TRAiLS Guides
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.
TRAiLS Guide Program Application
The application process for the TRAiLS Guide Program occurs at the beginning of the spring semester 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 of the guide position can be found in the Spring 2022 TRAiLS Guide Program Application Information Packet. Everyone interested in applying is encouraged to thoroughly review the information packet.
More information regarding the application process will be shared on this webpage, on the GW TRAiLS Instagram page, and at TRAiLS General Body meetings as the application period nears.
Training and Qualifications
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.
Meet the Guides
Elena M.
Junior, International Affairs
she/her
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!
Emily L.
President
Junior, Public Health
she/her
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!
Jackie L.
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!
Lizzie B.
Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Coordinator
Senior, International Affairs, Minors in GIS and Geography
she/her
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 some place I’m running late for. I'm from the great state of New Jersey (they hate us cuz they ain't us), and I love hiking, biking, painting, and dancing like an idiot whenever I can. However, my true passion remains Wikipedia wormholes, which I would like to attribute most of my worldly understandings to and not my Elliott degree (I kid!). Can’t wait to explore the green spaces both inside and outside DC with y’all!!
Lucas L.
Senior, Middle Eastern Studies & Criminal Justice
he/him
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!
Maya D.
Senior, Environmental and Sustainability Science, Minor in Computer Science
she/her
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!
Rachel B.
Senior, International Affairs and Economics
she/her
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!
Sam C.
Senior, Public Health and Political Science
she/her
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!
Savannah W.
Vice President
Senior, Accounting
she/her
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!
Trey W.
Senior, Asian Studies and Mandarin Chinese
he/him
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!
Vivi M.
Senior, International Affairs and Economics
she/her
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!
Yoni A.
Senior, International Affairs, Minor in Arabic and Hebrew Languages and Cultures, and Geography
he/him
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!
Henry B.
Junior, Exercise Science
he/him
Hi Y'all! I'm from the Bay Area, California. I'm studying Exercise Science focusing on PT/AT as well as sports performance. My passion for the outdoors started during high school when I began to go camping and backpacking throughout the Sierras. Can't wait to meet y'all out in the wilderness and escape the city life!
Laurel B.
Junior, International Affairs, Minor in French
she/her
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!
Leo K.
Junior, Political Science and Journalism & Mass Communications
he/him
Howdy folks! I’m Leo and I hail from the middle of the woods in Pennsylvania where my closest neighbors are squirrels. My favorite activities include laying in the grass, playing music, consuming copious amounts of coffee, and zipping around on my trusty razor scooter. Looking forward to getting to know you while having some outdoor adventures!
Radha V.
Junior, Biological Sciences, Minor in Dance
she/her
Hey hey! I'm Radha, and I'm from the great state of North Carolina, so backpacking and bluegrass are my jam! I'm studying molecular biology and dance at GW, and I try to spend every free second I get outside enjoying some of the nature that DC has to offer. Aside from that, I love rainy mountain trekking, 3 AM coffee runs, and getting down to Taylor Swift. I'm always down to talk about anything from biology to sci-fi and beyond, and I can't wait to meet y'all and explore together!
Sophie R.
Community Engagement Facilitator
Junior, International Affairs
she/her
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!
Zane P.
Training and Recruitment Coordinator
Junior, International Affairs, Minors in Arabic and GIS
he/him
Hey! I'm from Long Beach, California but I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico right now. I'm majoring in International Affairs, with a minor in Arabic and GIS! New Mexico has made me pretty used to the desert landscape, so the East Coast is a fantastic change-up. I'm totally addicted to climbing, caffeine, backpacking, and anything outdoors - and I'll see you there!
Arlo S.
Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Coordinator
Sophomore, Civil Engineering, Minor in Sustainability
they/them
Hello, my name is Arlo! I grew up hiking, biking, and skiing in New Hampshire, but have been living in San Francisco as of late. I love spending time outside, listening to music, cooking, and drinking tea :) A fun fact is that I dressed up as the world’s largest tree in my fourth grade wax museum, so feel free to ask me about General Sherman… I am looking forward to meeting all of you lovely people!
