Andrew Buchanan
North. Andover
Summary
Dynamic outdoor leader with proven management and problem-solving skills, honed as head counselor at the Adirondack Trail Improvement Society. Successfully organized wilderness trips, trained and oriented staff, and adapted to hardship and thrived in adversity. Recognized for adaptability and teamwork, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for campers.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Counselor
Adirondack Trail Improvement Society
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Organized and lead wilderness hiking, canoeing, and camping trips for children and youth ages four to fifteen in the Adirondack mountains of New York.
- Responsible for two dozen staff members, weekly staff meetings, and acted as intermediary between executive director of organization and staff.
- Assisted in the transition of a new executive director and orienting him to processes and procedures.
- In charge of scheduling, wilderness camp trip planning, and special events..
- Responsible for overseeing wilderness first aid.
- Trained junior counsellors in safety protocols and effective leadership techniques.
Counselor at Adirondack Trail Improvement Society
Adirondack Trail Improvement Society
07.2021 - 08.2024
- Took children ages four to fifteen on hiking, camping, and canoeing trips in the Adirondack mountains of New York.
- Lead an annual two-week canoeing and backpacking trip with youth aged 12-15.
- Responsible for wilderness first aid and health of campers.
- Facilitate character growth and development through bonding adversity.
Woodsmen Team Captain
01.2025 - Current
- Responsible for a team of 7 in order to prepare for competitions.
- Responsible for skill building, team morale, and relationships with coach.
- Ensuring safety protocols are followed and managing expensive and dangerous equipment.
- Maintained poise, optimism and bounced back quickly after mistakes to show teammates how to respond to negative situations.
- Monitored individual performance metrics regularly, identifying areas for improvement while recognizing exemplary contributions from team members.
Colby Outdoor Orientation Trip Leader
Colby College
08.2025 - 12.2026
- Co-led orientation trip for freshmen college students in the Maine wilderness.
- Ensuring a smooth college transition for freshmen for their first semester of college.
- Lead in-college orientation meetings.
- Trained in safety, logistics, and outdoor skills.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Physics With Astrophysics Concentration
Colby College
Waterville, ME05-2027
Skills
- Management
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Risk management
Certification
- Wilderness First Responder
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
- Backpacking and Hiking
- Music
- Puzzles and Strategy Games
- Acting and Theater
Timeline
Colby Outdoor Orientation Trip Leader
Colby College
08.2025 - 12.2026
Head Counselor
Adirondack Trail Improvement Society
06.2025 - 08.2025
Woodsmen Team Captain
01.2025 - Current
Counselor at Adirondack Trail Improvement Society
Adirondack Trail Improvement Society
07.2021 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Physics With Astrophysics Concentration
Colby College