Meet Outdoor Educator for Venture Outdoors Summer Camps: Otavio Wilkinson-Baldauf

Hi, my name is Otavio and I am an Outdoor Educator here at Venture Outdoors! I’m also a geology student at Pitt. As our team is excitedly planning and preparing for the 2023 Spring and Summer season, it’s time to put our minds towards summer camps.

What are your favorite activities to do with Venture Outdoors Summer Camps?

My favorite camp activity is to explore and identify the plants, creatures, and rock formations in the environment around us. I love when our campers are able to engage with the outdoors in a meaningful way, including how to care for their environment’s future.

I take great pride in sharing outdoor knowledge through our summer camps, which allow our campers to enjoy captivating games and active science lessons that relate to many facets of everyday life.

Any list of my favorite summer camp activities, however, would not be complete without kayaking!

What is your favorite memory from a Venture Outdoors Summer Camp?

If I had to choose a favorite memory from the previous 2022 Summer Camps, I would be stuck between two fantastic adventures.

One includes leading a rock tour of the Allegheny River shore in Millvale Riverfront Park. Campers (and myself) were mesmerized by some of the conglomerate and sedimentary rocks that we found and identified, alongside some critters. Big thanks to Fred Zelt for leading such a fascinating trip!

My other favorite memory is when I got a flat tire on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and gave all of the campers and fellow Outdoor Educators a good laugh!

What is your goal for this year’s Venture Outdoors Summer Camps?

Come explore the outdoors with us!

Whether we are stomping through the woods, paddling through the water, or biking the scenic paths, Venture Outdoors’ Summer Camps provide the knowledge and equipment necessary to explore all that the outdoors has to offer safely and equitably.

This year I look forward to growing alongside our fellow campers, through exciting new activities, science lessons, and adventures. With our mutual inspiration, I hope that Venture Outdoors’ Summer Camps will serve positive lifelong memories and knowledge.

Happy Camping!!
– Otavio