Andrew Jillings

Andrew Jillings has been an outdoor educator for 15 years and has worked at Hamilton as Director of adventure programs since 1997.

He holds a Master's degree in exercise science, with a professional focus on outdoor leadership and adventure education. He has completed the Instructors' Course at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and is a Certified Trainer with Project Adventure, the world's foremost organization for facilitator training and ropes course installation. He is also an ACA-certified Whitewater Kayak Instructor Trainer, Swiftwater and Canoe Instructor. As a board member of American Whitewater, he works with other volunteers to promote access and safe practices on whitewater rivers across the country. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in Higher Education at Syracuse University.

Andrew brings the philosophy of Challenge By Choice to the trips he leads and directs. Challenge By Choice is a leadership practice that allows people to choose when and where they want to stretch their comfort zone. Its goal is to provide a safe and effective learning environment, both mentally and physically.

Andrew grew up sailing on the east coast of England, and has a long-standing love of the outdoors. He spends his spare time whitewater kayaking, mountaineering, ice climbing and throwing the frisbee for his dog Indie. He spent part of this summer competing in the Yukon River Quest, the world's longest annual canoe and kayak race.