10 Questions with our IHC Adventure Directors
Aranka, Logan and Mark have been the core team behind our incredible IHC Adventures program for a number of years. Every summer they bring the adventure to life at IHC by facilitating our adventure courses and off-camp tripping programs but most importantly, they hire, train and lead our incredible IHC adventure team. Aranka, Logan and Mark are passionate about living green, yoga, trail running, climbing, swimming and living life to the full. Read on and get to know a little bit more about them.
What makes you come back summer after summer to IHC?
Aranka
The people! I have made so many lifelong friends, and friends that I now consider family, all thanks camp.
Logan
IHC is more of a family, and a community than a job. I look forward to showing up at camp and disconnecting from the everyday distractions and focusing on building connections with campers and other staff.
Mark
The relationships that I have and continue to form over the years. It’s crazy to think of the number of people I’ve met, worked with, played with and stayed in touch with. I love that at IHC, every year is similar but different and we can be outdoors the majority of the summer.
What is your favorite thing about working on the Adventure team?
Mark
Wow - tough one, is it bouldering with campers and staff, is it doing the dock to docks on down in the pristine lake, is it run swims with all levels of camper and staff…Okay, I get it if I had to pick one thing that I love the most about camp between all the amazing things, it’s the access to the lake for open water swimming.
Aranka
Being able to spend time doing all my favorite activities, and empowering and teaching others to get outside and grow their comfort zones!
Logan
I love being outdoors, and as an outdoor adventure director I get to share this passion with every single person at camp. I also get to eat way more s'mores than any one person should.
When you hire staff to work on your adventure team, what is the most important thing you look for in people?
Logan
I look for someone who has a passion for outdoor adventure, and who can't wait to be part of a team who shares this passion day in and day out.
Aranka
The willingness to learn, be flexible, and a great attitude.
Mark
For me it’s the attributes that fall into the category that include these open mindedness, adaptability and teachability.
What do the campers experience when they come to the adventure activities?
Aranka
A fun challenge that pushes and inspires them.
Mark
Emotions - Joy & Pain, but in a good way. Cause they are supported to grow and advance with the support of our staff and other campers.
Logan
Whether it be the top of a climbing tower, biking a trail, or the first night in a tent, campers experience a life outside of their comfort zones.
What will an adventure staff team member gain from our summer experience?
Logan
You gain a network of 30 other outdoor loving, like minded people who can share their skills and experiences. You can also end up with a pretty sweet chaco tan!
Mark
From New Skills, to alternative methods and techniques to work with campers and staff.
Aranka
New skills - both technical and non technical, as well as a plethora of memories, games, and friendships.
If you weren't in your current role at IHC, what other camp role would you love to do?
Aranka
Logan
My campfire sing-a-longs wouldn't quite cut it, but I would love to work in the music studio!
Mark
Wow - IHC West for sure.
What's one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to apply to work at summer camp?
Logan
Just do it and you will thank yourself later.
Aranka
Find ways to get outside your comfort zone, and do something you love. Life will always present new opportunities, but you can only be more confident and qualified after a summer at camp.
Mark
Ask yourself if you are looking for something different, something unique to all other jobs out there. A place where you can be you, immersed in a culture of people that want to give back, be better versions, be authentic. If the answer is yes then don’t let someone stop you from giving it a go. I was told by many people that summer camp was a dead end. They said why would you do that? Doesn’t pay well, etc…I’m like it’s really honestly not about the money, it’s truly about the people and the opportunities.
What is your favorite event during the 7 week summer and why?
Logan
Not a singular event, but I love Friday night campfires. Bringing everyone together creates such a magical atmosphere.
Mark
Survivor, no doubt, two thumbs up, such an amazing event that motivates and challenges all that participate. The campers really step up and grow up during survivor. It’s not about winning (even though one team does win); honestly it is about the journey.
Aranka
Survivor, because it is such an intense and exciting event run by Outdoor Adventure Staff!
In what way has summer camp helped you in life?
Aranka
Camp has given me a space to be myself, grow and learn, as well as make some of the most meaningful connections I could have hoped for.
Logan
Camp has helped me in too many ways to count. Camp has been my home, and the people there have been my family for the last 10 years.
Mark
First and foremost, I met my wife Suzi. Secondly, I have been able to never stop learning, never stop creating, I get to be me at IHC.
Lastly, what is your favorite summer camp meal?
Mark
Terry’s Granola with fresh yogurt, seeds and fruit, and a dollop of SunButter - what a way to start the day for Brekkie.
Aranka
Taco Tuesday
Logan
Every meal at camp is great, but breakfast pizza is definitely my guilty pleasure.
