Introducing Pam Wright
March is Women’s History Month! At Boreal Bliss, we have a long-standing tradition of featuring women who inspire us in Minnesota every March.
This week we’d like to share a little bit more about a outdoorswoman who inspires us: Pam Wright of Soka Outdoors!
We recently had the pleasure of spending a very informative and full weekend with Pam, as she was our trainer for Wilderness First Aid + CPR training. We bonded over all things BWCAW & women in the wilderness. We are thrilled to share more about Pam Wright with you - here we go!
Q: Pam can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your training, and how you got started?
A: My love for the outdoors started at a young age when my parents would take me backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana. Into adulthood my curiosity grew and as I sought out opportunities to try all kinds of outdoor activities.
When my husband and I started to have kids, one of our hopes was that they would be a part of our adventures. We began taking them on canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness when they were toddlers.
As I learned more (and did riskier things, ha!), I wanted to improve my skills. Taking orienteering, canoeing, and wilderness first aid courses gave me a healthy respect for the woods. Seeking others with similar interests I joined a few clubs and hung out with people I wanted to be like.
Wanting to make an impact and connect with other women in my community, I started a women’s outdoor adventure group in my town. It’s been a place to encourage friendship and skills. Over time, I added other women as leaders who could also share their expertise and plan adventures.
My path of employment has been unconventional. Formally trained as a freelance graphic designer, I eventually switched gears a little. My heart was really in outdoor education and adventures.
A few years ago, I joined Women's Wilderness Discovery in Ely, Minnesota as a professional winter camping and summer canoe guide. Adding to my desire to provide outdoor education, I’ve become a Red Cross Instructor teaching Wilderness First Aid, CPR/AED. **p.s. sidenote: our Boreal Bliss team went through this training with Pam and highly recommend it! Photos for proof of knowledge gained + fun had. ;)
In addition to both of these things, I’m also an outdoor writer for a few publications. In between all of that, I offer online webinars where people can learn more about backpacking, canoeing, and winter camping. Whew! Ha!
Q: What aspect of your work are you most proud of?
A: Taking people into remote places and providing opportunities for them to experience something new is something that brings a lot of joy. It's a way for them to increase their skills, move beyond their comfort zones, and accomplish more than they thought possible. I get to see the joy on someone's face after they've lifted the canoe and carried it down a portage trail for the first time.
One of my favorite quotes by Sam Cook, a Minnesota author, reminds me of the desire we all have to discover what brings us life.
He writes, “Each of us has an up north. It’s a time and place far from the here and now. It’s a map on the wall, a dream in the making, a tugging at one’s soul. For those who feel the tug, who make the dream happen, who put the map in the packsack and go, the world is never quite the same again.”
Having the privilege of taking women into the wilderness of all ages and abilities reminds me that dreams are a continuation of life.
Q: What advice can you offer those of us who want to gain more outdoor skills?
A: Stay curious. If there is an area you'd like to grow in, find a class on it or grab a book. Reach out to someone who is already doing it and ask for guidance. Remember, even if it feels a little uncomfortable, we all were beginners once. A willingness to keep learning will encourage growth.
Q: Can you tell us one of your favorite outdoor adventure stories?
A: One of my favorite stories was pretty magical. I was on a remote wilderness campsite in Wabakimi Provincial Park in Canada. It was the kind of site that is so old, the fire ring was covered in lichens. Our tent was perched on the slabby point at the end of a small river. Ancient black spruce roots scrambled for purchase on the thin forest floor. During the night I got up, unable to sleep. When I unzipped the tent, the sky was awash in curtains of green. The aurora borealis stretched overhead. Cascading veils of color flowed through an invisible river in the sky. I swear I could hear a sound hissing - almost like someone shaking tinsel. I watched in silence as northern lights painted the sky and enveloped my soul.
Q: You have been instrumental in helping women gain confidence and courage in outdoor skills through Soka Outdoors and Women's Wilderness Discovery. Can you tell us more about what that means to you?
Providing opportunities and experiences for other women to enjoy and grow in has been a gift. Soka is Swedish for “to seek”. It means I'm searching for beauty and where it came from. It's something I want others to see too.
I'm reminded that although I’m a little older, there are more places to explore–to be curious about. More opportunities for awe. In the end, I feel like I’ve been given this gift–it's something I want to pass on.
Q: Last question; where can we follow your adventures and find out about new opportunities with you?
A: Outroverts unite! Feel free to follow my adventures at sokaoutdoors.com and on Instagram @sokaoutdoors.
