When we began in December of 2002, we were just 4 people passionate about climbing. Since then our full time staff has grown to more than 30 people with a passion for adventure, new experiences and intercultural connection. This fall we have been lucky to welcome five new members of our family. Meet – Harry, Alan, Aey, Alex, and Meghan!
We asked them – what has been like to become a part of the CMRCA Family? What has been your best adventure experience so far with CMRCA? What are you looking forward to the most in 2016?
Harry Vowell, Operations Director
I’ve only been here for 3 months but it feels like a decade. CMRCA truly has a family-like relationship. Understanding other people’s perceptions and working to develop productive individual and team relationships is a dynamic that is highly valued. I look forward to growing and developing as a part of the CMRCA family and to the many adventures that await us all.
Taking part in my first marathon at this year’s Chiang Mai Marathon, was both a physically and mentally challenging activity that helped push my boundaries. Bo (CMRCA Climbing Guide) helped me keep pace throughout the first quarter of the course and increased his pace through the remaining distance. I fell back a little, but it was always refreshing to see him at the U-Turn points, boosting my energy to try to catch up with him, but he was the stronger runner. Even though it took a bit of a toll on my joints towards the end of the run, but to run to the finish line and see everyone at CMRCA cheering, laughing and smiling as I approached was truly a great moment. I have now signed up for my next marathon in February 2016 and Bo is looking to complete at least 3 more in 2016. Live Adventure!
I look forward to facing new challenges and conquering existing ones in both my professional and personal walks of life. I hope to succeed with the support of my friends and family here at CMRCA. A more specific example is that I hope to become an active climber. This will require discipline and dedication from my side, but with the help and support of both the professional and friendly climbing guides at CMRCA, I’m stoked at what 2016 holds for me.
Alan Avedovech, Adventure Program Manager
I feel so lucky to be a part of the CMRCA family! Moving to Thailand from another part of the world was a huge and slightly frightening decision but thanks to the support from CMRCA I have transitioned fairly smoothly. They made it so easy for me by organizing things to set me up for success. A one month home stay that turned into two months and a lifelong friendship, Thai language classes, and welcoming and supportive arms. All these things helped me understand this new place I call home and I am eternally grateful to CMRCA for welcoming me to their family!
CMRCA is one of the most dynamic places I have ever worked… organized chaos I like to think. If we aren’t working hard we are playing hard as a family! My favorite adventure memory to date with this family is the staff retreat where we all got to go kayaking through the jungle. Some of the staff had never even swam before and here they were going whitewater kayaking – I can’t forget to mention the after party! We all survived and had a great time out on the water. Some people conquered fears and some were able to give support to those who needed. Not only was this a fun adventure but it was an amazing way for us all to connect with each other and to prepare ourselves for the upcoming busy season.
I’m looking forward to having one season under my belt and completely understanding how I can help support my team! I’m looking forward to becoming more rooted within the CMRCA family and to help with the success of the business. We are growing so fast and I just can’t wait to see what this next year brings. Where will our guides go and climb? What trainings will we do? It is all still so new to me and I’m so excited for all of the adventures we will have together! Watch out 2016!
Aey, Marketing & Events Coordinator
CMRCA f
amily is very interesting and I have been learning all the time. All product and service are very challenging, I wish to develop myself and grow up with this family. The best adventure experience so far is the cultural diversity and to work with many people from different countries. I am looking forward to exploring new things, to learn more about new people, get more healthy and enjoy more time with my family in 2016
Alex, Program Coordinator
I am passionate about doing adventure activities like biking, white water rafting, ziplining, and climbing. I made decision to become a part of CMRCA family to fill up on these experiences. My best adventure experience with CMRCA for now is to grow up with CMRCA family. As I am new here and have no idea much about this and will tell you later for sure. In 2016, I am looking forward to exploring new places that I haven’t been – travel is the best answer for me that I am looking for this year.
Meghan O’Hern, Princeton in Asia Fellow
The CMRCA family has been incredibly hospitable and welcoming! Everyone is supportive and great to collaborate with. The best adventure experience so far was the jungle kayaking at the staff retreat. Chiang Dao was beautiful and it was really fun. I am looking forward to learning more about a joining more student programs in 2016.
