R.A.D. Camps Team
R.A.D. Guides are more than just guides; they are passionate educators and experienced adventurers with diverse backgrounds. Each guide brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the great outdoors to R.A.D. Campers.
Our expeditions are led by certified Wilderness First Responders and backcountry professionals to enhance the experience for every camper. Our team consists of committed naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts who encourage campers to engage with the environment through free play and exploration. They are also experts in "Leave No Trace" principles, ensuring that we not only explore the wilderness but also respect and preserve it for future adventurers.
You can have peace of mind knowing that your children are in capable and caring hands, embarking on exciting wilderness adventures that are as educational as they are fun. To get to know our exceptional team better, check out the short biographies of each guide below. They are not just leading trips; they are inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Meet the R.A.D. Team
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Chance
OWNER
Chance, raised in Central Oregon, has a deep connection to nature, which has greatly influenced his life and career. Along with being the owner of our company, he also serves as a Wilderness EMT Ski Patroller in Park City, Utah. Chance combines his passion for outdoor adventure with a strong commitment to safety. His hands-on leadership and dedication ensure that our clients enjoy authentic and unforgettable expes expertise and enthusiasm for the outdoors enhance our offerings and promote a sense of community and safety among clients and staff.
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Cassi
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Cassi joined R.A.D. Camps as a guide in 2022 and has since become the cornerstone of our team as the Business Administrator. Armed with a degree in Business, she dedicates herself to orchestrating a truly RAD summer experience for every camper and parent.
Beyond her professional role, Cassi thrives on exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and seeking out thrilling adventures for some much-needed throttle therapy in her free time.
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Zach
SENIOR SUPERVISOR
Zach grew up off the grid in Northern California, and spent his childhood running around in the mountains hunting and fishing. He loves to share his knowledge about plants and mushrooms we find at R.A.D. Camps!
Zach has been a part of R.A.D. Camps for years. He is our senior trip leader and plays a significant role in training new R.A.D. Guides!
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Trevor
LEAD GUIDE
Trevor's childhood was spent at the confluence of the Rogue River and the sea in Southern Oregon, where he cherished the rivers, creeks, and ocean. This upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for outdoor recreation and a keen understanding of its vital role in youth development. With a Master of Education degree, Trevor has extensive experience in residential camps, after-school programs, and childcare. Currently in his second year as a guide for R.A.D. Camps, he brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. His favorite outdoor pursuits include surfing, rock climbing, skiing, and backpacking. Recently, Trevor achieved certification as a Wilderness First Responder through NOLS.
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Frank
LEAD GUIDE
Frank grew up in Bend Oregon, he spent his childhood snowboarding, fishing, and going to R.A.D. Camps! He is now a skilled fisherman, outdoor guide, and wilderness first responder. Frank brings extensive knowledge about local plants, wildlife, and wilderness safety to his role. He is passionate about sharing his expertise and ensuring safe, memorable outdoor adventures.
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Ryan
LEAD GUIDE
As a kid growing up in Bend, Ryan enjoyed various awesome outdoor activities. His time spent outside playing around Central Oregon’s rivers, lakes, and trails are some of his best childhood memories. To this day, Ryan loves mountain biking, hiking, and paddle boarding in the summer and both alpine and Nordic skiing in the winter. He is currently working on his degree in Computer Science at Oregon State University in Corvallis. Still, he is very excited to come home and share the places he grew up enjoying with the next generation while working at R.A.D. Camps this summer!
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Alex
SPROUTS LEAD
Alex has three years of nanny experience with kids aged 2-8 years old, was a hiking guide in Aspen, Colorado for a season, and is an experienced recreator. As the Head of Outdoor Sprouts, nothing makes Alex happier than being outside, and getting to share that joy with kids is even better! Alex enjoys backpacking, rafting, and rock climbing in the summer, and snowboarding in the winter. Alex is always seeking to share these experiences with others.
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Sierra
SPROUTS LEAD
Sierra spends her summers kayaking the Deschutes, hiking with her dogs, and camping at every opportunity. Now in her second year working with the Sprouts program and as the Head of Sprouts at Wonder Studio, she focuses on the indoor art studio time and space as a teacher. Sierra is excited to teach kids just how rad nature can be! Her passion for the outdoors and her enthusiasm for sharing it with children make her a perfect fit for inspiring the next generation of nature lovers. She is looking forward to another creative and fun-filled year with the Sprouts!
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Erin
GUIDE
Erin is a born and raised Oregonian and lived throughout the Willamette Valley before finding her outdoor-focused community in Bend. Growing up, Erin spent her time camping, playing lacrosse, and skiing and climbing the Cascade Mountains.
Erin has developed a career in various social service settings for nearly a decade during and after college. She has worked with both adults and teens in treatment facilities, homeless shelters, case management agencies, and, most recently, a wilderness therapy program. Erin’s experience has provided her with an extensive understanding of the mental and emotional health benefits nature has to offer.
In her free time, Erin enjoys traveling, bikepacking, coaching lacrosse, and playing roller derby.
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Mandy
GUIDE
Mandy became a R.A.D. Camps guide during the summer of 2020. She was born and raised in Oregon, and in 2003 packed up her car and moved to Bend. In Bend, she became a river guide and youth recreation leader while she finished her undergraduate degree at OSU Cascades. She completed a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership focusing on Experiential Education. She has been a certified Wilderness First Responder for 13 years and has been working with children for over 22 years.
Over the years, you would find Mandy outside working or playing as a river guide at an outdoor school, leading therapeutic recreation, facilitating ropes courses and team building games, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, backpacking, camping, Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing, and instructing archery.
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Ailey
GUIDE
Ailey is originally from North Carolina but has lived in Bend for the last year. She loves to backpack, rock climb, and do yoga outside. Ailey has spent the past few years working with many different age groups of kids in a variety of settings, from ski school to international trip leading and assistant preschool teaching. Her favorite backpacking trip was last summer, hiking along The Camino de Santiago and soaking in all the beauty of rural Spain. Ailey is excited to explore central Oregon and hang out in nature with R.A.D. Camps this summer!
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Ellie
GUIDE
Ellie has been working with children of all ages since she was 17 years old, with many of her experiences taking place outdoors. She spends most of her free time outside, regardless of the season. Some of her favorite activities include skiing, paddle boarding, swimming, backpacking, and mountain biking.