GW TRAiLS offers a leadership program where students lead their peers on weekend and break trips outdoors. This experiential leadership opportunity provides students with outdoor skills, leadership training, planning, and trip preparation. TRAiLS Guide volunteers devise and plan all the outings, organize the logistics, and provide support to ensure a safe, educational, and fun-filled adventure.
The application process for the TRAiLS Guide Program is opening in January 2022 for first-year, sophomore, and junior undergraduate GW students. No outdoor experience is required, and everyone interested in leading others in the outdoors is encouraged to apply. A detailed description and schedule of the application process is included in the Spring 2022 TRAiLS Guide Program Application Information Packet. Everyone interested in applying is encouraged to thoroughly review the information packet.
TRAiLS will be hosting two informational sessions to provide applicants with an overview of TRAiLS, the application process, and the key responsibilities and expectations of being a Guide. While attendance at these informational sessions is not required, it is highly recommended that all applicants attend one session to familiarize themselves with the position and the application process.
**Info sessions will now be held virtually. Please visit our Engage profile to register for a session.**
The multi-stage application process begins with a written application that is open from Friday, January 14 at 8:00 AM to January 21 at 11:59 PM EST. Please note that no late applications will be accepted. If you have any questions about the application process, you may reach the Recruitment Coordinators at [email protected].
Note: **Dates have changed for the group session recruitment events; they will now be held February 2nd and 3rd from 7-9 PM. Individual interviews will now take place from February 7th-11th. Please check this webpage for any further schedule changes.**
All TRAiLS Guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Leave No Trace (LNT) wilderness ethics. TRAiLS Guides receive regular outdoor skill training, social justice, and diversity training, group facilitation training, and other opportunities created by GW students. Our TRAiLS Guides regularly participate in environmental stewardship service opportunities and other ways to engage the GW campus in outdoor adventure.
Senior, Archaeology, Minor in Anthropology
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Hello, I’m Clare and I’m a cat person from Columbus, Ohio. I study archaeology and I love to travel, walk around, visit museums, and of course, spend time outside. Although the desert is my favorite ecosystem, I’ve had an amazing time exploring Shenandoah with TRAiLS and hope to see you on the trail!
Senior, Political Science & Russian Language and Literature
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Hey! I'm from Boston and love spending time outside with friends. Some of my favorite ways to do that are backpacking, climbing, or snowboarding. In D.C. I love to bike around and explore the different areas of the city. Let's go have some fun outside!
Senior, Public Health, Minor in Japanese Language and Literature
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Hi everyone! My name is Emmy, and I study public health and Japanese. I’m always down for a new adventure whether it be through a mind-bending novel, awesome guest lecture, or (of course) the fascinating outdoor world. My passion for helping people runs deep, and I love learning new skills and perspectives from our amazing participants and community partners. Come play outside!
Senior
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Gabby has been a member of TRAiLS since her first year at GW. She is currently studying abroad in Europe.
Senior, Mechanical Engineering
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I am from Bellingham, Washington majoring in mechanical engineering. I love to ski, hike, bike, kayak, and cliff jump. I can't wait to guide as many trips as possible this year!
Senior, Sociology
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I'm from the best of the Midwest (St. Louis) majoring in sociology, and I grew up canoeing on the wild, wild rivers of Missouri. I love hiking, biking, reality TV, and long, long road trips. My dream outdoor adventure is either to go bikepacking across the US or to see a moose in person. Hope to see you guys (and a moose?) on the trails!
Senior, International Affairs and Anthropology, Minor in GIS
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I grew up loving the outdoors, but I only started backpacking and going on serious adventures in college with the help of TRAiLS! I am absolutely committed to bringing the GW community into outdoor spaces, and I am equally committed to rubber straws and Bear Naked granola.
President
Senior, Geography, Minors in GIS and Biology
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Hey! I’m an Aries from PA majoring in geography with a dual minor in biology and GIS. Some of my favorite things are cooking, hiking, and making art. If I’m not chilling around campus double fisting a smoothie and an iced coffee, you can find me kayaking on the river and hanging with some friends playing music. Can’t wait to see you outside!
