Expedition Leader - Chris Smith
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NAME Chris Smith POSITION TITLE Expedition Leader POSITION DESCRIPTION I’m the expedition equivalent of the animated help menu on your computer (i.e. I’ll dance and around and look funny but I’m full of hints and tips). I also have a built in ‘save’ function – so if it starts going wrong I’ve got your backs. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN WITH WORLD CHALLENGE? Norway, Borneo, Ecuador, Indian Himalaya. |
EXPERIENCE
2010
- Ecuador: World Challenge Expedition Leader for Upper Dublin High School, PA. Three Weeks.
- India Himalya: World Challenge Expedition Leader for Longdean, London. Two Weeks.
- Borneo: World Challenge Expedition Leader for Forest School, Walthamstow. Four weeks.
- United Kingdom: Cycle expedition, John O’ Groats to Lands End. Seven days.
- Austrian Alps: Lead Kayak Guide for Manchester University. Two weeks.
- Mexico: Joint Leader for kayak expedition. Three weeks.Norway: World Challenge Expedition Leader for Dame Allan’s School. Two weeks.
- Turkey: Joint Leader for kayak expedition. Two weeks.
- French Alps: Lead Kayak Guide for Manchester University. Two weeks.
- Morocco: Joint Leader for kayak expedition. Two weeks.
- Portugal: Joint Leader for kayak expedition. Two weeks.
- America: Leader for kayak expedition. Three weeks.
- French/Austrian Alps: Kayak Guide for Manchester University. Three weeks.
- Nepal: Joint Leader for kayak expedition. Four weeks.
- Madagascar: awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust travelling fellowship for the ‘Exploration of Madagascan Rivers.’ Eight weeks.
- French Alps: Kayak Guide for Manchester University. Two weeks.
- America: Climbing/Kayaking expedition. Eight weeks.
- Costa Rica: Leader for kayak expedition. Eight weeks.
- Austrian/Swiss Alps: Joint Kayak Guide for Manchester University. Four weeks.
- Alpine Europe: Climbing/Kayaking/Hiking (inc. three weeks kayak guiding for Manchester University). Twelve weeks.
- Canada: Joint Leader for kayak expedition. Two weeks.
- France: Cycle expedition UK – French Alps (ten days).
- French Alps: Joint Kayak Guide for Manchester University. Two weeks.
- Austrian Alps: Joint Kayak Guide for Manchester Metropolitan University. Two weeks.
LIST CURRENT or FORMER CERTIFICATIONS
World Challenge
- Expedition Leader Training and Assessment Course
- Qualified to lead World Challenge teams to both jungle and high altitude environments
- Mountain Leader (Summer)
- Single Pitch Award
- Aquatic First Aid Level 1
- Kayak Coach Level 3
- Canoe Coach Level 2
- White Water Leader 5 Star (inland kayak)
- Foundation Safety and Rescue Training Assessor
- First Aid Level 2
- Orienteering Coach – Level 1
I kayak and I climb wherever and however I can. I also spend a lot of time reading, writing, and publishing (sometimes/hopefully/please-God-publish-more) works of fiction.
WHY DID YOU APPLY TO BE AN EXPEDITION LEADER?
When I heard about the World Challenge ethos I remember thinking: That’s exactly how I think things should be taught – that’s what I do when I’m instructing! Combined with world travel, exciting trekking, and the promise of some great teams… how couldn’t I?!
FAVORITE MOMENT ON EXPEDITION?
My first expedition to Norway with a manic team of fourteen year olds: catching Rainbow Trout on spinners off the back of our canoes and roasting them on an open fire, and bananas stuffed with chocolate and freshly picked blueberries from our island campsite.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ATTRIBUTES MAKE A SUCESSFUL EXPEDITION LEADER?
We are reverse-armadillos: constant and total steel-strong vigilance on the inside, with a warm and fuzzy exterior.
WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED PERSONALLY FROM WORKING WITH WORLD CHALLENGE?
A constant renewal of my faith in people and the importance of guided learning opportunities.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF EXPEDITION GEAR?
My Mountain Hardwear powerstretch ninja fleece.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN?
Do it and don’t ever regret it.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE and WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?
I feel as though I have a deep and personal relationship with Madagascar and would love the opportunity to return. I’m looking forward to leading a couple of Morocco expeditions. I’m also currently in the planning stages of a round the world, no-plane, tour to study street performers: www.thebuskingproject.com.
Find out more
T 877 - 333 - 1060Contact us quickly via our online contact form
