About Ventures in Nature

Addisyn Ibrahim
Executive Director

Graduated from University of CO in Boulder with major in communications. She is a life guard, Varsity basketball player scoring over 1000 points, as well as has coached basketball & played soccer. She was a high school counselor at Presbyterian Church in NP and assistant dance instructor.

Jordan Kahn
Co-Director

Hi! I’m Jordan. I’m currently a senior at Ithaca College studying environmental science. I have four years of experience working in camp settings and this will be my second summer with VIN. I love to share my knowledge of the outdoors, and find it highly rewarding to watch kids grow and learn. Nature school is the perfect place to foster growth in a safe and supervised environment. When I’m not in the woods in the summer, I help run a student-led apiary as well as work as a student eco rep promoting sustainability on campus. In addition, I am a student leader for the environmental science department at IC, and recently worked part time at a local elementary school’s after school program. I am excited to share this experience with your kids.

Ren Verzosa
Co-Director

Ren is a student at NJIT in Newark and spends all his spare time outdoors.

Co-Instructors

Carly Dalton

I’m Carly Dalton, an elementary special education teacher and Westfield mom of two. With over 15 years of experience working with children, I love teaching in a hands-on way that encourages curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Whether we’re exploring nature, creating, building, or discovering something new, I believe children learn best when they are actively engaged. I’m excited to spend the summer outdoors helping campers have fun, make friends, and create lasting memories!

Nick Jones

Hello I'm Nick. I am well versed in identifying plants and mushrooms and their various properties. I am also competent in bushcraft (foraging, sourcing and purifying water, shelter building, and fire craft). In my free time I enjoy reading, backpacking, and climbing. Certifications include Leave No Trace- Master Educator and NOLS Wilderness First Aid.

Laura Guempel

Hi there! I’m Laura Guempel (rhymes with simple) and I’m excited to join the Trails for Kids team this summer. I hold a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s of Science in Speech Language Pathology, both from Seton Hall University. As a Speech Therapist, I’ve worked with children as young as 1.5 years old up to Geriatric aged patients in the medical setting. In my free time I love being outdoors (especially hiking and swimming at the beach) and playing music. I have played piano and sung for 20 years! I’m looking forward to getting to know all my new friends and their loved ones this summer as we hit the trails together.