Karen

I joined Girl Scouts here in the Portland area in the 1980’s as a 7th grade Cadette. I was lucky enough to join a very active troop who travelled the world near and far constantly.  We were busy all year sailing, backpacking, white water rafting, big bicycle trips, and a variety of snow sports, too. Because we did everything under the sun, I learned to love everything, too.

 My Gold Award was creating a backpacking curriculum and instituting it at the Council Level.  I taught the first couple classes and then turned it over to Council to continue. Ever since then, I’ve been teaching backpacking to anyone interested in learning and have been adventuring across the country in my adult years.

Today, I live in Camas, WA and mostly backpack with friends and family. I am passionate about teaching Leave No Trace and Orienteering. After all, the best way to “Leave No Trace” is to know where you are.   I also spend significant time volunteering at the local Wildlife refuges doing invasive species removal and habitat restoration. I’m certified to teach the Wilderness Hiking and Basic Backpacking classes as well as being an Archery Trainer.

I love teaching youth to be adventurous in the outdoors! My favorite quote is: “In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” Baba Dioum, Senegalese conservationist (b. 1937).  I endeavor to teach kids to love the outdoors any way I can.  I also have quite a bit of backpacking and outdoor gear that I can lend out to folks.

I love all things outdoors and love to share my experiences as well as chat in general with any and everybody about the so very awesome outdoors!