Hi everyone!! My name is Zi, I am a freshman from Chengdu, China, where the pandas are from. No idea of what I am going to major in yet but lots of ideas for BOC’s Equity and Inclusion Advisor!

I am excited to blend in more cultural aspects into the outdoors! I hope to support celebration of cultural festivals in nature (imagine hot dumplings in the lean-to for Lunar New Year!), incorporate more cultural foods in our camping menus (Quesadilla at our campground!), or even International Dinner x Winter Carnival (freshly cooked Teppanyaki on the benches outside Chase Hall)! 

In the winter term, I hope for more interaction between BOC and diverse communities. I am looking forward to support trips for people for diverse backgrounds in winter sports: learn-how-to-ski trips for people whose hometown never ever snowed before (like me!), learning-to-ski trips in different levels, and info session on how to pick skis or skates or snowboards! 

Most importantly, I hope to shape BOC into a more inclusive environment. We celebrate our diversity, no matter our backgrounds, and we grow from our differences. I hope for more interaction between BOC and diverse communities. 

Hi everyone! I’m Leif- I’m from Palo Alto, California though now you’ll find me gawking at the green (moss?!), white (snow?!) and all-around wonder of Maine! I’ve been scrambling up rocks, trees and mountains since I could scramble and I’m always down for an adventure. I love swimming white water rapids (intentionally or not), having brain-bending philosophical talks on long hikes, and watercoloring the view from the summit of a mountain (or crown of a tree).  I’m currently the Secretary for BOC and I am excited for this next semester! 

My name is Lila Hutchins, I am a first-year, and I am stoked to be in the Historian position. I love spending time outdoors (especially hiking and kayaking) and I would love to encourage others to engage with nature! My goal would be to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that empowers everyone to get outside and try new things. I believe that it is crucial to build reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationships with the environments and communities in which we reside. I am super excited to see you all outside!

Hi BOC! I’m Heidi Nydam and I’m so excited to be your community liaison. With ample experience in this position as well as with previous outdoor education endeavors (backpacking guide for Adirondack Mt Club and wilderness instructor for Primitive Pursuits) I am a firm believer that by increasing connection to the world around you, you can develop deep connections to each other, and therefore a stronger sense of self. I am hopeful that together we can work to provide access to all of these wonderful outdoor connections for the greater L/A community in ways that are so fulfilling as students! I am especially excited about working with kids, helping to maintain local trails, and organizing epic adventures to redefine how one perceives their sense of place here in Maine as a part of the wholistic environment. I absolutely love sunshine, trail running, skiing, and backpacking, and am working on my cold plunging, surfing, and surviving 4:30 pm sunset skills. Can’t wait to see you on some BOC trips soon:)

Hey y’all! I’m Iris (she/her), a sophomore who loves to share outdoor experiences with people. I believe that the Outing Club’s social media can help foster a welcoming environment that gets people excited about the outdoors, and I’d love to play a large role in making that happen! 

Rock Climbing – Bryce Kanowsky (Class of 2028)

Hi everybody!! I have loved the stoke for indoor climbing this semester and want to keep it going next year. I have experience and am comfortable taking people climbing, and I would love to run lots of fun, accessible, and safe introductory outdoor rock climbing trips. I would also be down to lead more advanced climbs, such as winter accents in the White’s, for those interested. Regardless of where we are climbing, I will keep the vibes good and always bring lots of snacks.

Surfing – Tommo White (Class of 2025)

Hey BOC! I’m Tommo and I am stoked to be the Head Surf Trip Leader! With years of surf experience under my belt, from teaching beginners to coordinating trips for all levels, I’m excited to keep the stoke high. I know the local spots inside and out, so I can guide each group to waves that suit their level without stepping on local toes. Whether you’re catching your first wave or looking to push your skills, I’ll make sure every surf session is both safe and good vibes.

Frontcountry – David Nimura (Class of 2025)

My name is David Nimura and I am a Senior. I have loved being the Head Frontcountry Trip Leader because it allows me to go on different camping and adventure trips with such diverse groups of students. Front country trips can include anything from a hike up Mt. David to a sunny walk in Thorncrag. This role is a great opportunity to get people who maybe don’t have a lot of experience in the outdoors into the outdoors and showing them that the outdoors really are for everyone and that it doesn’t matter how much prior experience you have. I want to keep providing these opportunities and keep reenforcing this point as the Front Country head trip leader.

Backcountry – Charlie Baxter (Class of 2027)

I am excited to be the backcountry head trip leader because the only thing I love more than being excited about getting outside is inspiring others to go outdoors. This starts by having a solid foundation and supports for those interested in getting out there, and I would love to provide the tools necessary to make that happen. I hope to share this outdoor-seeking spirt with the club for another term.

Paddling Sports – Jonah Yaffe (Class of 2026)

Hello BOC members! I’m Jonah, a junior from Dallas, Texas. I have held this position for the last semester and have loved playing a role in getting paddling trips out on the water and being a part of the amazing BOC leadership team. I have lots of plans for trips this spring and in the future including a trip to Lake Umbagog and the Rapid River that could also involve trail running and also a fun challenge that involves trail running the Bigelows and canoeing Flagstaff Lake in one weekend! In addition, I have seen how much people enjoy getting out on the water and want to continue to put out sunrise paddling trips and a trip to riverlands. I personally have a lot of experience out on the water, having spent a summer working on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, and want to be able to share that experience with you all and help everyone get out on the water!

Winter Sports – Isabelle Benson (Class of 2028)

Hi I am Isabelle Benson, a sophomore Biology major from Norwich, Vermont. I love spending time outside, whether it is running, hiking, skiing, or other outdoor activities. I have been skiing and hiking for as long as I can remember. Over the past year, I have led multiple trips ranging from hiking to skiing and have enjoyed getting to introduce people to the hobbies that I love. This year, I am hoping to run more ski trips this year for both downhill and cross country skiing. I cannot wait to share my love of the outdoors with all of you!