That’s right, folks, we’ve got some fresh meat in the house! You all know Sarah Puckett from JMU who’s written a number of our 48 Hours guides, but we also have four BRO Ambassadors from across the region who are helping us spread the #gooutsideandplay love. Help us welcome Gordon, Jess, Sean, and Jordan to the BRO team!
Gordon Knapp
University of Virginia, Va.
As long as I’m outside, I’m happy. I especially enjoy day hikes, backpacking, mountain/road biking, and the occasional game of pickup basketball. Mount Pleasant is my favorite trail close to home. It’s a fairly easy hike, and the views are absolutely spectacular at the top, especially for sunsets! Currently majoring in Economics and hoping to pursue a second major in Global Sustainability. My dream job would be working in the marketing or business department of a renewable energy company. I would absolutely love to sit down and talk with Yvon Chouinard, I’m sure a guy like that would have plenty of stories.
Jess Wiegandt
Brevard College, N.C.
@jesswiegandt
I go outside and play in lots of ways, but mostly by means of whitewater kayaking. I’ve been paddling since the age of 6 and continue to do so as often as possible. I remember when I was too young to paddle on my own, probably around three or four, my family and some friends spent a day on the James River paddling the Balcony Falls section. I used to be terrified of the Balcony Falls rapid and the first time I ran it, I was sitting in the bottom of a canoe, peering over the edge of the gunwhale and I remember screaming both out of fear and happiness as water splashed in and hit my face. After that, there was no going back. The North Fork of the French Broad right now is one of my favorite places to get out and paddle. It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s in a beautiful part of the forest, and I can get out there after class and get a couple laps in before dark. My dream job is to work as an outdoor journalist, covering events, people, and places all over the world. This way I get to play outside, take pictures, write, and get paid for it!
Follow Jess on Vimeo!
Sean Reckert
Warren-Wilson College, N.C.
My name is Sean Reckert, age 22. I grew up in Needham, Mass., and was draw to Warren Wilson College, in part, by its gorgeous location in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For the past four years my fondness for rock climbing and fly-fishing have grown exponentially. I am proud to be part of this friendly and environmentally minded outdoor community.
Jordan Budnik
Georgia College & State University, Ga.