ORGT - Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech

Two devastating earthquakes have recently struck southeast Turkey, affecting 10 provinces in Turkey and northwest Syria, killing more than ten thousand, and injuring many more. If this post is up, it means we are still accepting outdoor gear donations to help victims. Please bring your used but functional gear to Wilderness Outpost during open hours. Turkish Airlines will be picking up all ready to go humanitarian aid deliveries for free to get them to earthquake victims in need.

We have one last send off before the new year!!

“Cynthia joined Sea Kayaking in Fall 2021 and has been a vibrant member of the kayaking community since. Her signature addition to kayaking trips and events is her unwavering enthusiasm, which never fails to brighten the experience for both participants and staff. One such example is the trip to British Columbia, which began with gloomy weather and some changes to the plan following a few long distance days. Cynthia remained a beacon of optimism and excitement despite the cold and rain. On IP trips, she is great at engaging participants and making sure everyone is having a good time. Sea Kayaking will miss her!”
-Jackson Moody

Our next grad is Cameron!!
“My first caving trip was on Horizontal 1 in January of 2020. Cameron TL’d that trip, and his unparalleled energy, enthusiasm, and passion for the activity convinced me to join caving. As a freshman I had heard about ORGT and was intent on getting involved, but caving was not on my radar. What made the biggest impact on my decision to join the caving family wasn’t necessarily the sport itself, but the tight-knit, fun-loving, and ever supportive community that had formed within it. And Cameron exemplified all of those traits. He has played such an important role in introducing myself and so many others throughout the years to caving, and single handedly brought in more IIT’s than any other person I know! From serving as our sport’s VP to being a Horizontal Trip Leader and Vertical Instructor, Cameron has made a lasting impact on the paths of so many ORGT cavers. Whether it’s hiking the Appalachian Trail, or climbing out of a 586’ pit, no matter what the activity is, Cameron gives it his all. The caving family is excited to see how far he’ll go! 🙂

Cameron is graduating this December with a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering.” -Amelia Fatykhova

Our next graduation shoutout is for Sam Winegardner!

