No doubt, Kim’s experiences at Sterling College laid the foundation for her ever evolving set of skills. From Sterling courses such as Winter Expedition to Small Group Dynamics, from working as a Teacher’s Assistant to completing her Senior Applied Research Project, Kim gained experiences that prepared her for her work with Outward Bound Wilderness. Her Sterling experiences instilled a sense of confidence in her ability to plan a wilderness trip, facilitate a group, and deal with a backcountry emergency. She also understands the deeper purpose behind outdoor experiences, that is, character development, both self-reliance and team work, reflection, and compassion. “I’m passionate about teaching people technical and interpersonal skills in a wilderness area. I love to watch people grow! The wilderness expedition experience results in tangible personal growth. The lessons learned are transferable to life in general.”

This summer, Kim will return to the Beartooth Wilderness in southwest Montana to lead 10, 15, and 22-day Alpine Backpacking and Whitewater Canoeing trips for her fourth summer. Although Kim doesn’t see herself instructing expeditions in different parts of the country forever, she does desire to complete at least one wilderness expedition annually, preferable during the summer months. “Expeditions are important to me, because they tap deeply into who I am as a person. I'm asked to give in a way that comes naturally for me, but is also very challenging to me. The process of planning a trip grounds me, rejuvenates me, and connects me to my values." (click here to return to News and Views)