Sam Skinner (he/him) Class of 2026

Hi folks! My name is Sam Skinner (he/him), class of 2026. I’m from Saint Paul, Minnesota, where I first got into the outdoors by exploring our terrific state park system. If I’m not in the most obscure and isolated study spaces on campus or concocting my latest Commons creation, you can find me hiking. I can’t get enough of mountains, lakes,  rivers, mosses, moose, blueberries, and just about anything else having to do with Maine.

Nathaniel Zuckerberg (he/him) Class of 2026

HEY TEAM! My name is Nathaniel Zuckerberg and I am in the class of 2026. Growing up in Northern New Jersey I did not have a super nature filled childhood, but through some amazing programs and opportunities in recent years, the outdoors has become one of my favorite places to spend time. I am happy hanging out on the quad listening to music or in the backcountry paddling down a river, or hiking up a mountain. You can find me on any adventure you can think of, a casual day hike, a mountaineering expedition, white-water rafting, canoeing, skiing, surfing and especially things I have not done before. I hope to see you all on some awesome trips soon, and always feel free to say hi!

Shenandoah “Shenny” Waugh (they/them) Class of 2026

Hi there! My name is Shenandoah Waugh and I am from Lyons, Colorado. I love being in the woods and bagging peaks. I grew up hiking and backpacking in Colorado and in Maine but I’ve also done a lot of canoeing, skiing, and snowshoeing. My favorite part about leading trips is being able to meet awesome new people at Bates and being able to share the outdoors with others. I love exploring and sharing my outdoor knowledge with others. If I’m not in the woods, you can find me playing Ultimate Frisbee with Cold Front, playing clarinet, or working hard in Ladd (#doublemajorlife).

Jonah Yaffe (he/him) Class of 2026

Hey ya’ll! I’m Jonah and I’m a sophomore hailing from Dallas, Texas, double majoring in Environmental Studies and History. You can find me anytime around campus running around, making music with friends, landscaping or perhaps in a tree. I love spending as much time as I can outside hiking, trail running (while eating skittles), canoeing, skiing and tobogganing. I love working with others in the outdoors and spent the last summer doing trail maintenance on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail throughout New England, getting to know my new (in my opinion better) home. I’m always up for some exploring of the woods, lakes or whatever around here so just let me know and I’m in!

Alexis González (she/her) Class of 2026

Hi BOC! I’m Alexis González (she/her), a senior from Hanford, California, majoring in Environmental Studies and Rhetoric, Film, & Screen Studies. I’m passionate about making the outdoors accessible, welcoming, and fun for everyone, and I’m thrilled to serve as a BOC Trip Leader and the Equity & Inclusion Officer!

My love for nature started when I was young, and I’m committed to helping extend that early connection to students who may not have always felt like the outdoors was a space for them. Over the past year, I’ve collaborated with Affinity/Identity Clubs and the Student Center for Belonging and Community to create inclusive programming that helps students feel seen, welcomed, and empowered. I’m excited to continue with outreach, plan trips and events that introduce students to new outdoor experiences, and bring creativity, culture, and fun to everything we do. From s’mores nights to beach days, hikes, and beginner friendly climbs, I want BOC to be a space where everyone feels they belong.

Outside of BOC, I love hiking, camping, and experimenting with snacks (Tajín on literally everything is a must). I’m always excited to bring adventure, laughter, and community to the outdoors, and I can’t wait to share new experiences with all of you this year!

Addy Lanoue (she/her) Class of 2026

Hi BOC! My name is Addy (she/her), I’m an English/creative writing major and gender studies minor graduating in ‘26. I’m from Maine, and I grew up hiking and mountain biking all over New England with my family, and I’ve gotten really into backpacking recently as well. I’ve got lots of other experience outdoors (surfing, rock climbing, river rafting, whitewater kayaking, skiing, etc…) but my favorite trips to lead and go on are hikes! 

Isabelle Benson (She/her) (Class of 2027)

Hi, My name is Isabelle Benson and I am from Norwich, Vermont. I grew up hiking and skiing with my family. I love to run, swim, ski (cross country and downhill), hike, and play with my dog outside. I am excited to start leading trips at Bates. I love being outdoors and out in nature and am excited to find people to do that with. Outside the outing club, I enjoy crocheting, weaving, and spending time with friends.

Jessica Wang (She/her) Class of 2027

Hi there! I’m Jessica Wang and I’m from Guangzhou, China. I love hiking and make it a point to explore new trails wherever I travel. The most memorable hike was in the Yading Reserve,  which sits at a whopping 13,385 feet — so high that I needed to bring along oxygen cans! Besides that, I’m really into kayaking and have been paddling for over three years. At Bates, though, canoeing is one of the things, and I’m super excited to dive into it and try something a bit different! Looking forward to meeting you all!

