Instructor Q&A with Marco Johnson

Where did you get your start in outdoor education?
I began working outdoor education in the Adirondack Mtns. of New York where I grew up. I worked for two different programs that took teens into the mountains and on canoe trips for two week trips.What is your favorite class to teach?
How to poop in the backcountry;-) As folks can be quite nervous about this activity. Also, we can have such a impact on the environment if we don’t deal with our waste well.

Are you an analyst/architect, driver, relationship master, or spontaneous motivator?
I’m a spontaneous motivator, but will move about depending on the course type and student group.

What is your favorite course to teach?
I can not pick one course type over another.

Give me your best backcountry recipe.
I very much enjoy making good sauces and using the plethora of pasta and rice we get as a means to deliver that sauce;-) Baking bread is also quite high on my list.

What is your favorite piece of outdoor gear?
While I won’t pick a particular piece of gear, I will say that a true commitment to going light has made a huge difference on all the courses I work.

What music/food do you think about when in the backcountry?
I miss fresh veggies and fruit when I’m in the backcountry on longer trips.

What is your single greatest accomplishment related to the outdoors?
Hearing students say, “Look what I/we can do!”