Elaine Carroll also known by Lainey and Aelin is known to many as a mischievous forest fairy. She has since spent every summer with LES, learning and playing out in the woods, and falling in love with the earth around her. Inspired by stories from her mentors, Elaine moved out to Washington in and attended the Anake Outdoor Program at the Wilderness Awareness School, where she learned social and emotional survival skills and gained a deep sense of self knowledge and love.
She then stayed for an additional three years apprenticing with the Nature Instructor Training programs, deep diving into how to share her passion and knowledge with children and adults alike.
Taking her siblings out on nighttime adventures, and hosting magical tea parties are just some of the ways that Elaine likes to indulge her fantastical fae side. I grew up loving the outdoors, and spent most of my time playing with my brother and our friends in the suburbs of Richmond pretending that it was a mystical land. From my first time seeing a bowdrill fire, I was hooked.
I went to summer camps and attended every weekly homeschool session I could until I was too old. My goal is to give this new generation of kids the same amazing experiences I had. LES was and is, my safe space. I am currently pursuing an associates in liberal arts at Brightpoint Community College, and will transfer to a four year college to further pursue archaeology. These days I spend my time skating, rock climbing, drawing, and playing in the dirt.
Barak Brashear has been working in the field of outdoor education and recreation for more then 20 years, first as a counselor at Nature Camp, a summer camp in Rockbridge County, Virginia, and most recently as a trail maintenance technician with Charlottesville City Parks and Recreation. A native of Crozet, Virginia, Barak first learned to love the outdoors while hiking in the mountains, playing in the creek, and going on canoe trips with his family. When he is not teaching or guiding, he enjoys, hiking, backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, and birding.
