YOUR ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS
W.E.U has been leading in the field of adventure education, swim & scuba instruction, outdoor recreation, and worldwide travel since 1982!
Wilderness Experiences is a family business, fueled by passion and a genuine love for what we do.
Great kids and great families make what we do easy and fun.
Meet Our Family
Aubrey (Cook) Senterfitt
Executive Director, Swim & Scuba Instructor
Aubrey grew up living, playing and leading in the great outdoors. For her Wilderness Experiences was never a hobby or a job, it was always her families lifestyle. Aubrey moved to Boulder, Colorado to pursue triathlons, her new passion, there she earned her professional racing license. After 4 years of racing around the world Aubrey found herself back in Western Massachusetts. Her passion for leading kids in the outdoors took over, and now Aubrey is stepping into new shoes at WEU to run the family business. She is growing her big vision for summer camp, new aquatic programming. Aubrey is a NAUI Scuba Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, Wilderness EMT, Lifeguard, Kayaking Instructor, USAT Triathlon Coach, Level II Ropes Course Facilitator, and is always ready for adventure!
Favorite Quote
“She realized at a young age that she cared deeply for those close to her, but she had to live for herself…and she did amazing things”
Favorite Place to Dive
Darwin and Wolf islands in the Galapagos
Dogs Name
Deely & Bula
World's Best Whitewater
El Toro, Costa Rica or the Cheat in West Virginia
Coffee
Yes, please.
Learn Something New
Continue learning to Snowboard!
Ethan Senterfitt
Leadership Staff, Sailing Captain, and Tech Guy
Ethan learned to walk on a sailboat and first came to WEU as a camper when he was just ten years old. He used the rock climbing skills he learned at camp to become director of climbing for his university's outdoor club. He used the white-water kayaking skills he learned to become interim manager of a whitewater rafting outfit on the Deerfield River. He's been a sailboat captain in the Virgin Islands and snowboard instructor in Colorado and Vermont. Whether he's currently employed as your adventure guide or just on vacation from an engineering job, he's always happy to help any way he can.
Favorite Quote
“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure”
Coffee
Black
Favorite Adventures
Kite Surfing, Snowboarding, Sailing, SCUBA diving, Rock Climbing, and Kayaking
Dog
Deely & Bula
Learn Something New
Paragliding
Sam Power
Swim Instructor & Summer Camp Staff
Sam began with WEU when she was 12 years old. Over the years she has filled the roles of Camp Staff, OWL, Lifeguard, Program staff and Swim Instructor. She graduated from Westfield State University With a degree in History and a license to teach Secondary Education. She is currently working in the West Springfield School system and loves teaching swim lessons and helping to run programs here with us. Sam's involvement in WEU continues to grow and we wouldn't know where we'd be without her.
Favorite Quote
“Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart.”
Dogs Name
Maisy
Coffee
Is always a good idea!
Favorite things to do outside
Kayaking and climbing
T. Scott Cook, PhD
Founder. Head Janitor. Adventurer Extraordinaire. Camp Director
Scott has degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. He currently teaches in the Movement Science Department at Westfield University as a professor in the Outdoor recreational leadership program. Scott has his master degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership and his doctorate in Leadership Development in Adventure Education. He also has finished his book Outdoor Leadership ~ “The Noble Gift”!
Scott is a NAUI SCUBA Course Director, ACA canoe and kayak instructor. He currently holds certificates in and is an instructor trainer for the American Red Cross in Lifeguarding, Water Safety Instructor, CPR, Wilderness First Aid and AED training. He brings more than 40 years experience with him, teaching all ages, levels and abilities. His passion is teaching and the sharing of his knowledge of the Outdoors. Scott has worked in the Special Education field for more than 25 years. He is the man behind the magic, and proof that when big dreams combine with hard work the world can change.
Favorite Quote
“It’s fun to have fun, but you have to know how”
Favorite place to dive
Maldives
Dogs Name
Lovey
Coffee
Black
Learn Something New
Stain Glass Making
Laura Cook, RN, BS
Swim Instructor, Travel Consultant
Laura has degrees in Animal Science and Nursing from Holyoke Community College. She continued her nursing education at the University of Massachusetts. She has worked as a surgical registered nurse for the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Springfield since 1985. Her specialty is pediatric orthopedics. Laura recently retired from Shriners Hospital after more than 29 years of practice.
Laura is a NAUI divemaster and is a certified AEA Water Aerobics instructor. She currently holds certificates in Kick boxing, Hatha Yoga, Aquatic kick boxing, Life guarding, Water Safety instructor, Sports Nutrition, and Holistic Health Consultation. She is a Red Cross instructor in CPR, AED and First Aid. Laura is also a WSI instructor trainer for the American Red Cross.
Favorite Quote
“If you haven’t traveled you are only on page one in the book of life”
Favorite place to dive
Maldives & Bonaire
Dogs Name
Lovey
Coffee
Nope. Peppermint tea, please.
Learn Something New
Playing the Piano
Caitlyn Feeley
Swim Instructor
Caitlyn started at WEU just this year, and it already feels like she has been a part of our family for years. Caitlyn's outgoing personality makes it easy for her swim students to quickly relate and enjoy her energy. Caitlyn is currently a student at Holyoke Community College earning her associates in communications, she then plans to transfer to Westfield state university to earn a bachelors. In her spare time, you can find Caitlyn Irish step dancing, riding horses, swimming , or playing soccer for HCC.
Favorite Quote
“She conquered her demons and wore her scars like wings.” -Atticus
Horses Name
Finnigan (Finn)
Coffee
Iced and black (but kombucha tastes better)
Favorite things to do outside
Hiking and Biking
Learn Something New
Development of leadership skills
WE BELIEVE ALL PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO:
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Experience the natural world to the fullest extent possible
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Learn through sight, sound, touch, and smell
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Receive affection, caring, and understanding
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Ask questions and have them answered honestly and fairly
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Speak their own thoughts in their own way
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Love and be loved
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Accept defeat without humiliation in a safe, supportive atmosphere
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Feel and share the thrill of success
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Take pride in themselves
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Have the opportunity to learn to share and trust through group cooperation and teamwork
A Note From W.E.U. Founder
Nature has the power to open the hidden door to one’s soul. Through the ages, it has left its lasting imprint upon those who have dared to explore its fantasy. As a young boy, I fell under Nature’s magical spell. Ever since I’ve wanted to lead others into the wilderness so that they might discover the joy and sense of belonging that can stay in one’s heart for a lifetime. That’s what Wilderness Experiences Unlimited Summer Camp is all about. It’s the culmination of my lifetime dream to introduce young people to outdoor surroundings and activities that foster love and respect of the outdoors, and bond kindred spirits. It’s a place where young people can begin their own personal journey to self-discovery and growth. When campers leave us at the end of each session, we hope that they take with them happy memories, a sense of accomplishment, and something more- a lasting desire and willingness to explore all possibility…
Safe Adventures,
T. Scott Cook, PhD.