February 18, 2026
As the Outdoor Adventures Center’s (OA) climbing wall manager and climbing trip lead, you might naturally assume that Kaden is a lifelong climber with years and years of experience.
In reality, Kaden didn't pick up climbing until his first year at Nebraska after some friends encouraged him to join them at the OA’s climbing wall. Today, he’s working to help any Husker — especially beginners — feel as confident, safe and excited on the climbing wall as he felt on his first attempt.
“I’d never tried climbing in my life until some friends I made during my freshman year took me to the Outdoor Adventures Center. Right away, I was really interested in it — every route is like a new puzzle, so it’s a workout for your mind and your body.”
After getting a job at the OA, Hughes found that the community he was building through climbing was every bit as exciting as the routes he was completing. By becoming a manager in the gym and leading Huskers on climbing trips around the country, Hughes saw an avenue to continue fostering community through climbing.
“My climbing basics instructors and the OA managers were really impactful in facilitating my passion for the sport, so I wanted to do that for other people,” Kaden explains. “Honestly, the joy I feel teaching others has probably overshadowed actually climbing myself.”
Kaden teaches regular classes for new climbers and helps oversee New Climber Nights. He stressed that the OA is a space meant for beginners.
“Our gym is, first and foremost, a gym for new climbers. We don't expect anybody that comes through these doors to have any climbing background at all,” he says. “Our programs are just as important for introducing people to our community as they are for learning technical skills. Everyone feels nervous, too, so we really try to focus on celebrating each little victory on the wall.”
Kaden’s aptitude for teaching has not gone unnoticed. Last November, he received the Student Achievement Award at the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education’s national conference in San Diego.
“I really dove headfirst into climbing, teaching and fostering community in our gym and on our climbing trips, so being honored like this really helped me feel that I’m making a difference as a leader and educator.”
Kaden Hughes is a senior biological sciences major from Omaha, Nebraska.