Dominic Johns is no stranger to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
A 2021 graduate of UNK’s recreation, outdoor and event management program, he returned to campus in July 2024 to take on the role of adventure programs coordinator in Campus Recreation.
Originally from Elm Creek, Johns developed a love for the outdoors early in life. He spent much of his time fishing, camping and kayaking – activities that would later shape his professional interests. While a student at UNK, he worked for the Outdoor Adventure program, primarily at the climbing wall inside the Wellness Center. He also trained to lead outdoor climbing trips, though those plans were temporarily paused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Just before graduation, he was able to help lead a weeklong class trip to Missouri and Arkansas.
“Recreation has always been a big part of my life,” Johns said. “My personal experience with the program helped me choose a career path that I never considered before, and it has led me to a job that I love.”
Before returning to UNK, Johns worked for a year in customer service at MW Climbing in Lincoln. His decision to pursue a career in campus recreation was driven by a desire to share his enthusiasm for the outdoors with others.
“It was a great opportunity for me to share my passions with others and help them discover theirs,” he said. “The best experiences come from taking people to try activities they’ve never done before. Teaching and talking about things I enjoy and am passionate about is the best part of the job.”
Why do you love outdoor exploration?
Being outdoors is a great way to get a break from day-to-day life. You can disconnect and find time for yourself and friends.
Outdoor activities are always unpredictable, from wildlife encounters to simple side adventures that you didn’t plan for. These types of experiences are what I cherish the most, because when something truly unique happens, you know it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Where are your favorite places to explore?
My favorite locations to do any outdoor activities are the ones that put you in unique landscapes. One moment you can be in the plains of Nebraska and the next in Toadstool Geologic Park, where you feel like you’re on the moon.
Talk about your role as adventure programs coordinator:
First, I oversee UNK’s climbing wall, which is 30 feet high and has seven rope stations with the possibility of thousands of hold combinations. We have staff at the wall who will belay and provide instruction. We do not charge students an extra fee for access or rental climbing equipment. I advise the UNK Climbing Club, which organizes different games and activities involving the wall and competes in regional climbing events.
Additionally, I teach a one-credit hour climbing class and three-credit hour Intro to Outdoor Recreation course. The latter is an exploration of different outdoor recreation activities. There is instruction, then we get the opportunity to take students out to try the activities.
I also manage outdoor equipment and Loper bike rentals. We offer canoes, whitewater kayaks, inflatable paddle boards, hammocks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, backpacking packs, camping burner stoves, Jetboils and backpacking pot kits at affordable prices.
During fall break, I will take students on a hiking and camping trip to western Nebraska. We will visit Toadstool Geologic Park, the Nebraska National Forest, Scotts Bluff Monument and Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.
Where can students enjoy outdoor activities nearby?
There is an abundance of activities in the Kearney area. Within the city, the UNK campus and Cottonmill and Yanney parks are connected to the Kearney Hike/Bike Trail, which ends at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area.
Kearney also has some good disc golf courses. Centennial Park offers a beginner-friendly course, while Cottonmill Park has a very challenging but fun course. The Kearney Canal is a great opportunity for kayaking and canoeing that also has a little whitewater challenge at the end. There is ample opportunity for fishing around Kearney, as well. It would be self-sabotage for me to disclose the best locations for fishing, but they are out there.
Why should students get involved with the Outdoor Adventure program?
It’s an easy way to gain experience and knowledge on a range of outdoor activities. With the outdoor gear we offer for rent, it makes expensive hobbies explorable.
What advice do you have for first-time climbers?
Climbing can be intimidating, but it is a sport where you can choose how easy or hard you want it to be. Climbing also is very community-oriented and is a great way to meet new people from all different backgrounds. The community is very supportive and inviting. Climbing is always better with friends!
Share something unique about yourself:
I have really enjoyed golfing since I was a kid. My friend and I have been making progress for the past two years toward golfing every public course in Nebraska. We have played 18 holes at 20 courses so far and have 180 more courses yet to tackle.
PHOTOS BY ERIKA PRITCHARD, UNK COMMUNICATIONS