Senior, International Affairs
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So nice to meet you! I'm Lily, a senior from Buffalo, NY, studying International Affairs. My favorite thing about TRAiLS is meeting new people and learning new things from our incredible guides, participants, and partners. Backpacking is my number one love, filled with some of my most cherished memories. My favorite places to backpack in the U.S. are Yosemite and Zion National Park, but my dream is to backpack across the entire world. I also enjoy swimming, snowboarding, and yoga. I can’t wait to see you on the trail!
Senior, Geography, Minor in Geology
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Hey, Y'all! My name is Sam and I am from a small town called Moscow in the Idaho panhandle. I study Geography and Geology, am a plant parent, enjoy crystals, and love to roller skate. I love spending time in the outdoors and there are so many fun and beautiful places around the D.C. area, my personal favorite is Harpers Ferry/Weaverton Cliffs. I cannot wait to meet you all and explore with the GW community!
Senior, International Affairs, Minor in Chinese Language and Literature
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Hello GW! I hail from the great state of Colorado, where I enjoy frequent strolls across mountainous terrain and riding my horse, Roxie. Some of my other hobbies include photography, making short films, and finding new breakfast spots. I feel most at home in the mountains, but am happy as long as I am outside. Hope to see you on the trail!
Senior, International Affairs, Minors in Journalism & Mass Communications and Italian
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Hi everyone I'm Shriya! I'm a senior from Boston studying international affairs with a double minor in journalism and Italian. Some of my favorite outdoor activities include hiking, running, swimming, kayaking, or biking! If I'm not out on the trail you can catch me on the tennis court or in the kitchen baking :) I can't wait to see you on some of our trips this year!
Junior, International Affairs
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Hey everybody! My name is Elena and I’m proudly from Rochester, NY but I love love love living in D.C.! I have always been into running, hiking, and adventuring in new places with new people. I drink way too much Peet’s, eat an unnecessary amount of flaming hot Cheetos, and give out more hugs than is probably asked for. I’m so grateful to have such a devoted group of guides to work with and I can’t wait to see what adventures this year brings! Catch ya on the trails!
Junior, Public Health
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Hey all, my name is Emily! I’m from Seattle, WA (the better Washington, but I am biased) and a public health major here at GW. I’m happiest when I’m breathing fresh air and on the move, hence my love for the outdoors. You can also find me exploring the city, on a run, or hanging out with friends! I am excited to continue to hike, ski, camp, boat, swim, and laugh in the D.C. area with all of you!
Junior, History, Minors in Naval Science and Creative Writing
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Heyo! My name is Jackie! I'm from San Diego but have moved bunches as a kid. I'm studying history and doing Navy ROTC here at GW. You can find me hiking up mountains, exploring the local battlefields, or just enjoying some sunshine under the trees! If I'm not outside, you'll probably find me watching Star Wars or playing some Nintendo classics. Can't wait to see you out on the trail!
Events and Service Coordinator
Junior, International Affairs
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Hi everyone!! I’m Lizzie, and you’ll probably see me biking around campus on my Mom’s 40-year-old bike or speed walking (but never running) to someplace I’m running late for. I love hiking, biking, and painting, but my true passion remains Wikipedia wormholes, especially with any music group from the 60s/70s. Can’t wait to explore the green spaces both inside and outside DC with y’all!!
Training & Recruitment Coordinator
Junior, Middle Eastern Studies & Criminal Justice
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Hey everyone! I'm a Midwesterner from the Twin Cities and I like to take every opportunity to get out of this concrete jungle we call 'home' and spend sometime in the great outdoors. I love just about everything you can do out there, but truly love the thrill of backpacking in the backcountry. Hope to meet you all soon!
Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Coordinator
Junior, Environmental and Sustainability Science, Minor in Computer Science
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Hey everyone! I’m Maya and I’m from the lovely Milwaukee, Wisconsin - home of cheese. I love both being outside, and learning about it! Sometimes I walk quite slow and use iNaturalist to identify bugs and plants while in the wonderful outdoors. Other things I am passionate about include food, eating, cooking, New Girl, and sweatpants. I am ecstatic to be back in person this year and I can’t wait to meet all of you!
