Mike Young

For Mike Young, the outdoors has always been more than a hobby. It's been a career, a classroom, and a way of life.

Mike has been with CSI since 2015 and has led the Outdoor Recreation Leadership program full-time since 2018. He teaches everything from rock climbing, backpacking, and whitewater to wilderness survival, risk management, and wilderness medicine, helping students build the skills and confidence to thrive in the outdoors.

His classes aren't your typical college courses. Students spend time climbing cliffs, navigating rivers, exploring the backcountry, and learning through real-world experiences. Along the way, they earn industry certifications in areas like wilderness medicine, swiftwater rescue, and avalanche rescue while developing leadership, problem-solving, navigation, and risk management skills that prepare them for careers throughout the outdoor industry.

Mike says one of his favorite parts of teaching is the variety of students he gets to work with. Whether someone has never slept in a tent or already has years of outdoor experience, everyone has something to learn and something to contribute. He enjoys watching students mentor one another while building confidence and discovering what they're capable of.

Outside of CSI, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, riding bikes, fly fishing, restoring old Volkswagens, and taking on multi-day adventures in remote places. Students are often surprised to learn he's eaten raw horse, though he says that's usually his go-to fact during "Two Truths and a Lie.

"His advice to students: keep your options open, say yes to new opportunities, and don't be afraid to chase adventure.