past eight years. She attended school at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and graduated with a degree in natural resource management. Sarah has a varied background in outdoor programming and leading backcountry trips. Much of her experience began during college, where she was actively involved in her university’s outdoor program, UNCA Outdoors. After graduating, Sarah went in search of bigger mountains and found herself in Colorado. Over the past few years, Sarah has played in the woods with different organizations, including time spent as an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School. She is in her second year with Avid4, and is psyched for her new role as Boulder Camp Director. "My passions lie in teaching children and inspiring them through new activities and places. Being able to facilitate growth in young people is the most rewarding work I have found." When not with Avid4, Sarah can be found cooking, traveling and adventuring with her boyfriend, Brett, and her goofy Labrador, Kelsey.

Matt Nolen- Paddle Sports Program Supervisor

Matt is a southern boy at heart! Growing up in the southern Appalachians he spent lots of time at the lake and building forts in the woods behind his house. Being outside has always been a part of his life and is a passion to be shared with others. Matt is fortunate to return to a camp setting after spending the past three summers conducting forestry field work in across Colorado and the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee. Previously he was an adventure educator for Camp Wesley Woods located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A 2007 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Forestry, Matt made the move to Colorful Colorado in the fall and spent the winter as an alpine and telemark ski instructor. His main focus with Avid4 is in the paddle sports arena. In addition to skiing and paddling he enjoys being around other folks and running as fast as possible.

Matt Orr- Mountain Bike Program Supervisor

Raised in the suburbs of New York City, Matt always felt drawn to the outdoors. Inspired by a two week family trip to the Rockies as a kid, Matt journeyed back to Colorado for college. He got involved with a wide range of outdoor pursuits In college, spending each free moment up in the mountains. He received a B.S. in Business Management and Human Resources from CU Boulder, but has since spent his years working as a wilderness guide with students in Colorado. Matt has years of experience working with youth either in summer camps or substitute teaching and tutoring in Denver. He is particularly passionate about exposing children to the outdoors because he knows how positively those experiences may impact ones life. He lives with his wife Molly in downtown Denver.

Jamie Steele - Youth Development Coordinator

Jamie's love for the outdoors began in the woods and on the lakes of beautiful Minnesota. While attending the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse pursuing an Interpersonal Communications major, Jamie spent four summers leading canoe and camping trips in northern Wisconsin for high school youth before moving to Colorado. Over the past few years he has worked in a variety of outdoor education settings, most recently with Avid 4 Adventure. His passion for working with young people is the reason he believes deeply in what he does. "To empower a young person to discover their own gifts and talents, that they already possess, is truly a privilege to be a part of." In his down time Jamie can be found hanging out with his wife, his dog, and simply living the dream.

Brett Yoho- Instructor

“The outdoors is a classroom like no other, where we can learn things about ourselves, others, and our surroundings in a way we simply cannot anywhere else.” Brett recently completed an AA in Outdoor Education, is a certified Wilderness First Responder, and is certified in Outdoor Leadership as a Mountaineering Specialist. When he isn’t working with Avid4, he is working on completing a BA in Human Performance and Sport, a K-12 teaching endorsement, and busy being a father to his 8 year old son. Originally from Maryland, he has called Colorado home for the last 11 years and now lives with his family near Evergreen, CO. “What I love most about working with kids is not teaching them what I know, but learning from them all they have to share with me. There are few things more rewarding than witnessing self discovery in a child, and knowing that you helped make it possible.”

Martin Barnett - Instructor

Originally from Wales, (UK) Martin’s true affection for traveling helped him find his way across the pond to Colorado. Having been to over 35 countries and all seven continents, he really enjoys experiencing different cultures and ways of living. Although he is a qualified SCUBA diver, snowboarder and has completed over 600 skydives, Martin’s true love is the mountains, where he enjoys rock and ice climbing and has been mountaineering for over 10 years. He has also summited a vast array of mountains, including Denali, Ama Dablam and Mt Everest. Apart from undertaking all these activities, Martin has his Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications, as well as an associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Aaron Voreis - Staff Member

Aaron Voreis is very excited to be working with Avid this summer. An outdoor educator since 1999, Aaron has instructed with the National Outdoor Leadership School, Western State College of Colorado, and Menogyn Wilderness Adventures. His goal when working with kids is to provide safe opportunities to explore outside and hopefully develop a life-long love for the outdoors. Aaron is certified in Wilderness First Aidand CPR, and has extensive experience leading all ages in multiple disciplines. Other than working with kids, his favorite things to do are rock climb, ski, ride bikes, and hang out with his wonderful wife Robin, who also works for Avid.

