University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

How did you get involved in the outdoors?

I became involved in adventure sports through a high school gym class that I took. The class was all about adventure sports and really introduced me to the industry and what these activities can do for you. After that initial class I continued to become more involved in outdoor recreation and was introduced to whitewater canoeing. Whitewater canoeing proved to be what really "pulled" me in. Once I came to Stout I began working for Stout Adventures my first semester and went on my first SA trip 2 weeks after classes started.

What did you do this past summer?

This summer I did my internship in Colorado, working for an Army recreation program as a rafting, climbing, and kayaking guide. As part of my internship I was able to live on base and work with a variety soldiers, retirees, and their families.

Which outdoor activity do you enjoy the most?Which are you the best at?

My main passion is whitewater kayaking, so hopefully that is the one I am the best at...

It all began in high school, I had taken a class my Junior year called Adventure Leadership. From this point forward my life had been impacted by the outdoors so extensively it is more than something I just enjoy doing, it’s my passion and my life. In this class we did Kayaking, Climbing, Snowshoeing, XC-Skiing and other outdoor related activities, climbing had the largest impact on me. I engaged myself fully into climbing learning everything I could, after going to UW-Platteville and “re-kindling the fire” for their Outdoor Adventure Club I soon found myself going to UW-Stout eventually traveling to New York and West Virginia to get certified through the AMGA as a Single Pitch Climbing Instructor. 

Even though a lot of my knowledge is in climbing I do a lot of different outdoor activities my top three other than climbing would have to be Mountain Biking, Road Biking and Hunting. All of these interests have lead me to places throughout the country, I am very fortunate to say I have been to 16 states on outdoor adventure trips (mostly climbing), California and Nevada being my favorite. This last winter break (2011-2012) myself and many others went on a month long climbing trip and in short it was the most epic month of my life, from California beaches to the red sandstone of Vegas it was simply amazing.

If you choose to go on a trip with Stout Adventures I hope I can be your leader and I am excited to meet you!

My name is StephanieWheeler, I am a Junior at UW-Stout with a major in Art Education and aconcentration in drawing. I love to fish, kayak, hike andplay outdoors in my spare time.

What do you like bestabout SA and/or trip leading?

I love being able toteach people new things and meet new people who are always willing to trysomething new.

Briefly describe your most fun outdoor trip?

I went to New Zealandfor 24 this winter with Stout adventures and it was the mostamazing experience! I would love to go back one day!

What is your favorite camping meal/recipe?

Stuffing with gravy,chicken and corn!

How did you get involved in the outdoors?

To be honest, I have always been a huge fan of the outdoors in general. Since I was young, I have always indulged myself in the fruits of what the outdoors has to offer, whether it is hunting, fishing, foraging, or simply running around in the yard. When I came to Stout, I wasn't aware a place with such natural frugality existed such as Stout Adventures. It was a whole new world of untapped adventure. I have found great comfort at Stout Adventures and the opportunity for challenges that are centered around the natural world rather than in the classroom. It was an added bonus when coming to college and I am excited for the years to come, not to mention the limitless opportunities that I will stumble across along the way.

What do you like best about SA and/or trip leading?

Simply put, I love the friendships and social connections that bond a group of adventures, one trip at a time.

What is your favorite camping meal/recipe?

Stove Top Stuffing with the works!

Briefly describe your favorite outdoor trip.

Backcountry kayaking and camping in America's iconic Lake Powell. Nothing says it better than a spring break trip with SA's finest thrill seekers!

How did you get involved in the outdoors?

I have been an outdoor girl as long as I can remember. I remember growing up onmy family's farm which is surrounded by almost endless anchors of Michigan forest. I made make-shift boats to float in swamps, built tree and ground forts so I could sleep outside (but usually chickened out!), created pulley systems so I could climb even the most scraggly trees, and loved helping my family harvest maple syrup.

What do you like best about SA and/or trip leading?

My favorite part of SA is meeting awesome people who love the outdoors! This allows me to share my passion for outdoor recreation. I love connecting people to fun trips, teaching new skills, or simply sharing good places to go that I know of.

What did you do this past summer?

I spent most of my summer in Michigan visiting friends and family, hitting some mountain biking trails, and enjoying the Great Lakes. I made two trips out to Red River Gorge, Kentucky, to climb, one trip to Virginia, and reached my summer goal of learning how to trad climb! (Although I still have a lot to learn!) I finished the summer out with a climbing trip out to Mount Rushmore, Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota, and Devil's Tower, Wyoming.

How did you get involved in the outdoors?

I grew up engaged outdoors. From family camping trips to exploring the woods near our home as I was a kid, I always find myself where I want to be when I’m outside.

What do you like most about Stout Adventures?

It’s hard to say what I like most about Stout Adventures! I have learned so many excellent skills I will use throughout the rest of my life. I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy amazing trips with some awesome students. Most of all though, I would have to say that I appreciate all the people who make SA work. They have been my favorite inspiration, and are a wealth of information too.

Favorite backcountry recipe?

My favorite camping recipe is coffee and water.  Heat water. Add coffee. Life is now better.

What did you do this past summer?

I spent my summer of 2012 on co-op in Cleveland, TN as a Manufacturing Engineer. When not at work I rode on the trails and roads of Southeast Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia on my bikes. I also explored the wild whitewater of the Ocoee, Hiwasee, and Nantahala rivers.  I even found some time left over to get on the first class sandstone of the south rock climbing. The area is alive with excellent outdoor activity, and some great people.

Last thought…

Please be a steward of our world. Think about the places around you in everything you do. We are more adapted to influence our surrounding environments more than any other being on this planet, so let’s take that responsibility to heart. We can do great things.