John Baisden thinks that more people should get out to enjoy the majestic and diverse scenery that can be found throughout the United States. Every state has some amazing areas that should be appreciated by more people. There are state parks, national parks, and all sorts of regions that have their own beauty to them. We're so caught up in work, making money, and "being busy" that we miss out on a lot that our areas have to offer.
John is definitely an outdoorsmen. He has enjoyed hiking, backpacking, and camping his entire life. He loves the fact that he can go out into the wilderness and tackle whatever challenges he comes across. It's a rewarding and confidence building activity even as he gets older. Nothing feels more satisfying than taking care of yourself in a challenging situation!
John Baisden's other passion is helping out troubled youth. He runs the Turning Winds Academic Institute in Montana. Part of the work he does with some of the students involves the outdoors. He loves to take groups of students out to amazing places like the Grand Canyon, Hells Canyon, West Fork Lake, Seven Devil’s Peaks and many other wonderful places.
He finds these backpacking trips to be very useful for the students that he takes along. A lot of them do not appreciate what being in nature is all about. John Baisden has seen a lot of the students perspective and mood change for the better after exposure to such beautiful places as Hell's Canyon, Glacier National Park and the Selkirk Mountains. It's very rewarding to get through one of those adventures. Plus, you get to see some of the most beautiful terrain in the entire country.
John Baisden can see himself camping, hiking, and backpacking for years to come. He'll never get bored with it. Every trip and every hike is unique in itself. It's always a great experience. He is grateful that he is now able to share those special places of retreat with his grandchildren.
