Student-Athlete Transition Program
OAg's Student-Athlete Transition Program (SATP) is designed to address specific issues facing middle school and junior high aged students.  Help ensure your student has the tools necessary for success both in the classroom and on the playing field!

Come Grow With Us!
OAg courses provide an opportunity for students to disconnect from the common distractions and pressures of daily life and focus on the issues that are central to their existence.  Build Confidence, Courage, and Character!  Work to promote a more Positive Image of Self!

Jeffrey L. Whitaker
Program Director

Tel: 866.232.5743 ext. 700
Email: explore@outdoorachievement.com

Jeffrey has been working with youth in a variety of capacities both formally and informally since 1997.  As program coordinator for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Weed and Seed program and the United States Navy and Marine Corps Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program, Oak Harbor, Washington, Jeffrey played an essential role in educating area youth of the dangers and consequences of drug use while offering exciting alternatives designed to enrich the lives of participating youth.  As a member of the 3rd Marine Division Air and Ground Team, Jeffrey worked as a Jungle Warfare Instructor at the Jungle Warfare Training Center (JWTC) in Okinawa, Japan, teaching courses in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE), jungle combat, jungle survival, and tropical medicine.  As the Non Commission Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Battalion Aid Station (BAS), 3rd Marine Division Air/Ground Team, Jeffrey worked as the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) for the joint forces Search and Rescue (SAR) team, conducting rescue operations throughout the Northern Training Area (NTA), Yanburu Jungle, Okinawa, Japan.  As a camp counselor with Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc., Jeffrey lead groups of 10-12 boys on weeklong and month long canoe trips on river systems throughout the Southeastern region.  These trips were designed to improve communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills through activities aimed at developing confidence and self-image.  As an independent contractor with Soltreks, Inc., Jeffrey facilitated 6-8 week expeditions along the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) for youth and young adults struggling with a variety of behavioral and emotional challenges.  Jeffrey is committed to empowering youth to make positive changes in their life.

Travis M. Smith
Director of Field Operations

Tel: 866.232.5743 ext. 701
Email: t.smith@outdoorachievement.com

After joining the U.S. naval service in December of 1996 Travis attended school at the Naval Dive and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, Florida.  Shortly thereafter Travis entered the U.S. Naval Special Warfare (SPECWAR) program and began work with Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 3/Sea Air and Land (SEAL) Team 3 based out of Coronado, California.  Travis spent several years working with the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Systems (MMS), where he was the Lead Petty Officer (LPO), senior mammal handler, and dive supervisor.  After leaving the U.S. naval service, Travis attended the Oklahoma City Police Department Recruit Academy.  During his time with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) Travis worked as a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), where he worked closely with the child victims unit, investigating crimes against children, and the Department of Human Services (DHS).  As a certified American Red Cross life guard Travis enjoys instructing youth courses on Community Water Safety (CWS), canoeing, and related topics.

Kelly Kipgen
DISCOVERY program - Girls

Tel: 866.232.5743 ext. 702
Email: k.kipgen@outdoorachievement.com

Kelly received a B.S. in Family Relations and Child Development from Oklahoma State University in '01, and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Southern Nazarene University in '06, where she also completed her counseling internship.  Kelly has been working closely with youth struggling with a variety of behavioral and emotional issues since 2000.  As a camp counselor at Camp Tallchief, Zink Ranch, Girl Scouts of the USA, Kelly was responsible for facilitating activities designed to improve the individual confidence, courage, and character of youth participants while providing support, guidance, and mentorship.  During her time as the Youth Leader Supervisor with the Youth Volunteer Corps in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Kelly organized groups of youth volunteers during their efforts to support the mission of the Youth Volunteer Corps throughout the community.  After completing a counseling internship at the Mid-Del Youth and Family Center in '05 Kelly began counseling groups of struggling and at risk youth at the Ponca City Youth and Family Center.  Currently Kelly works with the Oklahoma State Senate, where she serves as counselor for the senate pages.  Kelly is committed to helping struggling youth find their path to a brighter tomorrow through wilderness therapy.

Ryan M. Shelton
Program Coordinator

Educated at Duke University, Ryan began working with "at risk" youth very early in his adult life.  As a senior counselor and guide with Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc., Ryan lead groups of youth age 10-18 on high adventure trips including backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking, and ropes courses, all the while working to instill a sense of passion and purpose in the lives of youth.  Our most well traveled staff member, Ryan has worked with communities, families, and youth in more than a dozen countries around the world including South Africa, Botswana, the Galapagos Islands, Australia, and Bermuda.  Ryan’s commitment and dedication to enriching the lives of family, youth, and the community has seen him serve in more than 45 states throughout the United States.  Whether he was building houses for low income families with children in Southern California, leading weeklong horseback trips for youth in Colorado, or reading to a group of second grade students in Connecticut, Ryan’s passion for helping to develop confident and caring youth leaders is unwavering.  Ryan’s academic life saw him spending time on the research vessel Weatherbird 2 and reviewing papers for eventual publication in peer reviewed journals.  Ryan is dedicated to sharing his passion for knowledge and experience with families and children and instilling a sense of whimsical adventure in the lives of inquisitive youth.

Matthew J. Trokan
Facilitator

While at Xavier University Matthew studied history and environmental sciences.  Following the completion of his undergraduate education Matthew attended the United States Forest Service Academy where he studied fire sciences and related fields.  Matthew’s desire to serve youth and the community lead him to AmeriCorps and the National Civilian Community Corps where he worked to provide housing, food, and other essentials to displaced families following wildfires and other natural disasters.  Matthew later worked as a Forestry Technician with the United States Forest Service where he was assigned to Engine 66 at the Grizzly Flats Station.  The next year saw Michael working to preserve life and property as he worked to suppress wildfires and implement land management and conservation projects.  While working as a neighborhood youth coordinator with Imago Earth Center in Cincinnati Ohio, Matthew developed after school programs for at risk youth age 6-16 in his community and the surrounding areas.  Matthew's experience in the wild includes leading backpacking, hiking, and rock climbing trips, and facilitating leadership and team-building programs.  Matthew's continued commitment to improving the lives of children in his community has been the driving force of his adult life.