Student Spotlight — Outdoor Adventures

Student Spotlight: Learning, Leading, and Connecting Through Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor Adventures, aka OA within the UCD lingo, a program within UC Davis Campus Recreation offers students more than just time outside with a good view. It creates opportunities for leadership, growth, and meaningful connections. For Sonya, Mihika, and Miles, working with Outdoor Adventures has shaped their college experience in unique and memorable ways. 

Sonya: Leading Through Collaboration

As a Land Coordinator with Outdoor Adventures, Sonya plays a vital role in training and supporting guides while managing the behind-the-scenes logistics that keep trips running smoothly. Her favorite part of the job is helping others grow. “You kinda teach them about OA and what we do and then release them into the wild,” she shared.

Sonya emphasizes communication as the key to success in a highly collaborative environment. Coordinating between teams, learning new systems, and problem-solving last-minute challenges have strengthened her organizational and leadership skills. As a wildlife biology student, the balance of administrative work and guiding has helped her better manage her schedule while gaining experience directly applicable to future fieldwork and research.

One of her most impactful experiences was Wild Guide School, where building relationships with fellow guides helped her become a more effective leader. “Knowing people personally makes it easier to communicate and trust them in the field,” she said.

Mihika: Creating First-Time Outdoor Experiences

Mihika began her OA journey as rock wall staff before transitioning into a guiding role, where she found fulfillment in introducing participants, many of them new to camping, to the outdoors. “The most rewarding part is helping people experience the outdoors for the first time,” she said.

Her advice to new guides is to slow down and be present. Rather than rushing through the days, Mihika believes in giving participants space to enjoy the moment. As a future medical school applicant pursuing emergency medicine, guiding has helped her build confidence in high-pressure situations through decision-making, communication, and Wilderness First Aid training.

Her favorite memory was a camping trip to Yosemite, where the group ended the night around a campfire already planning their next adventure—proof of the impact a great guide can have.

Miles: Grounded by the Outdoors

Miles joined Outdoor Adventures as an incoming freshman after seeing a posting for wilderness guides. He quickly found that getting outside was not just part of the job, but a source of balance. “Being in nature helps me reset and refocus when I return to academics,” he shared.

An environmental engineering major, Miles values how his role connects classroom learning with real-world experience. He credits OA with strengthening his leadership, decision-making, and adaptability, skills he believes are just as important as technical knowledge.

Some of his most memorable moments include guide school and trips to Yosemite, the Redwoods, and backpacking in Tahoe. He credits the strong mentorship and shared passion from supervisor and OA Coordinator, Abbie, made those experiences even more meaningful.

A Shared Journey

Though their roles differ, Sonya, Mihika, and Miles each found community, confidence, and purpose through Outdoor Adventures. Together, their stories highlight how Outdoor Adventures empowers students to lead, explore, and grow—both on campus and beyond.