My name is Miranda Fry and I am a Lead Instructor, Advisory Council member and Instructor Ambassador with BAWT. I identify as an educator, artist, sister, daughter and queer mixed adventurer. I’m from the Sierra foothills, but I found community in the Bay and have been here since (15+years).
- What inspires you to do the work you do?
Being outdoors helped me learn my limits and how to persevere through challenges. I believe spending one night outside can have a positive impact on anyone and increasing access for others is something I can do to support my community.
- What is your connection to nature and outdoor adventure?
Nature is an unstructured, beautiful and wild place where societal constraints and expectations can fade away. It is a place that taught me how to connect and identify the things that were most important to me. I enjoy backpacking and mountain biking because it helps me explore for multiple continuous days or get to places that are further away from town.
- What future hopes do you have for the outdoor education industry?
I hope that the companies that are taking people outdoors and on adventures are doing everything and more to make their programs accessible, inclusive and safe specifically for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. There are some organizations and nonprofits that are making big changes and doing good work–I want to see those organizations being celebrated and financially supported.
- What is your favorite BAWT memory?
My favorite BAWT memory was sleeping outside on a tarp (for the first time) between two new friends at Anthony Chabot Regional Park 10 years ago. I was awakened by a symphony of owls hooting from the eucalyptus trees surrounding our campsite. Although I was not excited to be awake, I really enjoyed being present during such a beautiful unique moment outside.
