Wilderness Adventures Is Making a Change in Ownership

JACKSON HOLE, WY--(Marketwired - Mar 16, 2016) - Mike and Helen Cottingham have announced that Tom and Catherine Holland, of Jackson Hole and Indianapolis, will be taking over as directors and owners of Wilderness Adventures.

"We cannot imagine having two more qualified people than Tom and Catherine leading the program we founded and directed for the past 43 years," states Cottingham. "To assure a smooth transition, Helen and I will assist Tom and Catherine in a consulting role as they move forward with our 44^th summer season."

Trent Hultman, their long-standing general manager, will continue in his valuable role of managing the day-to-day operations, and their leadership team will remain in their various roles. Through this seamless transition, the Wilderness Adventures team will ensure that all of their families have the very best experience.

Tom and Catherine approach Wilderness Adventures from a personal place of appreciation for the program. Tom's career in outdoor education, marked by his tenure as an award-winning high school teacher, former executive director of a residential summer camp in Wyoming, and national spokesperson for the summer camp industry, began with his summer as a Wilderness Adventures student.

A truly life-changing experience, with his Teton trip, Tom planted the seed for his career to come in youth development and education, a vocation he shares with his wife. As a registered dietician and former summer camp director, Catherine has worked closely with children and families on matters of health. Catherine and Tom are the proud parents of four children: Madeleine, Maggie, Lydia and Johnny.

In Tom's most recent role, as Chief Executive Officer of the American Camp Association, he speaks to his far-reaching commitment to youth development. With a strong voice in the field, he regularly speaks to national and international audiences and frequently contributes to national education publications. He holds a BA in secondary education, as well as a MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Catherine holds a BS in nutrition and dietetics from Saint Louis University, completing her dietetic internship at Oregon Health Sciences University.

Mike Cottingham adds, "Helen and I feel extremely confident that Tom and Catherine will grow Wilderness Adventures in new and exciting ways, while continuing to conduct the program according to the highest standards of professionalism that parents expect from Wilderness Adventures."

About Wilderness Adventures: Now entering its forty-fourth summer season, Wilderness Adventures is the oldest and most experienced wilderness based adventure travel program for young adults. With over 25,000 alumni, many of whom are second generation, Wilderness Adventures teaches outdoor living and peer leadership skills in some of the most inspiring destinations on the planet. Their caring and supportive leaders guide students on unforgettable, fun and challenging adventures.