Erik is one of six amazing members on the Rocky Mountain House crew for 2025!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I’m Erik and I’m from Edmonton, recently I graduated from high school and plan to pursue my studies in Psychology and possibly Physiotherapy for post-secondary at the UofA. I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors and caring for the environment, it’s a big part of what brought me to JFR in the first place. There’s nothing more I want to do than help and spend time in our mountains and travel around the world, making art from the inspirations I see throughout my life.
What has been your favorite project or activity you’ve done with JFR so far?
Ever since my first time at a rock climbing gym, I’ve been fascinated by mountains. So getting to work on the Great Divide Trail (GDT) was a dream come true and hands down my favourite project. Trail work there gave me a deep appreciation for the Pulaski, because carving 280 meters of root-riddled, stump-covered mountainside trail would’ve been a nightmare without it. There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning around and seeing what your own hands have built.
Please describe your JFR leaders with a pop culture/musical reference / meme and explain why.
Our team lead is definite Eleanor as one of the Chipettes from Alvin and the Chipmunk. Caleb, our sub-lead is the kind of person I’d see ride off into the sunset while something in the orange played, although he would probably actually be listening to Toby Keith. And Trice our LIT would have to be kicking wing from joe dirt, you’d just have to know.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying to the program?
JFR has given me more experiences and learning opportunities than I ever expected, from backcountry trail work and tree planting to building strong friendships. You grow a lot, both as a person and a teammate. If you’re even thinking about applying, I’d say go for it. You won’t regret it.
If your whole crew were an animal, what would you be?
Rocky crew would collectively be muffins