Robin Voreis - Staff Member

Robin’s sense of adventure has taken her across Europe, Newfoundland and all over the United States. She Graduated from Alaska Pacific University with a degree in Fine Art and Outdoor Studies, and currently calls Colorado Home. Robin loves to explore her giant “back yard” whether she’s hiking, rock climbing, skiing or mountain biking. She has worked with kids for the past 10 years and is always impressed and amazed by their ability to see the world with unique eyes. She is currently working towards her Colorado Teaching license.

Ryan Pjesky - Instructor

Born in Denver, CO and raised many places in-between (TX, AZ, MI, IL and CA), Ryan’s passion for outdoor adventure began early, in the very mountains that Avid4 Adventure calls home. Perhaps it was the “Double Diamond” pins his mother bought him at the General Store in Lionshead after a long, hard day at ski school. Or maybe it was the scent of willow thickets and icy creeks as he blazed trail with his family to their secret fishing hole in the Belles. Whatever it was, Ryan got hooked, and “Outside for Life” reverberates within him, day in and day out. Ryan’s favorite outdoor activities include snowboarding, hiking, camping, fly-fishing, biking, skating and surfing. Ryan received a B.A. in Environmental Studies at CU Boulder, a Masters in Multi-Cultural Secondary Education with an emphasis in Biology at DePaul University, and completed an intensive tropical biology study researching the medicinal values of local pre-montane and montane forests in Costa Rice. He has taught at various schools and practiced a range of teaching philosophies, including Montessori, experiential and web-based. When he is not instructing at Avid4 in the summer, Ryan finds retreat in world travel. During the school year he teaches earth science and biology at Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton. He is also the head sponsor for Dakota’s ski and snowboard group, the SnowRider’s Club. This will be Ryan’s fifth year working with Avid4.

Aaron Inouye- Travel Camp Instructor

After completing his B.A. in English, Aaron quickly abandoned desk jockeying in order to pursue more inspiring work in the outdoors. After stints as a trail crew leader, coach, retail monkey and various other outdoor jobs, Aaron is excited to have found a place at Avid4 where he can share his love of the outdoors with children and continue to be amazed by them. When he’s not playing at work, Aaron continues to play outside, whether he’s biking, skiing, climbing, or playing soccer.

Terra Hoover - Staff Member

Terra, a native of Colorado, grew up camping, hiking, fishing and scrambling on rocks. She believes that growing up in the Colorado mountains helped shape who she is and her goal is to use outdoor recreation to teach kids about stewardship, dedication, and leadership. Over the years, Terra has spent every spare moment outside, guiding and participating in outdoor excursions. She found her calling while leading trips as an officer of the University of Denver's Alpine Club, and has been a professional sea kayak guide in the San Juan Islands. If she's not working you can probably find her climbing somewhere high on the rock walls of Colorado. She is certified in Swift Water Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, and CPR.

Melinda Hudson- Staff Member

Melinda just completed her degree in Outdoor Recreation from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Melinda spent her summers in college working Outdoor Ed jobs in Estes Park, Colorado and in Washington. She is also a two-time graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) having completed a Semester in Patagonia and an Outdoor Educator Mountaineering course in the Pacific Northwest. Melinda is a certified Wilderness First Responder and recently became trained as a Leave No Trace Master Educator.
She moved to Boulder in January to intern with Leave No Trace, which eventually led her to Avid4 Adventure.

Milada Reifschneider- Staff Member

Milada was born in Prague, Czech Republic. Growing up during communism when a banana was a once a year treat and traveling outside of Soviet Block was extremely difficult gave her appreciation for everything life has to offer. After finishing high school she got accepted to study History of Religions and Philosophy with a minor in International and Inter-religious communication at Charles University in Prague. During her studies she volunteered as an activity instructor with disabled children and spent her summers traveling all over Europe. She was also an instructor at adventure English Camps and helped with leading various biking, backpacking and river canoeing trips. One of her most touching trips was a group trip to Ukrainian orphanages. Milada moved to Colorado 6 years ago and fell in love with the mountains and sunny weather. Her family still lives overseas so her Colorado family consists of a naughty mutt Sasha, Golden Retriever Sam and fat horse Annie. Milada is very excited to start working with children again. “I love teaching kids about healthy lifestyle and caring for environment. In my opinion it is one of the best ways to make a difference, because kids are our future. I believe nature is the perfect environment for personality development. The variety and unpredictability of outdoors require us to constantly adjust and learn about ourselves and one another.” While not at work Milada enjoys all outdoor activities, working out, photography, traveling and of course spending time with her animals and loved ones.

