Ken is one of our awesome volunteer cooks! He began volunteering with ITA a few years back and we’re so grateful for his attention to detail and the skill he brings to cooking for large groups. Ken, along with one of our other volunteer cooks, Fred Hebert, cooked all the chili (over 100 bowls!) for one of our volunteer appreciation parties last year! “When Ken expressed an interest in volunteering with ITA as a cook, I asked him to help with ITA’s CLEM (crew leader college) a few years back. He was hooked! He just helped out at his third CLEM. It’s great to see him in charge of the kitchen!”- Fred Hebert, ITA Volunteer Cook
What is your background in? What are some of the things you enjoy doing for fun?
I recently retired from a career with Honeywell in their industrial automation business. Most of my career was working with international clients focused on long-term business partnerships. My family and I had the opportunity to live and work in a number of places in the USA and around the world. When my wife and I were married, we committed to use our passports every year. With retirement, we have been keeping good on that promise. In addition to the travel and cultural experiences, I enjoy photography, cooking and time with our family.
How and why did you first get involved with ITA?
As I meet more ITA volunteers, I realize I am the rookie in this organization! I was ‘recruited’ to be an ITA camp cook three years ago by Fred Hebert, a fellow ITA cook. Fred’s stories and experiences with ITA quickly persuaded me to reconnect with camp life.
What do you like about volunteering with ITA?
The commitment and passion ITA volunteers have for trail conservation is incredible. They are all doing important work AND they are having fun while doing it. Who wouldn’t want to be part of this!
Most memorable backcountry or ITA experience?
I was part of a high school climbing club and we had spent 4 days hiking and climbing in central Washington. No problems or issues in the field but the trip home was very memorable – Mount St. Helens blew that morning. We ended up in an evac center with 300 other stranded travelers for 3 days. I have an old day pack that still leaves traces of volcanic ash on the floor when I set it down!
Why are trails worth protecting?
I grew up hiking and backpacking through eastern Oregon. That experience shaped me and heavily influenced the person I am today. Volunteering with ITA lets me give back in a small way, so that these critical trails and experiences are there for the next generation.
