Wilderness Camp, Teen Travel, Wilderness Schools, Summer Youth Programs

Name: Britton Keeshan
Hometown: Greenwich, CT
Age: 23
High School: Phillips Andover Academy
College: Middlebury College
Summers with WV: 1
Adventures: Alaska Expedition

Middlebury College Class of 2005
Youngest person to climb the Seven Summits

THE SEVEN SUMMITS
Mt Everest - May 24, 2004 (Asia)
Vinson Massif - Jan. 14, 2004 (Antarctica)
Kosciuszko - Apr. 10, 2003 (Oceana)
Mt. Kilimanjaro - Aug. 27, 2001 (Africa)
Elbrus - Aug. 2, 2001 (Europe)
Aconcagua - Jan. 22, 2001 (South America)
Denali - July 3, 1999 (N. America)

"Looking back on my experience, when I set out for Alaska in 1997, I had no idea how much a single experience or moment in time could influence the path of one's life. But in reality, I think that is what a Wilderness Ventures experience is all about. My time in Alaska was in a sense, surreal. I had signed up with Wilderness Ventures as a means of stepping out of the box. I wanted to find something new and exciting and essentially throw myself into a completely new setting, far from home to expand my horizons. I learned about a world that I never knew had existed. I gained the confidence to pursue even bigger and grander goals. But more importantly I learned how to work with a group of people, with whom I had never previously met, for the sake of a common objective. Towards the end of my Wilderness Ventures experience, when I saw Mt. McKinley for the first time, I knew that I had developed the inner strength necessary to raise the bar to an even higher level." With the friends that I had by my side, and the four previous weeks under my belt, I knew that there would be nothing I couldn't set my mind to and accomplish with a little persistence and hard work. Wilderness Ventures gave me the tools I needed to achieve great things. For that, I cannot thank Wilderness Ventures enough. Who knew that a single period of six weeks would result in universal respect for what lies beyond our individual borders, a lesson in friendship and support, and the confidence one could ever need to tackle all the mountains in one's life?"

Name: Ellie Parker
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Age: 22
Trips as a student: Jackson Hole Adventure, Alaska College leadership
Trips asa leader: Washington Mountaineering, Cascade Oly mpic

"For the past ten years, Wilderness Ventures has played a significant role in my life teaching me the values of communication, teamwork, and respect for others more than any other experience during my teenage years. The lessons I learned from the group experience prepared me well for many other situations, such as college dormitory life and even the working environment as an adult. In my two summers as a participant, I developed a love of the wilderness, a firmer sense of self, and the ability and confidence to work well with a variety of different people. In my experiences as a leader I’ve watched and helped participants grow and change in remarkable ways. Being in a position as a leader to facilitate and guide participants’ growth in a positive and healthy direction has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life."

Name: Gates Merriman
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Age: 17
School: University School
Summers with WV: 4
Adventures: Grand Teton Adventure, Washington/Oregon, High Sierra, Alaska South Central

"My participation in Wilderness Ventures trips over the past four years has been a central part of my personal development and has helped me to mature as a person. I have learned invaluable leadership skills as well as important life lessons through my experiences. Ultimately what I’ve taken away from these trips is a greater perspective on life and my own personal character. Though I have certainly seen some incredible things and had some amazing adventures, the things that really keep me coming back are the incredible friendships that I have developed with people from all across the country. It’s a rare opportunity to become so close to a group of people in such a short time, and one that I’m glad I’ve taken advantage of. You learn to depend on each other, to count on one another and in the process you develop incredible bonds of friendship. I wouldn’t trade that sort of experience for anything… it’s truly life-changing."

Name: Emily Sinclair
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Age: 23
Trips as a participant: Grand Teton, Pacific Northwest, Alaska Expedition, Alaska College Leadership
Trips as a leader: Puget Sound, Hawaii, Yellowstone-Teton Family Parent

"Wilderness Ventures has had a huge impact on my life. I had the priviledge of being a participant for four summers. On those four trips I learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and how to appreciate the environment around me. When I returned from all of my trips I was completely confident in myself. This is a quality that I hope all of my participants are able to take home with them as well. As a leader, I have seen students walk away from their summer experience with a huge smile on their face, due all they have accomplished. I believe very strongly in this program. Wilderness Ventures opened my eyes to a new appreication of the world around me. WV changed my life completely and for that I will always be grateful. The people that you meet, the places that you go and the goals that you accomplish as a team are the reasons why I have been dedicated to Wilderness Ventures for 8 years."

