New Assistant OLP Director Brings Wealth of Experience

September 17th, 2024

Sandia Prep’s new Assistant Director of the Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP) brings more than 20 years of experience in outdoor and experiential education to the job.

Charles Gwinn holds several certifications in various disciplines in those fields.

He earned a B.S. from Western Kentucky University in Recreation Administration and Outdoor Leadership and an M.S. in Sport Administration from the University of New Mexico.

When he’s not working, Gwinn enjoys being with his family, fly fishing, bikepacking, and making delicious food. He says he makes a good pizza and enjoys baking.

Gwinn recently helped lead a three-day upper school OLP kayaking adventure to Navajo Lake and an eighth-grade backpacking trip to Elk Creek in Colorado.

The OLP will run several more backpacking trips this fall, plus fly fishing and climbing. Over the winter, they’ll lead cross-country, downhill, and yurt ski trips.

In the spring, the OLP will embark on caving, kayaking, and traveling to the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado.

Gwinn says he’s excited to be a part of the OLP team and the greater Prep community.