Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Aranson
Hi Sam, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in Atlanta, Sam Aranson explored the abundant forests of North Georgia and used the Chattahoochee River as his playground. During the summers, Sam would spend time at his family’s fishing cabin in the woods of Maine. His upbringing led Sam to feel most comfortable in outdoor experiences.
At Georgia Southern University, Sam studied Outdoor Education and Recreation with a concentration in Experiential Learning. His skills were further strengthened by working as Director of Outdoor Education for various summer camp programs. He went on to intern at Pathfinder Ranch, a program for at-risk youth from California and Nevada, as the Director of Outdoor Education in Mountain Center California.
After college, Sam co-founded The Jewish Outdoor Leadership Institute, an outdoor educational non-profit based in Atlanta, GA, where he went on to become the Executive Director. Here, Sam would plan and implement outdoor education programs surrounding Jewish identity and values for various youth, teen, college, and adult groups throughout the community and the Southeast United States.
Wanting to expand his education and experience, Sam moved to Chicago, IL. Here he received his Master’s in Education from National Louis University. This began his 15 years as a classroom teacher. Sam taught at public high schools in Chicago and Atlanta and transformed classroom typical lessons into experiential learning methods for his students.
Sam founded Summit Academy Adventures after recognizing the value and need our community has for outdoor experiences to enhance our communication, personal growth, connection, and sense of adventure. Now more than ever our community shows a need to dive into experiences, skills, and passions, and connect with nature and our fellow humans.
Sam has an incredibly inspiring fiancé, Lauda Lacayo Rodriguez, who helped to hone his dreams into the creation of Summit Academy Adventures. She is truly his muse. Lauda’s inspiration is also from her opening and operating Bella Vie Organizing Solutions and Concierge Services, the top notch personal organizing company in and around Atlanta. Her bravery and confidence is an example to Sam everyday.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey to founding Summit Academy Adventures has been shaped by resilience and determination. Growing up in the 80s and 90s with ADHD, I faced the challenges of navigating a world that often misunderstood neurodiversity. These early experiences fueled a passion for innovative education and outdoor learning. After 12 years as a public school teacher, I made the difficult decision to leave the classroom, seeking a more dynamic and experiential approach to education. Returning to outdoor adventure education, I combined a deep love for nature with a commitment to helping children thrive in ways traditional settings often overlook. Summit Academy Adventures is the culmination of these experiences, a space where challenges are embraced, and every adventurer’s potential is nurtured.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Sam Aranson, founder of Summit Academy Adventures, combines his expertise in education with a passion for outdoor adventure to create a unique learning experience. With a Master’s degree in education and over 12 years of experience as a public school teacher, Sam transitioned to establish Summit Academy Adventures, offering experiential learning opportunities that emphasize problem-solving, exploration, and leadership development. The academy serves children and adults alike, specializing in professional development programs, staff training, and private adventure retreats designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. Sam’s approach is deeply influenced by his own experiences growing up with ADHD in the 80s and 90s, driving his commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. This blend of innovative education and outdoor adventure sets Summit Academy Adventures apart, making it a space where individuals of all ages can thrive.
Mission:
At Summit Academy Adventures, we understand the power of cooperation and communication. Those skills can make a great leader. We believe when people are taken out of their comfort zones, they unlock the greatest potential to learn, grow, and lead. Our outdoor leadership school focuses on experiential learning, real-life problem-solving scenarios, adventure and exploration. We offer our students unique opportunities to challenge themselves and work together to overcome obstacles in the great outdoors.
The most impactful way to develop leadership skills is by challenging yourself in the great outdoors. We specialize in team building, communication, and cooperation to help participants reach their personal and team goals. Our Adventure Programs are designed to create a unique, inspiring learning environment that tests physical and mental limits while providing ample opportunities for personal improvement.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
A surprising part of my life is that in an earlier life I was a musician in and around the Atlanta and wider Georgia music scene. Part of that history included producing music festivals with such greats as Col. Bruce Hampton, Rev. Jeff Mosier, and so many other great talents from Atlanta.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summitacademyadventures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summitacademyadventures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summitacademyadventures
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/summit-academy-adevntures/