Over the past four and a half years, no one has demonstrated a level of commitment to ORGT more than Sam Winegardner. You know this already. Kai and I don’t need to regale you the story of his humble origins as a participant on Tech Treks Alaska 2018, or how he became part of the brave and bold, “not yet official” sport of Bikepacking during his time in CORE 7.0. It’s just all stuff of legend at this point. In 2020, the manager of the Wilderness Outpost, the ORGTeer of the Year, and the first official VP of Bikepacking—yes that’s all Sam, all at the same time—progressed to Bikepacking Trip Leader and successfully proposed the adventure of a lifetime for August 2020: the “Newbikeland™ Expedition,” a bikepacking adventure across the Canadian island of Newfoundland.
Sam played a critical role in ORGT’s successful reopening post-covid, and achieved a dream that had been put on hold for two years. He successfully re-proposed the “Newbikeland™ Expedition,” and in August 2022, Sam led a team of eight, now lifelong friends, over three hundred miles along the Newfoundland T'Railway. We’ll never forget playing phone tag with Air Canada to track down our bikes (yes, they forgot to put the bikes on the plane), making a new route extemporaneously when we heard news of once-in-a-generation wildfires in central Newfoundland, swimming in the frigid waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, eating tonnes of Timbits on our rest day while waiting for our *second* overnight ferry (yes, there were boats involved), and all of the adventures in between. Over the last four and a half years, Sam has pedaled some incredible miles on his iconic red bike decked out with donut handlebar tape.
Leading as many as ten trips in a semester, Sam finds joy in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for others (and in trying every buffet up and down I-75). On weekends Sam isn’t leading a biking trip, he can be found enjoying coastal trips as an IiT in Sea Kayaking, throwing mud as a de facto Caving IiT, or dominating the competition in the latest edition of the “Watermelon Game” as part of Tech Treks Southeast. More seriously, Sam is an excellent mentor and expert facilitator. Many can attest that Sam’s unique approach to facilitation has led them to some new understanding or brought remarkable clarity to a previously muddy situation. The ORGT biking communities have a rich culture of mentorship—inspired and motivated by Sam. As a Senior Trip Leader, Sam has guided four TLs and seven Instructors in their progression. We know the next generations of ORGTeers will continue to benefit from the deep relationships he has fostered.
But Sam is more than his accomplishments as an ORGTeer. Sam never misses an opportunity to sneak a “… but I hardly know her” joke into a conversation. Sam is the paragon of Indiana Pacers superfan. Sam enjoys eating smooth crémeux peanut butter and pepperoni tortillas and singing a variety of 2000s pop, including fan-favorites: Justin Bieber’s “Baby”, Katy Perry’s “California Gurls”, and Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb.” Kai will miss improvising songs on drives with Sam, while participants sleep in the backseat, blissfully unaware of the lyrical geniuses in their midst—and of course otherwise making nonsensical rhythms and noise around ORGT together. As for me, I will miss cheering on the Jackets, making homemade pizza, and long walks back to NAV together. Most importantly, we and the rest of ORGT will miss Sam's infectious energy and natural leadership.
Following his graduation with his M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Sam will work as a Consultant in Bain & Company’s new Denver office. SWANK as HECK! Congratulations Sam!
~~~
Written by
Elliot Hodge and corrected by Kai McKeever (as usual) 😉

Our next graduating senior is Hunter!

“Hunter is one of those special people you meet throughout life who you know will accomplish everything they put their mind to. His commitment to his passions is commendable, but his ability to always remain positive and uplifting towards others is truly incredible. Everybody’s mood improves whenever he walks in the door. Hunter has a contagious sense of care and kindness that rubs off on people, and he is someone everyone looks up to for his delightful presentation of any information. He is an example of what an ORGTeer ought to be, and we think we speak for the backpacking community as a whole when we say his unique manner of compassion for every last person he meets was an immensely valuable addition to the community over the past few years. As a backpacking IiT and progression chair, Hunter has always welcomed new backpacking ORGTeers with open arms and unmatched enthusiasm, and the entire backpacking community will miss him immensely, but we know that he is going to kill it at whatever he decides to do next!!”
-Sean & Lara

Congrats to our first graduating senior is Mackenzie Sicard!!

“When tracing back Mackenzie’s involvements with ORGT, it’s not so much of a question of what she did, but more of “what DIDN’T she do?” Her ORGT journey began with Tech Treks Southeast and CORE 7.0, then only blossomed from there. She served as an expedition leader for Tech Treks Alaska & Art Loeb, a loving mama of nine for CORE 9.0, the very first mindfulness outdoors TL, and one of the coolest LCC facilitators out there! She also took on the roles of rock climbing NPSL, MO VP, and of course, our beloved 2022 ORGT president! Mackenzie sure doesn’t follow LNT… she’s left a mark in every part of ORGT she’s gone!

Although the sheer quantity of positions Mackenzie’s held is wildly impressive, what’s far more significant is the number of lives she’s touched. Even prior to getting to know her, it’s evident that Mackenzie has a kind and sweet aura. She has a special way of creating a loving environment that makes you feel accepted as you are, and the more you get to know her the more you realize it’s a deep-rooted altruism within her. Talking to Mackenzie is grounding and refreshing, and leaves you with the same soul-warming feeling as a good hug.

She’s an incredible leader in the way that her love for others is gentle, but her enthusiasm is strong. Mackenzie’s passion to step up and make changes for the better is inspiring, and she easily slips into a mentor role for those around her. She’s a natural facilitator, and brings out the beautiful potential in others they weren’t aware they had.

