Jeff “Willy” Willis, Founder, CEO & Lead Guide

Since 1991, I have developed and led camps and expeditions throughout Canada, Japan, Germany, Colombia, Ecuador, Yukon, Peru, Italy and the Arctic. My love of outdoor experiential education, years of experience in youth and family work, and passion for environmental education and social justice led me to create Fireside Adventures.

When I became a dad, I realized my kids did not have access to climate change education at school and/or summer camp, so I created the World Bound climate change expedition series while reworking our Explorer Series and introducing Fireside's Salty Express, Ocean to Mountains and Earth Roots experiences for school groups.

I am also the founder and owner of Vancouver Outdoor School, where Barnsy, myself and many other Fireside team members create life & social skill-building outdoor experiences for children and youth during the school year.

Email Jeff

Liam “Barnsy” Barnes, Director & Lead Guide

Been working in Experiential Education since I was 16, first under the mentorship of Mike Kent and then under Willy since 2019. I intend to carry on the craft until my final breath. These crazy kids of ours need something fast and furious – Outdoor & Community Experiential Education is punk rock, and it is the way to go. Catch me on the River and I will give you a harmonica. Catch me in the Big Machine and I will teach you how to do a backflip. Catch me across the Seven Seas, and… who knows what we will learn together.

Every child is born a shining light. If we keep those lights from going out, there’ll be no darkness.

Book a meeting with Barnsy

Ethan Barnes, Coordinator

I joined the team as a writer but found myself pulled into the world of outdoor experiential education. I now work for Fireside as a camp coordinator and instructor, and at Vancouver Outdoor School as an intensive 1:1 support worker. Last summer, I had a blast coordinating our kids’ day and overnight camps. It was great to see how kids’ curiosity and confidence grow as they get more comfortable in the outdoors. I’m looking forward to another summer of out-of-the box, nature-based fun!

Heather Potkins, Lead Guide + World Bound Climate Change Coordinator

My lifelong love for the canoe has led me all over North America while competing and training at a national level. I have worked as a head paddling coach, at-risk youth climbing program coordinator and adaptive outdoor experience educator. 


I hold a French bilingual degree in Biology and Environmental Studies, and I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge of ecosystem function and conservation. With Fireside, I co-developed the curriculum for and led the pilot expeditions for World Bound Canada and World Bound Ecuador. I also acted as the Principal Instructor in Vancouver Outdoor School’s Fieldschool during its first year, designing a climate change curriculum that checked off BC high school requirements while being 100% outdoor and experiential.

Carmen Chandler, OEE and Leadership Advisor

The concept of 'Paying it Forward' is one of the driving factors behind my passion for Outdoor Education. As a teenager, I had the opportunity to participate in many different experiences. Being a part of the Fireside team is my chance to facilitate similar life-changing experiences for the next generation.

I’ve been with Fireside since 2016, and I’m a BC Teacher. The Yukon River is always a highlight of my summer because it is magical to see the youth disconnect from their devices and start to wonder and feel the joy the wilderness offers. I love being a part of Fireside because it feels like family.

Daniel “Dani” Mikolela, Parkour Instructor

I was 15 when I joined my first Fireside program as a camper in Yukon Explorer. Fireside helped me with my social skills and my connection with nature. Never before had I been outside having camping, canoeing and hiking experiences in this way. As an instructor, I have helped Barnsy develop his parkour program over the past two years while also guiding on the Sunshine Coast.

I’m passionate about rapping, parkour, sound engineering, composing, voice acting, and makeup art! As a Parkour Instructor, I want to help the next generation to keep their curiosity about the world and see things in a positive light instead of having it suffocated by the reality of climate change or the boundaries of the conventional education system.

Clara Kirby, Instructor and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Leader & South America Advisor

I absolutely love nature and you can often find me hiking, swimming, and paddleboarding. I went to Ecuador as a participant a few years ago, and it ignited my passion for outdoor education. I have been with Fireside for almost 3 years now, and over that time have built my leadership skills by instructing summer camps and an expedition to the Yukon. Every day I get to work with youth and encourage them to discover their own love for the environment!

Arianne Gionet, Instructor and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator

I started my journey with Fireside in 2018 and have since done all sorts of interesting things, from canoeing in BC to hiking in the Dolomites. Over the years, Fireside has given me the chance to step outside my comfort zone through experiences like ridge hiking and canyoning. These experiences have shaped how I think, lead, and connect with the world.

I’m passionate about education and how we can learn while out in nature, trying new things and growing alongside others. I’m excited to help create the same kind of meaningful, adventurous experiences that shaped me, and to be part of a community that values curiosity, connection and the outdoors.

Sebastian Jenkins, Canadian Independent School Travel Advisor (Canada and International)

I am a Fireside alumnus, international traveler, and hospitality and travel professional with a passion for cultural exploration. My interests include cuisine, language, history, astronomy, and education through global engagement. I first joined the Fireside community in 2006 as a teenager, participating in the second-ever program held in Alberta, Canada. In 2008, I took part in the international youth leadership program in Germany, and in 2021, I joined the Yukon Explorer paddle expedition. 

Over the years, I’ve traveled to 30 countries. In 2012, I spent a year living in Mombasa, Kenya, where I volunteered in rural communities, building schools and teaching English. These experiences were pivotal to my maturation and development of an open mind. Thus, I firmly believe that people of all ages, especially children and youth, benefit immensely by exploring and interacting with the world around them. My goal is to provide students everywhere with the opportunity to gain this priceless global perspective.

Ami Nagata, Canada and Japanese Travel Advisor (Japan and Canada School Group Specialist) 

I was born and raised in Japan and moved to Canada in 2020. So far, I’ve explored 18 countries, driven by a deep passion for discovering new cultures and fostering meaningful cultural exchange. My professional experience includes working at an immigration agency, where I helped Japanese students pursue their dreams of studying in Canada.

I believe it is essential for children and youth to explore the world—not only to learn new languages, but also to build social skills, leadership abilities, and a strong sense of identity. My motto, “一期一会” (Ichigo Ichie), or “once in a lifetime encounter”, reflects my desire to inspire more Japanese people to step into the world, embrace meaningful connections, and bring fresh energy and perspective to the global community.

Daniel Macías Barajas, Recruiter - International Camps Association

Daniel creció en el mundo del campismo, de niño atendió campamentos en México y Estados Unidos. Daniel tiene un Master en Gestión y Dirección de Centros Educativos por la Universidad de Barcelona. Sus veranos de estudiante los pasó siempre trabajando como miembro del staff en varios campamentos en Estados Unidos, Canadá, Alemania y España. Desde 2007 dirige la corporación International Camps Network a través de la cual gestiona recursos y fomenta la promoción de una vasta red de Centros Educativos al Aire Libre especializados en técnicas de Aprendizaje a través de la Experiencia. Entre los programas que dirige se encuentran Camp Europe y Camps Canada, éste último programa fortaleció los lazos con Fireside Adventures para crear una sinergia donde Daniel es ahora oficialmente el coordinador para Latinoamérica de Fireside Adventures. Y está muy emocionado por ello!

Elliot Gishler
Whitehorse, YT