Adam Yarnes
Chief Operating Officer
LinkedIn
Adam Yarnes has spent more than two decades working in outdoor education, camping, and recreation, building a career dedicated to connecting people to themselves, one another, and the natural world. His passion for the outdoors began in childhood, when he spent countless hours exploring and playing on his family’s land in Western New York. That early connection to the natural world grew into a lifelong commitment to outdoor education, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
Originally from Western New York, Adam’s career has taken him across the country, including Arizona, Washington, Wyoming, Nevada, and California. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Sierra Nevada Journeys, where he provides leadership across outdoor education, facilities, operations, and organizational strategy for the organization’s Outdoor Education Camp and regional programs.
Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Adventure-Based Education from Prescott College. His professional work is grounded in a belief that meaningful outdoor experiences can help young people and communities build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop a deeper connection to themselves, others, and the natural world.
Before returning to Sierra Nevada Journeys, Adam served with the University of Arizona as Director of Arizona 4-H’s outdoor education and camping programs at the James 4-H and Pine Combs 4-H Camps. Throughout his career, he has worked across outdoor education, recreation, leadership development, and camp operations, with a focus on creating meaningful experiences, developing people, and building strong, mission-driven organizations.
Outside of work, Adam is an avid climber, mountaineer, and outdoorsman. He and his wife and son are grateful to call Northern California home.