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Program History

Adventure Links was founded in 1994 and is a fully insured and licensed Virginia Corporation. Adventure Links is owned and operated by Anna and Austin Birch whose combined twenty years of experience range from elementary, middle and high school education, residential counseling, team development facilitation, adventure programming, and wilderness expedition guiding.

The initial focus has gradually expanded to providing team development programs, managing a ropes course facility for groups of all ages, and facilitating high impact experiential education through rock climbing, hiking, backpacking and summer adventure camps.

Attitude

Campers will face new challenges, try completely new things and immerse themselves into the spirit of adventure. With a positive frame of mind, we have seen that anything can be achieved. We work together with parents, staff and campers to promote life skills and a winning outlook.

The reward behind the mission is to hear from returning campers and their parents how this program has bolstered confidence, improved self outlook and broadened skills in relating to others. Adventure Links camps are perfect for those in search of a non-traditional, age appropriate, life changing summer experience. It is an honor and pleasure to witness these results in thousands of lives.

Emphasis on Child Development

With certainty, parents know their children will be exposed to new opportunities for enrichment and an environment of care, compassion, and adventure. We are not simply a place to leave your child for the day or week but rather a foundation on which to build your child's future- an indisputable investment.

Anna Birch (Director/Founder) has dedicated her entire adult life to the educational and adventure industry and is one of the founders of Adventure Links. With experiences as a residential counselor, wilderness expedition guide, special education teacher, elementary school teacher, and program director, she contributes a contagious energy and insight toward designing innovative programming at Adventure Links. She happily resides in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband Austin and two daughters Audrey and Autumn.

Austin Birch (Director/Founder) was first inspired by the outdoors as a whitewater guide on the Penobscot River in Maine. It was here he met his wife Anna, and together they have pursued their dreams with Adventure Links. Austin gained experience with youth as an elementary school teacher, wilderness expedition guide and is termed by many as a "professional kid." With the lessons he learned from his students and the certainty that adventure and experiential education is the most effective way to make a difference in the lives of others, Austin has since dedicated his life to his company and its mission.

Dave and Shelby Boynton (VP of Strategy, VP of Operations) met while enrolled in the University of New Hampshire's Outdoor Education Program. They now rejoin the Adventure Links team after four years of experience designing and leading programs in New Hampshire. They bring a fresh insight and enthusiasm to the professional development of Adventure Links. Their philosophies of and passion for experiential education is seen through their creative programming, benefiting Adventure Links' already exciting and successful mission.

Mike Wynn (Program Director) is a graduate of West Virginia University’s Experiential Education program.  He has years of ropes course experience and has led trips throughout various parts of the country. His love for being outside and passion for adventure sports give him insight into creating experiences for others. This is evident in the unique experiences Mike helps to create through programs and trips at Adventure Links.

Bethany Lowe (Marketing Director) graduated from the Whittemore School of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. Looking to apply her business background to a worthwhile cause, she took a position with Adventure Links where she could help get younger generations active and outdoors. Her combination of creativity, strong work ethic and appreciation for the outdoors help strengthen Adventure Links’ presence in Northern Virginia.

Request for Proposal - 800.877.0954 - www.AdventureLinks.net

21498 Blue Ridge Mountain Road
Paris, VA 20130