Migzy, I can’t imagine coming into tech my freshman year without you, and it feels wrong to think you won’t be a door-knock away. From our slightly-awkward virtual coffee date 3 years ago to our sunset Sweetwater heart-to-heart convo last month, I’ve cherished every moment of watching our friendship grow. I feel infinitely lucky to have called you my CORE mom, friend, injury buddy, and mentor, and will always get a laugh out of the voicemail you left me where I URGENTLY needed to come over because you cooked too much food and needed to share it with someone 😉. I absolutely cannot wait to watch you take life by the reins and live out the adventure we know you’ll have!”

With lots of love and a spoonful of sugar,
Taylor Wilmot

Hello adventurers!

Are you a first-year student eager to explore the outdoors? Do you value leadership development or new and challenging experiences? Are you seeking a close-knit community of 15-20 others to grow with?

CORE is ORGT’s (Outdoor Recreation at Georgia Tech) first-year outdoor leadership program, and applications are open NOW until Friday, September 2nd at 5pm.

If you are interested in learning more about the program or applying, check out our website (https://www.crc.gatech.edu/outdoor/core) or attend an info session! Info sessions are Wednesday, 8/25 at 6pm or Thursday, 8/31 at 8pm in the ORGT Classroom.

Directions to ORGT: (From CRC Main Entrance) Follow the main hallway to the back of the CRC and go down the stairs. Follow signs for ORGT to the stairs, behind the wooden door on the left side.
(From Stamps beach volleyball courts) Use the ORGT Entrance located at the rear of the CRC, adjacent to the west end of the CRC Parking Deck

“Our next graduation shoutout is for Kai McKeever, graduating with his B.S. in Computer Science!

Kai first got involved with ORGT as part of the CORE 7.0 program in Fall 2018. Initially, he was torn between which sport to do a progression in: the “energetic and thriving” sport of Caving or the “not yet an official” sport of Bikepacking. As we all know know, Kai took a risk and joined Bikepacking even when his COREdinators suggested otherwise. The rest is history. Kai will always be known for being the best Scribe and VP any sport has ever had, and he will especially be remembered for all of the trips he has led. From the Tri-Stae Bikepacking Expedition to the Linville Gorge Mini-Expedition to both iterations of the Newbikeland Expedition (woo-hoo), Kai has always been trusted to create fun and memorable experiences for all who have been blessed to meet him. Of course, one cannot forget the countless personal and IP trips Kai has led, and all the new staff he has recruited, mentored, and progressed. He is probably the only person in history who switched to a rigid bike from a hard-tail! Kai’s crazy and awesome and fun on trips and we love him for that.

One cannot reminisce on Kai’s impact on this organization without recognizing all the amazing things he has done outside of leading trips. Lest we not forget all the sing-a-longs he has led. From remixing pop songs and livening up ORGT Prom to writing wholesome melodies in recognition of ORGT’s Unsung Heros, Kai’s passion for music has so perfectly graced the community with warmth and fun. In the midst of the pandemic, when everything was virtual, he made meeting fun with board games, comedy routines, and “after hours” sessions that you just had to stick around for. The ORGT Biking community can certainly thank Kai for setting us up for success now and in the future.

Following his well-earned graduation from Georgia Tech, Kai will begin a full-time position as a consultant at Deloitte.

While we will most certainly miss the “my pleasures”, popcorn socials and WFR tunes, it’s time to recognize the end of an amazing era. Kai, on behalf of bikepacking, mountain biking, and ORGT as a whole, thank you for the impact you’ve made, the lives you’ve changed, and the memories that will last forever.”

Written by
Sam Winegardner and Ethan Shackelford

Our next graduating senior is Hill Belfi!!

“Hill Belfi, by her own reports, thinks in excel spreadsheet. She has back up plans for her back up plans. She has a lot of theories that she comes up with to organize the world around her. The special thing about Hill, though, is that you would never know what a type A person she is until you spend enough time around her. Instead, she consistently exudes an aura of coolness, openness, and flexibility. She is, for all those around her, a model of balance and fullness of character. Instead of her organizational and categorical tendencies making her world small and rigid, she uses them to expand her knowledge of—and empathy towards—herself and everyone she meets. To me, this is what makes her such an incredible ORGTeer, mentor, and person. She can plan and execute an amazing trip, while also learning random facts about everyone on it. She can show you a complex new sport technique, while also splashing around in a pool of water like a five year old five minutes later. She can figure out a million logistics for an expedition, while also taking the time to make you dinner when you haven’t had a real meal in a month. And all this she does with apparent ease and selflessness. But it would be a disservice to say that she does it out of selflessness; we all know she has a respectable ego. I’m joking! (mostly) What would actually be a disservice is to say that the many hats she wears don’t take immense amounts of effort and skill. We’ve all gotten used to the absurd number of things that Hill does for others, but I want to acknowledge the sheer amount of hard work and dedication that she puts in, tirelessly, to create magic for those around her. As she enters the next chapter of her life, I can’t wait for her to get to experience some of that magic for herself. Please don’t get into any fights with canyon walls out in California.”
- Annie Ballou

Our next graduation shoutout is for Andrew Morell, graduating with his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering!

