Sarina Maki

Field Instructor

Sarina Maki is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina. She leads custom group expeditions, including multi-day backpacking trips through North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, which are designed to build participant’s confidence, connection, and a love for the natural world.

Originally from Ishpeming, Michigan, Sarina has worked across the Midwest in a range of outdoor education roles. She has led outdoor orientation trips and community-building expeditions through the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College (Ashland, Wisconsin) and served as a camp counselor and program staff member at both Camp Michigamme (WI) and Camp Henry (Newaygo, MI). At Hiawatha Scout Camp (Munising, MI), she taught ecological lessons as a certified Ecology Merit Badge Counselor.

Sarina’s leadership experience is grounded in both formal education and deep personal commitment. Currently pursuing a degree in Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, and Outdoor Leadership, she has completed a 60-day expedition that refined her skills in backcountry navigation, outdoor living, group facilitation, and multiple adventure disciplines, including climbing, sailing, bikepacking, and canoeing. These experiences, paired with curriculum planning and conflict resolution training, have prepared her to lead with empathy, insight, and adaptability.

What excites Sarina most about working at NCOAE is the chance to form meaningful connections outdoors and witness the growth that happens when trip and course participants step outside their comfort zones. She believes in the transformative power of nature and loves guiding students as they discover new strengths and perspectives.

When she’s not in the backcountry, you’ll find Sarina journaling, collaging, or diving into the waters of Lake Superior, no matter the season. Her role model is Erica Thomas, a former camp director whose warmth, generosity, and love for the outdoors continue to inspire Sarina’s approach to leadership and life.

Sarina received the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service’s 2023 Young Adult Civic Engagement Award. When asked what superpower she’d choose to use for good, she said she would shine sunlight on herself and others — bringing warmth, joy, and a little extra brightness to even the darkest of days.