Wisconsin Basecamp Leaders
Basecamp leaders are selected for their skills working with groups, judgement, and experience in the outdoors, but also their personality and sense of humor. All leaders have Wilderness First Aid certification (with CPR) and go through our own customized leader training program. View past Basecamp leaders
Leah Bellack
Hey there! My name is Leah Bellack. I’m a junior here at UW and am psyched to be a Basecamp trip leader, again, this summer. On campus, I’m involved in the skydiving club (come jump with me!) and also shoot photos for the Badger Herald (one of our two awesome daily campus newspapers). I’m originally from Los Angeles, California and did Basecamp myself as an incoming freshman and truly credit the trip (and the amazing people I met on it) as the reason I’ve remained here in lovely Madison. Last summer I was a Leader-In-Training for Basecamp. I’m pumped for some amazingly fun times ahead and hope you are too!
Lara Bower
Hey, I’m Lara! I’ll be a sophomore at Madison this fall, and I’m a biology major/pre-vet student. I love the outdoors, especially when it comes to backpacking and canoeing. Here at the UW-Madison, I work at the Primate Research Center, where I get to hang out with monkeys and analyze lots of data. I also volunteer at the Humane Society so that I can play with kitties that have just undergone surgeries. Madison is the best city, and I’m so excited to answer your questions and have fun in the outdoors with you! Originally from southern Missouri, I love good southern cookin’ and I’ll try to stop myself from saying “ya’ll” too often. There’s nothing better than sitting at a campfire with awesome friends, especially when you eat s’mores for every meal.
Abby Dare
Hi there! I am Abby Dare and I am a junior here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My roots are from Apple Valley, Minnesota where I grew up with my parents and three sisters – going on road trips out west, backpacking, camping, and having a blast. I am majoring in Physical and Health Education and am loving every minute of it. I love to be with people, play outside, and explore the world; and I am really excited because that is what Basecamp is all about! I am looking forward to meeting all of you and having a splendid experience.
Kala Grove
Hey hey! I'm Kala and I just graduated with majors in Communications and Teaching English as a Second Language. I recently taught English in Chile, but my favorite part of studying abroad was backpacking! Other things I enjoy are running, reading and, most of all, dancing. I love to travel and hope to go back to South America again soon. Until then, I am super excited to experience Basecamp and get to know you all! I am currently a facilitator for Adventure Learning Programs and I was a SOAR leader a few summers ago. I love showing incoming students how amazing Madison is…so get ready, my friends!
Matthew Mandarino
Hi, I'm Matthew Mandarino, I'll be headed into my senior year at UW and hopefully be graduating next May with a degree in Political Science and a certificate in environmental studies. I have been involved on campus with an amazing organization ALPs or Adventure Learning Programs leading group through teambuilding workshops and high ropes courses. I'm excited to be going on some adventures this summer and looking forward to meeting all of you. Madison is a great place to be coming to school. The campus and city around it are full of possibilities so get ready!
John Olsan
Hey everyone! Johnny Olsan here. I am really looking forward to getting to know you this summer. Spending time outdoors in Wisconsin's summer sun is a blast, and I know we will have a great time together. I am an undecided sophomore studying Chinese and various other interesting courses. Freshman year has been amazing, and I love all the good people around campus. Outside the classroom, I can be found hanging around Lake Mendota and will take any excuse to sail and hang out by the water. See you this summer!
Lisa Rosenblum
Hey, hey! My name is Lisa Rosenblum, and I will be a junior next fall, majoring in Marketing. I'm originally from Westchester, NY but came to Wisconsin to enjoy cheering on the badgers, eating ice cream on the terrace, and getting a taste of mid-west life. I went on Basecamp as an incoming freshmen as well, and loved it (especially the smores)! I currently have an exec position in the business fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi, and work at the Overture Center for the Arts. I'm soo excited to enjoy the outdoors with you guys and have some fun! See ya soon :)
Gina Slesar
Hello Everyone! I’m Gina, a junior from Pewaukee, Wisconsin majoring in Economics. I did a Basecamp trip my freshman year and I am so happy to have the opportunity to share the experience with all of you! In my spare time, I like to run, sit on the terrace, and pretty much any recreation that has to do with any type of water (rivers, lakes, huge puddles, etc.) – or really anything that has to do with being outside. So far, my experience here at the University of Wisconsin has been incredible, and I am so excited for you to start your experience at UW by participating in Basecamp!
Maj Williams
Hello! My name is Maj (pronounced My – It’s Swedish!) Williams. I’m graduating May 2011 with a double major in International Studies and Gender and Women’s Studies. I’ve worked with the Babcock Dairy, both in the store and the plant, for the past three years so I’ll be your Babcock Ice Cream expert if you have any questions! I’m originally from Chicago but I’ve been living in Wisconsin for most of my life. I love exploring Wisconsin and surrounding areas, in my kayak, on my bicycle, and with my backpack. In addition, I enjoy snowboarding, sailing, reading, and going for runs all around Madison. After studying abroad in Turkey last summer I’ve been an avid backgammon player – it’s especially fun while hanging out on the terrace on a nice day. I’m looking forward to this summer and can’t wait for the awesome Basecamp adventures we’ll have!