Ava T.
Sophomore, Political Science and Music
she/her
Hi! I am Ava, and I’m from Texas! I’m majoring in music and political science. I enjoy listening to podcasts, spending time with friends, dance cardio-ing, running, reading, and seeing shows like concerts and musicals. I love meeting new people and hope to see you outside!
Breanna W.
Gear Manager
Sophomore, International Affairs, Minor in German
she/her
Hey! My name is Breanna, and I’m from Long Island, NY. Some ways I like to enjoy the outdoors are by hiking, bike riding and swimming. But I also love to try new things and go on new adventures. Here in D.C you can usually find me grabbing coffee, picnicking on the mall or pretending to do work in Potomac Square. I’m so excited to meet everyone and enjoy the outdoors with y’all soon!
Cassidy M.
Marketing Coordinator
Sophomore, International Business, Minor in German
she/her
Hey everyone! My name is Cassidy, and I'm from Richmond, VA. I love traveling and exploring new places, whether that be foreign cities or a different DC neighborhood. I also enjoy obnoxiously long walks (especially as a form of procrastination). Some of my favorite outdoor activities include skiing, biking, running, and hammocking. Can't wait to meet you on trail!
Isabella R.
Sophomore, International Affairs, Minor in Chinese Language and Literature
she/her
Hi everyone, my name is Isabella!! I'm from Boston, and I can't wait to go exploring with you all! I love hiking in the woods, picnicking, reading outside, and doggy paddling in lakes. I also really love bunnies, and get very happy whenever I see one outside! I'm so excited to meet all of you, find some bunny friends, and most importantly, have fun outside!
Liam M.
Sophomore, Economics and Philosophy
he/him
Hello! My name is Liam, and I’m studying Economics and Philosophy. Growing up, my family taught me to love the outdoors, and I did most of my hiking in the Adirondacks. When I’m not on the trail, some of my favorite things include concerts, old movies, collecting records, and fantasy football. I also like playing guitar and piano. I truly LOVE D.C. and the DMV area as a whole, and I can’t wait to explore its beauty with you all!
Lily M.
Sophomore, Undecided
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Lily, and I’m from Chicago. I grew up with absolutely zero nature in my surroundings but somehow still managed to love the outdoors! I especially love backpacking, hiking, and rafting. You can find me on campus aggressively speed walking while blasting Pitbull in my headphones most likely on my way to a workout class. Can’t wait to explore DC with you all!
Liz H.
Gear Manager
Sophomore, Chemistry
she/her
Hey y'all, I'm Liz (and a Scorpio)! I'm from Colorado, so that naturally turned me into a granola girl. I love climbing, hiking, biking, hammocking, and road tripping. If you catch me around campus you'll probably find me with a caffeinated beverage in a mason jar. Definitely say hi, and I'll offer you whatever recent baked good is hanging around my room or invite you over for dinner. Can't wait to meet you all and go play outside!
Maryana S.
Sophomore, Economics and Geography, Minor in GIS
she/her
Hey! My name is Maryana, and I'm from the Philadelphia area. I love living in DC almost as much as I love making oatmeal. Some of my favorite outdoor activities include hiking, camping, and kayaking. I think long runs are the best way to explore new places, and on-campus you can always find me outside listening to music and drinking copious amounts of coffee. I love connecting with new people and can't wait to see you all outside this year!
Owen A.
Sophomore, Political Communication, Minors in Public Policy and Spanish
he/him
Hey, I'm Owen! I come from the other Washington and am a Pacific Northwesterner at heart. A fun fact about me is that I have broken the same bone twice in one month (ask me about it). In my free time you can find me hiking, running, doing triathlons, watching soccer, and keeping up on politics. See you outside!
Sylvia C.
Training and Recruitment Coordinator
Sophomore, Political Science and Religion, minor in History
she/her
Hi my name is Sylvia, and I grew up in Louisville, KY. I am studying Political Science and Religion. Some of my favorite outdoor activities include rocking climbing, hiking, and ski/snowboarding. Let's grab some coffee, eat some oatmeal, and start exploring!