Fani Griffith-Jones - Leader in Training

Originally from Ethiopia and a native speaker of Amharic, Fani is one of our returning Leaders in Training. His love for new challenges and enthusiasm for teaching and sharing his passion for music, soccer and the outdoors all contribute to Fani’s continued success and contributions at Avid4.

Kris Schmidt - Aftercare Specialist

Kris has been working with kids for the last year with Boulder Valley's after school care program and through various other volunteer organizations for the underprivileged. He is currently a student at the University of Colorado in Boulder pursuing a degree in Mathematics and a certification for Secondary Education with hopes of teaching highschool students.

Janine Grossman - Instructor

Janine's love for the outdoors began at a young age, when she spent any free moment she had in her family's 40+ acres of farm land and woods on their dairy farm in western New York. Janine worked as a camp counselor for three summers after high school and pursued a degree in youth ministry. During her last semester of college, she went on a week-long wilderness trip and was instantly hooked. After graduating from Baptist Bible College with a bachelor's degree in 2004, she worked on a local dairy farm to pay off her school loans. Her yearning to work with youth in the outdoors didn't disappear, though, and finally in 2006 she graduated from a NOLS Rocky Mountain Outdoor Educator Course. Afterward, she worked for Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing in Virginia for a year and a half as a group facilitator and summer trip guide. However, Janine's love for the Rocky Mountains still called, so she moved to Boulder with her fiance this spring. She loves to work with kids, teens and adults and to help them maximize their fun outside. She also enjoys mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and camping in her free time.

Rebecca Mayne - Yoga Teacher and Instructor

Rebecca is currently studying yoga therapy and somatic psychology at Naropa University and expects to graduate next spring. In addition to practicing yoga, she enjoys spending time both relaxing and challenging her physical limitations in nature by hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, road biking and simply sitting in a peaceful place. Eventually, she hopes to synthesize her passion for the outdoors with her studies by creating an NPO for underprivileged and at-risk youth. Rebecca loves working with children and is very excited about working with Avid4, where she looks forward to teaching yoga and helping facilitate awesome adventures in the outdoors that will build strong foundations for healthy lifestyles!

Chris "Bama" Millucky- Staff Member

Bama feels very fortunate to be working with kids in an outdoor setting. He also enjoys spending his free time kayaking, mountain biking and honing his outdoor cooking skills. Bama admits “I pretty much spend all my time outside.” That’s why once a year or so, he likes to spend a few days enjoying the great indoors. “It’s really nice to stay inside and just sleep.” Bama has an intense love for life and an even greater passion for sharing it. “I love introducing both big kids and little kids to my best friend Mother Nature. She’s always been so much fun to hang out with!” Bama is certified as a Lifeguard and as a Red Cross Small Craft Safety Instructor Trainer for Canoeing and Kayaking in addition to his Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

Jessica Bloise - Leader in Training

Jessica just finished her freshman year at the University of Colorado, where she works for the Outdoor Program and tutors Spanish while pursuing a degree in Spanish and integrative psychology. Jessica loves rafting, backpacking and hiking and is on her way to climbing all of Colorado's 14'ers before she graduates college. Jessica hopes to one day become a physical therapist and an Outward Bound instructor.

Nicole Adams- Staff Member

Nicole spent most of her childhood in Maine, trekking in the woods and surrounding fields, climbing rocks along the coast and investigating tide pools. She is grateful that her parents taught her to love and respect the outdoors from a very young age. She began mentoring children as a teenager and has worked extensively as a children’s bereavement counselor through various hospice organizations. “Everything we do in life is a work of art in progress” and she can’t think of a better place for creative beings to learn and create than outside; she is excited to pass on her knowledge and enthusiasm. With a BA degree in Contemplative Psychology, Art and Yoga from Naropa University, Nicole plans to start her own business as a life coach. In the meantime, she works with kids and does in-home care for people that are elderly and disabled. When she’s not working, chances are good you will find her taking advantage of all Boulder has to offer such as rock climbing, hiking or biking.

