Butler, Ben

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Ben Butler

Adjunct Instructor of Outdoor Education and Emergency Medicine
970-389-7594 | bcbutler@coloradomtn.edu

photo: Ben ButlerEducation

  • Bachelor of Arts, photoPhysics, Skidmore College
  • Master of Education, Experiential Learning and Development, Plymouth State University (expected completion December 2016)

Highlighted Courses

  • OUT 129 - Ice Climbing I
  • OUT 130 - Ice Climbing II
  • OUT 164 - Alpine Rescue
  • OUT 165 - Climbing Self Rescue
  • OUT 166 - High Angle Rescue
  • OUT 221 - Top Rope Climbing
  • OUT 222 - Sport Climbing
  • HPR 102 - CPR for Professionals
  • HWE-139 - Wilderness First Responder

Relevant Interests

  • Rock & Ice Climbing, Mountain Biking, Backcountry Skiing, Search and Rescue, Experiential Learning

Ben is a WEMT-IV, AMGA certified Single Pitch Instructor and the current President for Summit County Rescue Group. In addition to holding the office of President, Ben is one of 9 mission coordinators, a member of the Rapid Avalanche Deployment Team, Rapid Technical Deployment Team and a Swiftwater Technician.

Ben primarily teaches rock and ice climbing as well as technical rescue classes and wilderness emergency medicine classes. Ben has worked for Colorado Mountain College since 2011 and finds the small class sizes to be a great benefit to students.

James Skurupey

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"CMC's Outdoor Education program gave me the knowledge and power to strive ahead in my higher educational goals and life's experiences. My degree in outdoor education provided valuable knowledge that transfers to my current profession as an environmental scientist."

James Skurupey instructed and assisted with outdoor education courses while completing his bachelor's degree at the University of Colorado at Denver. From there, he obtained a position with the Bureau of Land Management as a recreation technician and wildlands firefighter. Currently, he is pursuing a M.S. degree in Environmental Science at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

Amy Marino

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"My instructors were extremely passionate about the courses they were teaching. The leadership skills and sense of place I developed through CMC play an integral role in my work. I now see those educators as more than just teachers, I consider them mentors for life."

Amy Marino graduated from the Outdoor Education program in 2009 and transferred to Prescott College, where she earned a bachelor's degree. She is now pursuing a master's degree through CSU at the Walking Mountains Science Center, with the help of a National Science Educator Fellowship. She works as a program coordinator for the Vail Youth Foundation.

John Guerrerio

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"The perfect synthesis of technical outdoor skills and teaching methodologies, the Outdoor Education program at CMC gives its graduates the necessary tools needed to become an effective instructor in the field and in the classroom. By providing direct wilderness experiences, the program at CMC made me a lifelong environmental advocate and has inspired me to become an active participant in the effort to create awareness of our collective responsibilities to learn about and protect the earth."

John Guerrerio currently teaches English in a high school in Brooklyn, NY. He also manages two websites and writes regularly on the topics of energy and environment. During the summers, he is an instructor in the Wilderness Education Experience, a two-week program that brings high school students from NYC to CMC for an experience that hopes to inspire environmental advocacy in youth.

Chad Mickschl

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"The outdoor program gave me a great foundational knowledge and set of skills to build upon and start a career in the outdoors. The staff is some of the most qualified and student-centered staff that I have experienced. They are there for their students first and want to see them succeed. I am still great friends with the OUT staff at CMC."

Chad Mickschl continued his education after the Outdoor Education program by receiving a B.A. from Lake Forest College and Avalanche Level III certification. He has worked as a mountain guide, avalanche forecaster, and outdoor education instructor. He works for the Bureau of Land Management as a Recreation Technician during the summer.

Michael Whigham

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"Throughout my professional and personal experiences, I have utilized the leadership, teaching, technical and interpersonal skills which I learned in the Outdoor Education program. These skills and knowledge have allowed me to excel in the fields of experiential education and leadership development."

Michael Whigham transferred to the Recreation program at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, where he graduated Cum Laude. He later returned to CMC and served as Interim Assistant Professor, Adjunct Faculty and Director of Teambuilding programs, as well as maintained employment with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). Michael received a M.S. in Environmental Education at Antioch New England graduate school.