Junior, International Affairs and Economics
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Hey, I’m Rachel and I’m from right outside of Philly. I’m majoring in international affairs and Economics with a focus on development. I love to travel, hike, bike, geocache, and run. When I’m procrastinating you can find me planning backpacking and traveling itineraries all over the world (that I may or may not ever actually go on) and listening to George Harrison. The dream is to backpack through India one day. Catch you on the trails!
Junior, Public Health and Political Science
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Hi Friends! My name is Sam and I’m from the beautiful state of Utah, so I’m most at home when surrounded by red rock, aspen trees, or the greatest snow on earth. I’m a junior double majoring in public health and political science. I love to ski, hike, wakeboard, mountain bike, and dance my ~behind~ off… but nothing beats doing all that with the people you love. Even if you haven’t spent much time in the outdoors, I hope to see you on a trip!
Gear Manager
Junior, Accounting
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Hi there! My name is Savannah, and I'm studying accounting from Anchorage, Alaska. I love hiking, camping, skiing, and really anything to do with the mountains. You can find me on campus going out to breakfast in the mornings or reading in U-Yard with a cup of coffee. My dream outdoor adventures are hiking in Nepal or visiting the Swiss Alps. Hope to see you all on the trail soon!
Vice President
Junior, Asian Studies and Mandarin Chinese
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Hey, y’all! My name is Trey and I am studying Asian Studies at the Elliott School. Coming from the great state of Georgia, the backcountry, sweet tea and banjos run through my veins. I love backpacking and any kind of white water. I am excited to explore the woods around DC with y’all! Pitter patter!
Junior, International Affairs and Economics
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Hi, I’m Vivi. I’m in Elliott majoring in IA & Econ. I’m originally from deep in the cornfields Illinois so I never fail to get unreasonably excited over some mountains. I can’t wait to introduce you all to life at GW around a campfire!
Community Engagement Facilitator
Junior, International Affairs, Minor in Arabic and Hebrew Languages and Cultures, and Geography
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My name is Yoni and I hail from the glorious Midwest– Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to be specific. I like to spend as much of my time outdoors as possible and would never turn down an impromptu road trip. A few of my dream hiking trips would be Nepal, Argentina, or Japan. But for now, come explore the DMV area with us!
Junior, International Affairs, Minors in Journalism and Hebrew & Arabic Language and Culture
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Hey! My name is Yutong/Yu-tone Jiang. I am majoring in IA with a concentration in the Middle East. I minor in Journalism and Hebrew & Arabic language and culture. I was born in Guizhou, China, and I called it the Chinese “Colorado,” where you can see many magnificent mountains. I frequently visited Beijing and Boston back and forth, so I considered them as my second hometowns. I am an ESTP and Aries. I enjoy being outdoors. I do running, cycling, skiing, rowing, and rock climbing. I am open to trying new things and doing them competitively. I am also into concerts and big events.
Training & Recruitment Coordinator
Sophomore, International Affairs, Minor in Arabic
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Hi everybody! My name is Laurel, and I'm studying International Affairs at the Elliott School. I'm originally from Colorado, and I love nothing more than spending time in the mountains and enjoying beautiful views. I spend my free time hiking, backpacking, skiing, reading, napping in hammocks, and running at sunrise. I'm excited to meet y'all and see you on the trail!
Sophomore, Political Science and Journalism & Mass Communications
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Howdy folks, I’m Leo! I study polisci and journalism and hail from the great state of Pennsylvania (specifically it’s northeast corner). I grew up in the middle of the woods where my closest neighbors were squirrels so I love just about anything in the outdoors. Hiking, camping, and skiing are definitely personal favorites, and I’m always up for a spontaneous adventure. Around campus, you can find me hanging out in the grass or a hammock, playing violin, banjo or guitar, searching for more coffee, or going for long walks with friends. Getting out of DC with a TRAiLS for a day and breathing in some fresh air is always phenomenal. Looking forward to seeing you outside soon!
Marketing Coordinator
Sophomore, International Affairs
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Hi there! My name is Sophie, and I'm studying International Affairs (basic, I know). I'm from Hopkinton, Massachusetts but I also sort of grew up in Dubai, where I first got into hiking. My idea of a perfect vacation includes a lot of trekking, cooking over campfires, and chilling in hammocks. I'm also trying to learn skateboarding and juggling (maybe I could become a TRAiLS guide/clown?) I can't wait to meet you on some future trips!
