ADIL AHMAD
Program Manager and Outdoor Educator
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Motivated and experienced outdoor leader with over 10 years of leading treks and facilitating outdoor education programs across the Kashmir Himalayas, the USA, and the UAE. Passionate about integrating outdoor and environmental education with inclusive practices in special education. Seeking a dynamic opportunity to further develop my skills in experiential learning environments. Strong interests in ornithology and nature photography.
Curious, driven, and always eager to learn: I’m constantly exploring new ideas and experiences. Whether moving with the wind or against it, I never stop growing, adapting, and flowing forward. I believe in Experiencing things and giving chances.
Dedicated to creating an environment that is safe, engaging, and intellectually stimulating, I ensure that students remain excited and continuously challenged along their learning journey. I strongly believe in giving children the space to explore their unique interests, while thoughtfully facilitating their growth and experiences.
With a background as a Team lead backpacker, I have learned to navigate uncertainties with resilience, adaptability, and composure, qualities that I now bring into both my professional responsibilities and personal life.
ABOUT ME PROFESSIONALLY
Experienced Outdoor professional with a proven record of leading diverse teams and managing outdoor education programs. Skilled in Backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, team bulging, high/low ropes course and DofE, to with expertise in designing and delivering safe, engaging, fun environment and educational outdoor experiences for participants of all ages especially working with children. Adept at program planning, maintaining strong relationships with activity partners and vendors, and overseeing both on-field and office operations.
Experienced in hybrid work environments managing base camp logistics alongside administrative and operational responsibilities. Committed to creating meaningful connections between people and nature through impactful outdoor learning initiatives.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Outdoor Living Skills (OLS) Specialist
Camp Fire Minnesota
05.2025 - Current
- Develop and teach nature, outdoor education, and outdoor living skills activities to campers.
- Manage supplies and equipment and work with camp staff to develop camp programs.
- Plan and implement Outdoor Living Skills programming to engage all ability levels.
- Facilitate with other staff members a weekly cookout and overnight experience for resident campers.
- Assist with trip programs like preparing and taking trips off-site.
- Teach/review OLS with staff and campers including fire building, cooking, orienteering/geocaching, shelter building, etc.
Senior Outdoor Education Instructor
Absolute Adventure Dubai
09.2024 - 03.2025
- Lead and instruct outdoor education programs for children and adults, including adventure activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and team-building exercises.
- Design and implement lesson plans for environmental education, focusing on sustainability, nature awareness, and safety in outdoor environments.
- Supervise groups of participants in wilderness settings, ensuring their safety while fostering teamwork, communication, and personal development.
- Mentor junior instructors and assist in developing new outdoor programs and curriculum.
Coordinator Adventure Trips
Kashmir Off-Beat
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Organized and led adventure trips, including trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the Kashmir Himalayas for groups of all ages.
- Provided in-depth briefings and educational content on local ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural significance during outdoor excursions.
- Ensured participants' safety, wellbeing, and overall satisfaction through careful planning and risk management strategies.
- Coordinated logistics, including transportation, permits, accommodations, and guides for each trip.
Senior Wilderness Trip Leader & Climbing Wall Specialist
Camp Nebagamon
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Led multi-day wilderness trips for campers, focusing on developing their outdoor skills, leadership, and resilience.
- Instructed climbing wall sessions, promoting team collaboration, trust-building, and confidence through physically challenging activities.
- Taught essential wilderness skills, including navigation, first aid, and survival techniques.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to younger campers, fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
Trek Leader
Jammu & Kashmir Mountaineering & Adventure Club
01.2012 - 04.2023
- Led and organized trekking expeditions in the Kashmir region for diverse groups, including children, families, and adventure enthusiasts.
- Provided education on environmental conservation, survival tactics, and local geography during treks.
- Supervised participants in challenging outdoor conditions, ensuring both safety and enjoyment.
- Developed group activities aimed at improving teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence.
Education
Associate of Arts - Humanities
Secondary School -
Skills
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- CPR - First Aid
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
- Professional Naturalist Training
- Mountaineering
- Skiing
- Delivering the Award Certification
- ABEE Inc Ropes and Challenge Program
- Photography
- Birding
- Beach walking
Introduction
Motivated and experienced outdoor leader with over 10 years of leading treks and facilitating outdoor education programs across the Kashmir Himalayas, the USA, and the UAE. Passionate about integrating outdoor and environmental education with inclusive practices in special education. Seeking a dynamic opportunity to further develop my skills in experiential learning environments. Strong interests in ornithology and nature photography.
Qualifications Skills Abilities
Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Medical Associates (International) and American Heart Association, CPR - First Aid, Indian Lifesaving & Lifesaving Sports Federation (ILLSF), MP, India, Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Hanifl, Professional Naturalist Training Course (PRONAT), Wildlife & Forestry Services & Pugdundee Safaris, MP, India, Mountaineering course, Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Water Sports (JIM & WS), Pahalgam, Kashmir, India, Skiing course, Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM), Gulmarg, Kashmir, India, Certification Level One - Delivering the Award, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, UAE, 2024, ABEE. Inc Ropes and Challenge Program, level 3, Urdu, English, Hindi, Arabic, Photography, Photography, Birding, Beach walking
Timeline
Outdoor Living Skills (OLS) Specialist - Camp Fire Minnesota
05.2025 - Current
Senior Outdoor Education Instructor - Absolute Adventure Dubai
09.2024 - 03.2025
Coordinator Adventure Trips - Kashmir Off-Beat
08.2023 - 08.2024
Senior Wilderness Trip Leader & Climbing Wall Specialist - Camp Nebagamon
05.2023 - 08.2023
Trek Leader - Jammu & Kashmir Mountaineering & Adventure Club
01.2012 - 04.2023
SP Higher Secondary School - Associate of Arts, Humanities
Khalsa High School - Secondary School ,
WIlderness Medical Associates International - ,