Nicole Long- Staff Member

Nicole is a native to the Colorado Rocky Mountains where she grew up biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing. Her passion for the outdoors has always been a big part of her life. "There is nothing like hearing the wind blow through the trees while hiking, seeing a fish jump in- front of your canoe or smelling the fresh dirt under your feet while riding your bike". The last three years Nicole has been teaching English to children of all ages in Korea, Turkey, and Taiwan. "What I have found is children are beautiful where ever you go and no matter what culture you are in children will always be children; playful, curious, and absorbent like a sponges". It’s these experiences that have made Nicole want to further her teaching career by seeking a Masters in Education.

Paul Dreyer- Staff Member

"I love seeing kids challenge themselves and accomplish something that they never thought they could do," says Paul, himself an 8-year outdoor-education veteran. From biking across Europe or rafting the Grand Canyon, to hiking and biking the trails around his home in the mountains outside of Boulder, he just loves to be outside. Dreyer is a Wilderness First Aid Instructor and has guided river trips and bike trips throughout the Western U.S. He has an M.A. in School Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.

Spruce Schoenemann - Instructor

Spruce grew up playing in the woods, rivers and meadows of Vermont, which instilled in him a curiosity for nature. After graduating from Washington’s Whitman College with a B.A. in Geology and Environmental Studies he started working on Tall Ships in the Pacific & Atlantic Oceans, incorporating his passion for the natural world with hands-on learning. His concern for the threatened environment and the disconnectedness of today’s youth from the outdoors led Spruce to want to expose others to the benefits of outdoor recreation. Over the past six years he has worked for a number of outdoor education organizations, including the Student Conservation Association, Outward Bound, Naturalist’s At Large, Boojum Institute and Sound Experience. He has worked on backcountry trail crews, taught the physics of mountain biking, led ocean-bound sailing expeditions and shared his knowledge of geology, climate change, and natural history. Spruce moved to Colorado to teach high-school science at the alternative Eagle Rock School in Estes Park in 2006. He is an avid climber, biker, sailor, backcountry skier and environmentalist. “I enjoy witnessing the transformation that students undergo when they gain experience in a new outdoor pursuit or discover a new interest in the natural world.”

Gil Elhart- Yoga Instructor & Staff Member

General: James 'Gil' Elhart brings a special enthusiasm, sincerity and experience to Avid4 Adventure. Gil's students always seem to have a smile on their face. Gil has been teaching teens in summer camps, YMCA camps, community colleges, and ski areas since high school. He can climb, paddle, bike, and ride, and he loves instilling a passion for these sports in young people. Originally from North Carolina, Gil

spent several summers as an adventure program counselor at the YMCA of the Rockies, and moved West after graduating from college with a degree in Parks, Recreation, Sports and Tourism Management. Locally, he has been the assistant director of after-school youth programs at the Boulder Valley YMCA and a certified snowboard instructor at Eldora Mountain Resort. "My inspiration comes from teaching kids something that they never thought they could do. Nobody can take that away from them."

Yoga: Gil began his yoga journey in 1999 practicing Vinyasa and Hatha yoga. Three years later he took his first Bikram’s class and regularly practiced this style for the next two and half years. He studied Iyengar Yoga for a year while living in Santa Fe learning to focus on proper alignment in each posture. Then he rediscovered his passion for Vinyasa in 2005 when he moved to Boulder. Gil completed 200-hour training in Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Interdisciplinary Yoga in April 2007 at Frog Lotus Yoga. He has attended seminars and workshops with various teachers, some famous others lesser known, all of which have inspired and shaped the spiritual, fun-loving style that Gil loves to practice and teach. Additionally, Gil spent the summer months of 2007 teaching yoga to youth at Avid4 Adventure. In November of 2007, Gil attended a Storytime Yoga Teacher Training with Sydney Solis. He now teaches yoga for kids the first Sunday of each month at Solar Yoga, where he also teaches Power Vinyasa and Gentle Hatha Flow classes.