Name: Robby Kirkham
Hometown: Larchmont, NY
Age: 17
School: Rye Country Day
Summers with WV: 3
Adventures: Jackson Hole, Washington Mountaineering, Alaska Expedition

"I do not think it is possible to explain in words all that I have gained from going on my past two WV trips. It’s hard to explain how great WV really is with its caring yet relaxed leaders who showed me how to have fun and meet new friends while at the same time respect the beautiful outdoors we passed through. My favorite memory of last summer was finally reaching the top of Mt. Baker with a great group of new friends, knowing that I had just met one of the biggest challenges of my life."

Name: Cameron Nutt
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Age: 16
School: Pylytechnic High School
Summers with WV: 4
Adventures: Puget Sound, High Sierra, Alaska Expedition, Wyoming Mountaineering

"The three things that I believe exemplify a Wilderness Ventures summer are incredible places, unforgettable days and awesome people. I have been fortunate to go on four programs and each has had something very unique about it. From kayaking among orca whales to standing atop Mt. Shasta to waking up in the middle of the night to see a huge glacier crumble into the ocean, there have been some pretty magical experiences. I have developed a strong leadership ability which has benefited me in school, sports and life in general. These experiences will never leave me. "

Name: Anna Wool
Hometown: Montgomery, AL
Age: 18
School: Montgomery Academy
Summers with WV: 3
Adventures: European Alps, Alpine Leadership, Wyoming Mountaineering

"For the past three summers, I have been lucky enough to have participated in some fantastic Wilderness Ventures trips. In 2002, I spent a month in the Alps, completing two of Europe's most well-known hiking routes. The following summer, I chose to participate in one of Wilderness Venture's leadership training programs, the Washington Alpine, and this year the Wyoming Mountaineering. Spending 18 days in the backcountry was an incredible opportunity not only to learn more about backpacking fundamentals, but also to bond with the eleven other individuals who became a temporary family. "

Name: Reid Spain-Strombom
Hometown: Houston, TX
Age: 22
Trips as a student: Alaska Expedition, Rocky Mountain
Trips as a leader: High Sierra, Washington Alpine

"Growing up in Houston I didn't get many opportunities to explore the outdoors until my first Wilderness Ventures experience. What really brought me back to Wilderness Ventures for my second summer in Alaska was the group experience. The friends I made over those two summers were unlike any I had ever met. Now back as a leader I have gotten the pleasure to see trips from the other side. The growth in leadership, confidence, and outdoor skills is amazing to watch. Every participant leaves a more complete person with great friends and stories to share for years to come."

Name: Elspeth Runyan
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Age: 17
School: St. Mary's Episcopal
Summers with WV: 4
Adventures: Oregon, Alaska Service, European Alps, Wyoming Mountaineering

"Wilderness Ventures has been an amazing adventure in personal growth for me. From traversing the Monkey Face at Smith Rock State Park in Oregon, to helping Tlingit communities in Alaska, to hiking across three different countries in the Alps, I have learned more about people and myself than from any life experience I have ever had. During my three previous trips, I have grown into a more considerate, patient and independent person, while developing a love and respect for the outdoors. The recurring characteristic in all of the trips is the incredible support and nurturing of the Wilderness Ventures leaders. Without the leaders, the quality of these trips would not be possible. They are the reason that we return year after year. "

Name: Kate Davidson
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Age: 18
School: Saint Ursula Academy
Summers with WV: 3
Adventures: Puget Sound, Jackson Hole, Alaska Expedition

"Wilderness Ventures has completely changed the way I face life. The most intimidating part of Wilderness Ventures was being thrust into a group of fellow teens from all over the United States that I had never previously known. It took only a day or two before I felt like I had known them my entire life. After climbing to the top of the 13,771-foot Grand Teton, I returned home confident in my abilities and wielding a brand new set of social skills that have helped me maintain better relationships with my friends and family. Wilderness Ventures is not just an opportunity to face your fears and become a new person. It is a series of indescribable moments that remain with you for a lifetime."