Rebeckah “Rey” Johnston

Hometown: Brussels, Belgium
NOLS Instructor since: 2002
Courses taught: Rock Climbing, Sailing, Backpacking, Sea Kayaking

Rebeckah “Rey” Johnston says that part of why she works at NOLS is because of the dynamic environment. “The people who work here and the students who join us intertwined with the wild places we connect with make for ever-changing and growing experiences,” she says. Having worked in Mexico, the Pacific Northwest, Wyoming, Alaska and Patagonia and expeditioned with NOLS in Arizona, Rey says that she doesn’t have a favorite course – she likes the balance that comes from teaching different course types in different places. “I like the different uses of the mind and body, the different gear, the different climates, the different approaches to weather patterns, and the challenges that inevitably come with with each context,” she says. She enjoys playing with varied perspectives.

Rey grew up spending most of her time outdoors whenever she could – backpacking canoeing, kayaking, biking and sailing with her family. Personal trips have included rafting down the Grand Canyon in 2004, rock climbing in Thailand in 2005, mountaineering on Mt Baker in 2006, and ongoing sailing in the San Juan Islands, Washington.

In addition to working in different capacities at NOLS as instructor, rations manager, kitchen manager and the occasional program supervisor, she is wearing a new hat as Assistant Branch Director for the NOLS Patagonia Branch where she is hoping to put her international management studies and experience back to work.

Her advice for anyone considering a NOLS course is to come with an open mind and a willingness to work hard. “As in life, dive into the experience fully, because you might be surprised with what you learn.”