Leif Thesen (any pronouns) Class of 2027

Hi everyone! I’m Leif- I’m from California though now you’ll find me gawking at the green (moss?!), white (snow?!) and all-around wonder of Maine! I’ve been scrambling up rocks, trees and mountains since I could scramble and I’m always down for an adventure. I love swimming white water rapids (intentionally or not), having brain-bending philosophical talks on long hikes, and watercoloring the view from the summit of a mountain (or crown of a tree)!

Alita Alvarez (she/her) Class of 2028

Hey BOC! My name is Alita, I hail from the great state of Colorado, though I love the east coast almost as much. You can find me on a rock most days of the week, as I love rock climbing. On the ground I enjoy a good day hike, backpacking, and good ol’ car camping. There will never be a cold plunge I won’t do! Hope to see you on some trips! 

Katie Gardiner (she/her) Class of 2028

Hi! My name is Katie. I’m a first year from Sun Valley, Idaho and love spending time outdoors. You should know that I can be motivated to do anything as long as there’s a good view somewhere along the way. I am a devout advocate of Leave No Trace, lover of riddles, and practitioner of type two fun (ask me about my amputated toenail). However, just getting outside at all is important to me, no matter what form our adventures take. I’m so excited to lead trips with all you cool people during my time with BOC!

Liesl Missbrenner (she/her) Class of 2028

Hear ye, hear ye! My name is Liesl, aka Leach, and I am from the great state of New York. My absolute favorite outdoor adventure is backpacking, hands down. I love cooking weird foods in the woods, and carrying packs that weigh more than me. I’m looking forward to leading all sorts of trips this year for the outing club so I can cook weird meals for all of you lovely students. Peace and love, Liesl

Sam Cockerham (he/him) Class of 2028

Wassup BOC! I am Sam Cockerham , I am a sophomore from Kingfield, Maine, who is studying Biology and Earth and Climate science. I love canoeing, backpacking, and fly fishing. You can always find me on campus with my blue tricycle and a hacky sack. A fun fact about me is that I am really good at catching frogs. If you ever want to adventure or catch frogs, just let me know!

Amelia Wright (she/her) Class of 2028

Hey hey! My name is Amelia and I hail from the beautiful (and I will die on this hill!) state of New Jersey! You can pretty much always find me in the woods with my binoculars and magnifying glass (ask me about moss). I love to hike, backpack, frolic, kayak, swim in cold water, make art, and stare at beautiful things. Can’t wait to adventure with you!

Duncan Whitbeck (he/him) Class of 2028

Hi all! My name is Duncan, and I come from the wild and wondrous state of Utah. My interest in the outdoors is in shared experience, be it on rock, snow, water, or mud; I want to have good times with good people. The northeast is new to me, and I look forward to continuing to meet cool people and seeing cool places!

Paige Durant (she/her) Class of 2028

Hey there BOC! I’m Paige and I’m from the Southcoast of MA. You can often find me snowboarding, hiking, boating, and camping. I’m an avid stargazer, gardener, and climber of trees. I love nerding out about all things nature, existing sans shoes, playing cribbage, finding critters, and jumping into any body of water I can find.

Daniel Scott (he/him) Class of 2028

Hey BOC! I’m Dan, and while I was born and raised in New Hampshire I now spend my time studying physics and meandering around the wonderful state of Maine. Whether I’m hiking, climbing, skiing, swimming, paddling, or cycling I’m always pumped to get outside and explore this beautiful state. I can’t wait to meet you all and I hope you’re just as excited to get outside as I am!

Brynn Stephenson (she/her) Class of 2029

Hey BOC! I’m Brynn and I’m a local Mainer from the downeast area. You’ll usually find me stomping around Acadia, skiing of any kind, backpacking, camping, or lately… attempting to become a climber. One of my favorite parts of enjoying the outdoors with others is having awesome conversations and meeting new people wherever I go. I’m always down for an adventure, and I’m so excited to bring you all along for the ride. I love experiencing nature with friends, and I seriously can’t wait to share that with you guys!

Ali Jalil (he/him) Class of 2029

Hey BOC! My name is Ali, and I’m from Portland, Maine. I’ve grown up surrounded by the woods and water, so spending time outside has always been a big part of my life. You’ll usually find me hiking, camping, or out on the water canoeing whenever I get the chance. I’m always down for a new adventure, whether it’s a long trek, a chill paddle, or just getting outside with good people. I’m really excited to meet everyone and share some great trips together!

Owen Blackburn (he/him) Class of 2029

Hi everyone! My name is Owen, and I am a Music/Politics major from Maryland. In the great outdoors, I like to climb on rocks and things. Sometimes, I may even walk or sleep near said rocks/things. I also like making and consuming music, as well as complaining about politics. A fun fact about me is that I sometimes put a bunch of mints in my mouth and take a big swig of cold water just to feel something. Give it a try sometime if you want to. Can’t wait to adventure with you all soon!