“Andrew, otherwise known as Dr. McFly, first got involved with ORGT in 2019. From the start, his dry sense of humor and technical prowess were refreshing and welcomed to the community. After becoming an IiT, Andrew was excited to practice his mentorship and mountain biking skill. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit and ORGT shut down before he had a chance to staff any trips. But that wasn’t going to stop Andrew. He attended nearly every virtual Mountain Biking meeting during a time when maybe 3-4 people would be there on the BlueJeans calls. When Mountain Biking began in-person meetings again in Fall 2020, Andrew was there and as charismatic as ever. The sport will be forever grateful for his dedication and commitment to helping ORGT Mountain Biking grow from close to nothing into the thriving community it is today.

When ORGT started running trips again, Andrew was ready and eager to staff. Since then, he has staffed at least ten Mountain Biking IP trips and official training trips -- not to mention all the night rides. Finally, Andrew was promoted to the well-deserved role of Instructor. As an Instructor, he has helped teach and mentor IiTs and prospective staff, not just in technical skills, but also in the ever-important soft skills. Andrew is a big reason why Mountain Biking has effectively progressed four new Instructors in the past year while also bringing in a large group of excited IiTs. He is always striving to learn more about everything he does, an ORGT is no exception.

In addition to his contributions to ORGT, Andrew is also well known and respected in the school of Aerospace Engineering. He serves as a Mentor and Training Chair at the Aero Makerspace and was the President of AIAA, the marquee professional society for aerospace engineers. After graduating this May, Andrew will head out west to the University of Colorado Boulder to earn his PhD in Aerospace Engineering Sciences. There, he will fulfill a lifelong dream to move to Colorado and spend his time skiing, rock climbing, and mountain biking in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished, Andrew. The ORGT Biking community will miss you, but we’re so excited to see all the amazing things you will accomplish. Keep on being awesome and shredding the gnar no matter what size bike you ride 🙂”

Written by
Sam Winegardner and Ethan Shackelford

Our next graduation shoutout is for Ethan Shackelford, graduating with his B.S. in Material Science and Engineering!

“Ethan first got involved with ORGT as part of the CORE 7.0 program in Fall 2018. Coming in as an adventurous Eagle Scout, his backcountry skills were already a force to be reckoned with. With his immense knowledge of flora and fauna and backpacking experience, many could have assumed Ethan would join a backcountry ORGT sport, but that would not be the case. After attending the CORE Biking MEGA-Trip and shredding the gnar near the beautiful Ocoee River, he decided to do a progression in Mountain Biking.
As the youngest member of the sport, Ethan had a lot of amazing mentors to learn from, and less than a year after joining Mountain Biking he had progressed to the role of Instructor. After taking a year-long break from ORGT during the pandemic, he returned and quickly was promoted to Trip Leader. On trips, Ethan is known for being patient and polite even when situations are tough. Behind his thick Texas accent and magnificent beard is a beautiful smile and a sense of humor that can warm you even on the coldest days. Ethan is a superb biker, outdoorsman, and survivalist -- but an even greater friend. He’s a visionary and excellent mentor, and he is responsible for the revitalization of ORGT Mountain Biking. Having helped guide and progress five Instructors and one Trip Leader; Ethan’s impact on this organization cannot be left unnoticed.
But Ethan isn’t just leaving his mark on Mountain Biking, he’s making significant contributions to ORGT as a whole. As the Vice President of Mountain Biking in 2020, he was part of ORGT’s response to the unprecedented pandemic brainstorming ideas for keeping the community connected and united. Ethan is also an integral part of the Newbikeland Expedition, where his backcountry expertise has come in handy on multiple occasions. Fittingly, he will lead a Tech Trek to Montana this summer and give some incoming first-years a glance at what an absolute legend he is. Outside of being a master on the trail, Ethan is also an avid Grunge/Acid rock fan. He is a skilled handyman too, and even built a small home for himself in the summer of 2020 -- not to mention all the times he’s had to fix a taillight or flat tire on a CRC vehicle.
After graduating this May, Ethan will be taking a gap year traveling across the country and the world before returning to Georgia Tech to pursue a PhD. ORGT will miss his infectious energy, generous attitude, and natural leadership, but we’ll never forget the legacy he leaves behind. Congratulations Shack-Attack! We love you ❤”

Written by
Elliot Hodge and Sam Winegardner

Our next graduating senior is Alisa Yakovenko!

“Alisa has been an integral part of the ORGT community since her freshman year. Her positive, supportive, and kind attitude creates a great atmosphere on trips and makes any ORGTeer feel welcomed. Her infectious energy can be felt by all when she’s encouraging participants on cascading trips, cheering on the White & Gold, or crushing it at the crag.
She started her ORGT journey in CORE 7.0 and proceeded to become a Tech Treks Montana EF (and AEL for many Southeast Tech Treks & ASP) that very year. She then went on to become a cascading Instructor (one of the first promotions of our CORE class!) and started serving on OEB as a Member at Large. Alisa continued to give back in many different ways, including serving as VP of Marketing where she grew the ORGT Instagram and fostered ways to engage the Tech community. And after all this, she went on to be a Cascading TL! To say Alisa’s list of accomplishments is impressive is an understatement.
Alisa is an ORGTeer through and through. She’s backpacked in Australia, went canyoneering in California, and explored nearly every crag in the southeast. And in just a short week, she’ll be on yet another adventure with the ASK expedition in the Southwest.
Alisa, you've been one of the most caring and considerate friends to us since the very beginning. To be friends with Alisa is to be surrounded by unwavering warmth, joy, and laughter (mainly at her bad jokes). You’re one of the smartest and most driven people we know, and we are so excited to see what you accomplish at Microsoft. If it’s anything like what you’ve done for ORGT and for us, it’s sure to be amazing!”

We love you Alisa!! Ksen and Migzy