Matt Mowen - Instructor

Matt grew up exploring local fields, forests and wetlands in a small town outside Chicago. After high school, he pursued a degree in education from Western Illinois University. His desire to change the world through helping individuals grow, develop, and explore new interests lead him to the field of education. Upon graduating, he relocated to Hawaii where he taught life skills to students with disabilities at Kauai High School, in Lihue, Kauai. While there, he explored the Hawaiian Islands through surfing, hiking, and paddling outrigger canoes. More recently, he moved back to the mainland to purse an MS Ed in counseling. Matt is currently a special education teacher at Monarch K-8 in Louisville. He loves spending his spare time outside with his beautiful wife Ruby and two dogs, Koa and Lani.

Lindsay Freeman - Instructor

Lindsay is a recently certified University of Colorado elementary teacher with an undergraduate degree in Outdoor Experiential Education from Appalachian State University. Prior to transitioning to the classroom, she spent a few years teaching science outside to 5th and 6th graders in both Colorado and California. During that time, she also led extended wilderness trip with middle school to college students in Alaska, Wyoming, The American Southwest, New Zealand and Fiji. Her love of teaching and working with students in an outdoor setting prompted her to become a part of the Avid4 Team. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys road biking, rock climbing, traveling, camping and reading good books.

Adam O'Neil- Staff Member

Adam has been working with kids since he has moved to Boulder last year. Before then, Adam lived and worked in Los Angeles for a few years, working for the Los Angeles Kings hockey club with their youth hockey camps/clinics and in their sales and marketing teams. He has over 10 years experience working with kids and young athletes, and although most of Adam's coaching experience has been on the ice, he is eager and enthusiastic about everything that Avid4 Adventure has to offer. Adam has a psychology degree from Lake Forest College, and in his free time, he enjoys climbing, mountain biking, home-brewing, and being active outdoors with his girlfriend Lauren and his Puggle "Morgan".

Lauren Milne - Instructor

Lauren has been an outdoor lover since the ripe old age of three, when her Dad first taught her to ski. She grew up in New York exploring the Adirondack Mountains, and after spending a couple years at Nazareth College, took time off and embarked on a westward adventure for a semester with NOLS. Lauren graduated from NOLS as a new Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Master and decided to pack up and jump on a train to Denver! In addition to her other skills, Lauren brings extensive experience working with children, at-risk youth and disabled individuals through creative arts back in New York, and more recently with individuals with Alzheimer’s here in Colorado. Lauren will be back to school in the fall to finish her degree in therapeutic recreation at Metro State.

Tyler Brown - Leader in Training

Tyler has been roaming the Rocky Mountains since he could walk – hiking, backpacking, climbing and kayaking everywhere he could go. His last few summers were spent in pursuit of his passion for the outdoors, exploring the Galapagos, scaling Colorado 14ers, wandering through Quebec's Jacques Cartier River Valley and traversing Alaska's Inland Passage. Tyler's time in the wilderness and experience as an Eagle Scout have helped develop his fascination with nature and taste for adventure, which he loves sharing with others. Tyler is a recent graduate of Boulder High School and is pursuing a BS in biology at Stanford University.

Becky Richardson - Instructor

Becky has had a love for the outdoors since she was growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, where she rode horses and competed in Hunter Jump and Combined Training for nine years across the southeast. After high school, she worked at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, North Carolina instructing various activities, including riding, rock climbing and riflery. It was during those years that she discovered her love of working with children and decided that she wanted to work with people and the outdoors. Since then, she has spent time working with Seacamp in the Florida Keys as a counselor, SCUBA assistant, lifeguard and day camp director and with the Winter X Games. Becky enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, whitewater sports, hiking, camping, horseback riding and climbing. As she looks to the future, she has her sights set on competing in and finishing an adventure race.

Virginia Sanford - Instructor & After-camp Care Specialist

Virginia grew up in small-town Vermont, where she first began hiking, climbing, canoeing and biking. After high school, she attended SMU in Dallas, Texas, hoping to find a place the polar opposite of small-town Vermont. After studying abroad in southern France and Paris, she feels her original goal has been achieved. After exploring France and Texas, Virginia moved to Colorado, initially intending to only stay for the summer. Two years later, she’s still here and recently graduated from CU with a degree in French. While she plans on becoming a French teacher, Virginia is currently busy being consumed by all the outdoor activities she finds around her, specifically rock climbing. She is still completely in love with Colorado and has no plans on leaving.