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Amber Duncan, 2014-2017
UCSC B.A. Sociology, Kayak Connection Kids Camp, Esalen Outdoor Preschool, California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CPR & First AID Certified
I am a lover of the outdoors. I have great respect for the natural resources of California and feel so lucky to live in a place where we have the opportunity to explore the mountains, the sea, local farms, and everything in between. I believe that spending time exploring in nature fosters deep connections and authentic discovery that help to build self confidence, creativity, awareness, motivation, an appreciation for our environment and more positive attitudes in children of any age. |
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Ariel Churchill, 2016-2018
Cabrillo College Early Childhood Education, Career of working with people with disabilities and the elderly, CPR & First AID Certified
I am an avid nature enthusiast, and I have been all my life. I was raised with a deep respect and appreciation for our natural world, and this is something that has always stuck with me. As a child I spent the summers camping all over the country with my mother and sister, adventuring in back country, riding horses, rafting, and fishing. I feel that spending time in nature gives kids a chance to get to know themselves and how they are connected to the world around them in a very important way. Interacting with nature tests boundaries and inspires creative thinking which has the capacity to expand our worldview and build better social awareness. Also developing a relationship with the outdoors can have health benefits for years to come, being physical and getting enough exercise is a valuable skill to have, especially now with more and more screen time becoming normal. I believe that there are things that just must be learned outside, and now is as important a time than ever to make that connection. Nature is the best classroom! |
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Celine Glon, 2018
A.S. in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Cabrillo College - transferring to UC Davis to complete a bachelors in Genetics and Genomics with a minor in Education, Walden West Outdoor Science School Counselor for five years
My parents are harding working people from rural France and made it a point to send my brother and I to summer camp every year as kids. I remember looking up to all of the staff and counselors at each different camp. Looking back on the memories, I realize how big of an impact they had on me as a child. Now that I am an adult, I'm bringing it back full circle by being the best camp counselor and role model that I can hope. My mission is to inspire all of the Ramblers to be the best versions of themselves, just like my staff did for me as a kid. I recently graduated from Cabrillo Community College with the intention of finishing my degree in Biological Sciences (Genetics) up at UC Davis. My goal is to become a well learned and dedicated scientist while concurrently working in education with the hopes of getting more young kids into science - specifically how the environment can impact our genes and the biology of our future generations. I strongly believe that encouraging kids to develop an intimate relationship with nature and the world around them will result in a positive impact in their life. Getting some sweet sunshine and your hands dirty and breathing fresh air everyday has a real and healthy influence on a person. My ultimate goal to keep the kids happy and safe while having a blast playing outside because I believe that they will continue the cycle and do the same for their kids one day. This hopefully in turns raises a generation that will look out and care for our environment in a way that keeps our planet blue and green and healthy. |
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Danielle Reed, 2014-2016
Ramblin’ Adventure Club Co-Founder , CSUMB Liberal Studies, California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
It was quite a revelation to me to really realize every plant we walked by wasn’t just a tree or a bush. They each had a name and they had a purpose. I started to learn about the natural world at the same time that my students were, which has given each adventure we take a deeper meaning… It is unlikely that you will run into a person who does not think that a child should spend time outside. Simply the act of spending time in the woods, participating in organized sports, exploring tide pools at the beach, or just riding bikes with other neighborhood kids can improve a child’s connection to natural environments. “There is growing evidence that indicates that direct exposure to nature is essential for children’s physical and emotional health, improving their cognitive abilities and resistance to negative stresses and depression” (Driessnack, 2009) |
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Heather Kingsley,2016-2018
UC Davis Neurosciense Student, Santa Cruz Outdoor Science School Counselor, Ramblin' Intern Summer 2016
I have always loved nature, and all the wonders that it holds. As I grew, this became not only a curiosity, but also a passion in my life. Exploring the outdoors and discovering new parts of it has greatly enriched my life, and now I am full-heartedly committed to sharing this with others. Children are remarkably curious and open minded, and I am thrilled to be an aid in this time of exploration. |
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CSUMB Masters of Social Work, SFSU Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Certified California Naturalist, Assistant Art Teacher - Attitudinal Healing Connection, Conservation Supervisor - Civicorps Schools, CPR & First AID Certified
Growing up in rural Tucson, Arizona and spending time on my uncle's goat farm in Mendocino County, I learned to love plants, critters, and the whistle in the wind. My favorite ways to play were climbing mesquite and giant oak trees, following the voices of frogs and getting to know constellations. I hope to help the kids I work with develop their own sense of wonder at the outdoor world. I believe that this type of play and learning helps kids become more adept at navigating the world with joy, respect for themselves/others and builds confidence. After some years of farming and working in education and conservation, I'm currently pursuing my masters in social work at CSUMB, with hopes of someday running a horticultural therapy program for youth. |
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Sarah Headland, 2017-2019
Salisbury University - Geography, Mathematics & Environmental Studies, Coastal Kayak, Sailing, and Stand-up Paddle Board Guide, Trap Pond State Park Intern, CPR & Fist AID Certified
I grew up on the East Coast in Maryland and moved to California one year ago. Spending time outdoors has always been a big part of my life whether it was playing sports, hiking, camping, or just playing outside with friends. It was not until college that I realized I could apply my love for the natural world to a career. I had the opportunity to work at a state park leading nature programs for schools, summer camps, and park visitors. Later I would work for great people providing eco-kayak tours and sailing lessons. What I have noticed the most about these sorts of jobs is how much more rewarding they are compared to others. When people have the opportunity to get outdoors and escape from the normal stresses of life, even if just for a few hours, they become more grounded and are thankful to be having that experience and connection with nature. When kids get outside they learn in ways not possible in a traditional classroom - from learning about the outside world to taking risks to gaining confidence and learning about themselves. I am excited for the opportunity to help kids learn in this unique way, and to teach them the importance of their individual impact on and relationship with the environment. |
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Tatjana Beck, 2018-2019
UCSC B.S. Ecology & Evolution, Ramblin’ Intern Winter 2018, Intern with The Bird School Project 2017, CPR & 1st AID Certified
I have been in love with the outdoors since I was a kid. I grew up playing in my backyard, visiting state parks, and camping all over California. I believe being outside so often as a kid led to my interest in biology during school, and inspired me to currently pursue an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Major as UCSC. Children are starting to grow up without being connected to the natural world through exploration and education. Even spending just an hour in nature can improve a child's creativity, mental health and self confidence. With the introduction of technology in classrooms it is important, now more than ever, that kids can go outside and replace laptops, iPads, and smart boards with lichen, trees, and flowers. So go out and explore, happy hiking! |