Bethany Smith’s journey with The National center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is one marked by passion, adventure, and a deep commitment to outdoor and experiential education.
Joining our team in 2022, Bethany quickly became an important member of our field operations. After taking a brief break in 2023 to explore the world, we were thrilled to welcome her back for another season. Whether she’s navigating whitewater rapids or guiding students through challenging backcountry terrain, Bethany’s enthusiasm and expertise shine through in everything she does.
As you’ll learn, Bethany’s love for the outdoors started unexpectedly and has grown into a lifelong passion. From her early days as a raft guide to her current role as Lead Field Instructor & Raft Guide, she’s dedicated herself to helping students achieve their objectives in the outdoor classrooms offered in the backcountry. We recently sat down with Bethany to learn more about her journey, experiences, and what she loves most about working at NCOAE. Here’s what she had to say:
NCOAE: Where are you from originally, and when you’re not working in the backcountry, where do you call home?
Bethany: I was born inLouisiana and my family moved to northeast Pennsylvania when I was quite young. When I’m not working in the field, the Keystone state is still where you can find me today.
NCOAE: What brought you to NCOAE?
Bethany: I discovered NCOAE when I was moving from day trip guiding to leading multi-day backcountry trips. I had learned about the organization years earlier when I first started in the adventure programming and outdoor education sector of the outdoor industry. At this turning point in my career, I decided to reach out.
In my experience, there aren’t many companies that are willing to invest the time and effort to train people in both multi-day trips and outdoor education curriculum, but NCOAE was willing to do that for me. Thanks to them, I discovered a passion for working with youth and others in the backcountry to help them achieve both academic and personal goals and objectives.
NCOAE: What’s your favorite part about working at NCOAE?
Bethany: The variety and breadth of programming is definitely my favorite part. This year alone, I’m expecting to spend time in Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, and other destinations with students while canoeing, backpacking, rafting, and more! Outdoor education and adventure programming always presents unexpected opportunities, and I’m up for the ride. My amazing co-instructors are also a big highlight of working here.
NCOAE: How did you develop a passion for the outdoors?
Bethany: My passion for the outdoors began when I took a completely out-of-left-field summer job as a raft guide when I was nineteen. My outdoor addiction has been growing ever since, and though I’ve been working on it for a while, I don’t think I’m out of the woods yet!
NCOAE: What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Bethany: I’m a whitewater gal at heart. There’s just something about mildly controlled chaos that I enjoy.
NCOAE: Can you tell us about a rewarding experience you’ve had while in the backcountry?
Bethany: My brother and I have been working on completing the Adirondack 46’ers for a few years now. In 2022, we attempted a challenging peak but had to make the tough decision to turn around less than a mile from the summit because conditions were too dangerous. It wasn’t an easy choice, but we were proud to have made the safe decision. We finally summited that peak this past April, and the weather was beautiful! The hike was still brutally taxing, but it was absolutely rewarding.
NCOAE: What do you like to do in your free time?
Bethany: In my free time, I enjoy reading, rock climbing, and camping with friends and family.
NCOAE: Last question… do you have any secret or weird talents?
Bethany: With plenty of stretching ahead of time, I can still attempt a pretty decent cartwheel.
We’re incredibly excited to have Bethany back on the team, bringing her passion, experience, and enthusiasm to our programs. Welcome back, Bethany! We can’t wait to see where this season and the next season take you and the students you guide.
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