In the outdoor adventure world, knowledge is often passed from hand to hand—around a campfire, on the trail, or belaying at the base of a cliff. This transfer of wisdom, built on experience and trust, is the heart of mentorship. As seasoned professionals, we carry a responsibility not just to protect our wild spaces, but to support and shape those who will lead after us.
Why Mentorship Matters
The outdoor industry is unique. It requires technical skill, emotional intelligence, leadership, adaptability, and an unwavering respect for the environment. These qualities can’t be learned solely in classrooms or from manuals. They’re developed over time—through shared experiences, thoughtful feedback, and the kind of real-world exposure only a mentor can provide.
Young professionals entering this space are eager, passionate, and often full of questions. They’re looking for guidance, clarity, and examples of how to build a meaningful, sustainable career. Mentorship offers them a map—not one that gives all the answers, but one that shows where to begin and how to navigate the inevitable challenges.
What Mentorship Looks Like
Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal. It can happen during a multi-day expedition, on the drive home from a guiding job, or over coffee in the off-season. It’s about being present, listening actively, and sharing honestly—not just about success, but about missteps and lessons learned.
It means offering opportunities when you can, whether that’s recommending someone for a role, co-leading a trip, or simply giving them space to lead and learn. It’s about modeling professionalism, humility, and stewardship—both in the backcountry and in everyday interactions.
The Impact
Investing in the next generation strengthens the entire industry. When young professionals feel supported, they’re more confident, more competent, and more likely to stay. They bring fresh ideas, new energy, and perspectives that push the field forward.
More importantly, mentorship helps build a culture rooted in community, not competition. It fosters inclusivity, encourages collaboration, and ensures that vital knowledge—whether about safety systems, local ecology, or the ethics of land use—is passed on with care.
A Call to Action
If you’ve spent years in this industry, consider what it would mean to offer a hand to someone just starting out. Who helped you get where you are today? Whose voice guided you through uncertain moments?
You don’t have to have all the answers to be a mentor. You just need to show up, be willing to share, and care about the future of our field. The next generation is already here. Let’s give them the tools, confidence, and mentorship they need to thrive.
