We caught up with Arden Varley-Twyman, fearless leader of Passages Adventure Camp and all-around awesome human, at Blanchard’s Coffee for some great drinks and conversation as she prepares for her second season at the helm of this legendary RVA summer camp. Here are a few of the fun things we learned during our time together:
RFM: Tell us a little bit about your background and how you landed at your present position.
Arden: I was born and raised in Richmond and graduated from the VCU Honors College with a bachelor’s degree in health physical education and exercise science with a concentration in health science.
I have been working at Passages since I was 14, but I have been a camper there since I was 8 years-old. I was a site director of our Base Camp and Rock and River climbing programs before becoming the assistant director to Kevin Tobin, the previous director of Passages Adventure Camp for 25 years. Before site directing at Passages, I coached the training team and junior team in the climbing centers, and I also helped re-launch birthday parties and worked lock-ins.
RFM: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Arden: The most rewarding part of my job as the Passages Adventure Camp Director is seeing the kids grow in confidence and develop a true love for the outdoors, year after year. It’s amazing to watch them take on new challenges and push their limits. Each week, I get to see kids who start off struggling to make it halfway up a rock wall, and by the end of the week, they’re 50 feet in the air. It’s incredible! Plus, hearing from parents about the growth they see in their kids – both in their skills and their character – is truly fulfilling. It’s what makes all the hard work worth it.
RFM: Tell us a few facts that folks might not know about you.
Arden: I have two cats, Bumper and Boat, who were both strays when I found them. We found Bumper in the middle of the road after she got hit by a car – thankfully she was mostly unharmed, and I adopted her later that week. Boat was one pound and two months old when one of my staff found him and couldn’t keep him, so I adopted him the same day.
My hobbies include baking sourdough from scratch, reading, kayaking, backpacking, and practicing yoga. Also, I have been vegetarian since I was 9 years old.
Thanks for the chat, Arden!
Stay tuned for more Coffee With… RFM interviews!
