Cast Q&A: Amy

Amy has double-jointed shoulders, and she once worked at Disney World! She'll be playing Aphrodite at Hero Quest!

Tell us about your acting history.
I've been performing for years. Some of my favorite roles were Cosette (Les Miserables), Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), and other princesses for different events for kids.

What do you like about your character? What do you have in common with your character?
I like that she makes people fall in love! I'd like help be a matchmaker!

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
I moved across the country by myself to work at Disney World. It was hard to be on my own, and it was so different than I was used to!

Who is your hero and why?

My grandparents have always been my heroes. They are great people who always treat each other kindly. I've never seen them yell or treat anyone poorly.

What do you like to do?

I teach Special Education, and I love it! I also like to sing and act.

What's your ultimate adventure:

I'd love to go meet people from different countries and cultures. I'd like to experience what they do. I'd try new food and see performances and more!

Thanks Amy! See her at Hero Quest next week!

Cast Q&A: Sarah

Sarah loves working with kids and being outdoors. She'll be playing Clio, Muse of History!

What do you have in common with your character?

I love history, books, and learning!

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

I can't choose just one! My dad is really adventurous, so I've had a lot of chances to do things outside of my comfort zone: jumping off cliffs, climbing a canyon wall 100 feet above the ground, and swimming in freezing pools to name a few. 

Who is your hero and why?

One of my heroes is my grandpa. He is brave, strong, and kind. And so smart. He always knows what to do! Growing up, my other hero was Rosa Parks. She was so brave for standing up for what she believed in.

What do you like to do?

I love to read and be outside. I love to hike, swim, and play with my dog Luna.

What's your ultimate adventure:

I'd like to go somewhere I've never been before and experience everything that place offers. I'd explore, ask questions,and take chances!

Thanks Sarah! See her at Hero Quest in August!

Cast Q&A: Adam

Adam likes photography, and he has 7 brothers and sisters. He'll be playing Ares at Hero Quest!

Tell us about your acting history.
I've been performing for almost ten years. Some of my favorites have been The Sound of Music, Les Miserables, and a Shakespeare competition.

What do you like about your character? What do you have in common with your character?
I like that Ares is strong, manly, and courageous. We're both determined, and we fight for what we want.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
I talked to a really cute girl even though I was nervous.

Who is your hero and why?

Severus Snape. He's brave, and he makes the ultimate sacrifice.

What do you like to do?

I like to sing and dance. And I love rock climbing.

What's your ultimate adventure:

The ultimate adventure I've been on was living in Ukraine for two years. It was hard, but I loved it.

Thanks Adam! See him at Hero Quest in August!

Cast Q&A: Joel

Joel likes laughing, running, and exploring. He'll be playing Hermes at Hero Quest!

Tell us about your acting history.
I've been performing since I was 14. Some of my favorite shows have been Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, and Little Shop of Horrors.

What do you like about your character? What do you have in common with your character?
Hermes is fast, and I'm somewhat fast. I also like that he is clever. We both like to joke around.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
I did a triathalon last year. I had to go through the night and it was pouring rain. It was hard, but it ended up being really fun, and I'm glad I did it.

Who is your hero and why?

John Stockton. He got to be a famous basketball player because he was smart and he developed his skills. He didn't have unworldly talent.

What do you like to do?

I love music. I like to play and watch sports. I also like to read and explore outdoors.

What's your ultimate adventure:

I would love to go on a backpacking trip in the Uinta mountains for a week or so.

Thanks Joel! See him at Hero Quest in August!

Cast Q&A: Miranda

We're excited to start a new Q&A series with our Hero Quest actors and actresses. First up, Miranda!

Miranda's been a princess, she can only cross one of her eyes, and she talks really fast when she's nervous. She'll be playing Hebe at Hero Quest!

Tell us about your acting history.
I performed a lot in junior high and high school. Some of my favorite shows were Miracle Worker, Into the Woods, and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. I was also a princess in the Princess Festival for 3 years!

What do you like about your character? What do you have in common with your character?
I love that Hebe is a servant to the gods and goddesses. Personally, I have always put an emphasis on service and helping others feel happy and comfortable, so I can relate to that especially.

What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
I helped my friend who was really sad and struggling.

Who is your hero and why?

My hero is my grandfather. After my dad passed away, he became a father figure to me and I've always looked up to him. He's really smart, and he's kind and understanding at all times.

What do you like to do?

I love to sing, dance, act, play the piano, play video games, take naps, and juggle.

What's your ultimate adventure:

Skydiving!

Thanks Miranda! See her at Hero Quest in August!

Real-life Heroes

Adventure Valley, and especially Hero Quest, is based around the idea of Heroes. Bringing to life the fictional heroes that we admire, and highlighting the things that make them so heroic. But I also like to talk about the real heroes in our lives.

Last Saturday I went to Orem Summerfest with Devin and Jill. You know, I grew up in Orem and had never once been to Summerfest! The whole thing was great, and it is always nice to spend time with dear friends. On the way home, I was stuck in some neighborhood in post-fest traffic. I was starting to get really frustrated that I had been on this same road for 30 minutes, when a little boy ran right in front of my car (I was stopped behind another car) and got hit by a van coming the other direction. It was the one of the most traumatizing moments of my life! I immediately pulled over and got the blanket out of my car. The little boy was conscious and had gotten out of the road and way laying on the sidewalk. 

A couple of us called 911, and the first person to respond was a police officer. He immediately got to work calming the family and checking on the little boy's condition. I was so worried that the ambulance wasn't going to be able to get to us, because this little neighborhood was so crowded with cars. But within a few minutes, the police had redirected traffic and the road was totally clear. I guess they prepare for this sort of thing, because the paramedics that arrived first were on bicycles, so the traffic didn't slow them down. Watching them work with the little boy was so inspiring. They were caring, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel a little more relaxed. Next we were joined by the firetruck and the ambulance. All of the paramedics, police, and firemen worked together to help the little boy and his family. In the end, he didn't even have to go to the hospital because his injuries were not that severe. 

I was so touched by this whole event. Since that time, I have often reflected on how lucky we are to have men and women who dedicate their lives to helping others in these kind of capacities. I have traveled to many different places in the world, and no where are the law enforcement and emergency teams as dependable as they are here in America. 

What are some experiences that you have had with real-life heroes? What are the qualities that make someone a hero? Comment below!

See you at Hero Quest!

-Whitney

Let's Go Logo; Hero Quest Logo Reveal!

Hello my dear readers! (All two of you.) I must apologize for missing a post last week. The life of a 22 year old entrepreneur is one of pandemonium. And that is all that I am going to say about that.

So let's talk about logos. But let me start by expressing my love for in-laws. Do you know why I love in-laws? Because they add talents and resources to the family that were not already there. For example my family never had a piano player until my brother married Lacie, who is an awesome pianist, and now that gap in our family resume is filled! And our most recent family addition, my sister in-law Michelle, is a graphic artist! That is like the in-law jackpot for a girl trying to start a business off of favors. It honestly wasn't very long after the wedding that I started to recruit Michelle for Adventure Valley.

The Very First Adventure Valley Logo

She has designed all of our logos (and hopefully will continue to do so for the foreseeable future). If you've been to our website or Facebook page you have seen our main logo, which I love! She also did the logo for Christmas Expedition.

Christmas Expedition Logo

Most recently we have been working on our Hero Quest logo, and just got one finalized. It actually only went through a few versions--Michelle is amazing.

I gave her very little direction, because designing logos is so far from anything that I am good at. Basically she already knows the feel of our company, and our audience, and then I told her to add a super hero/greek mythology theme and set her loose.

First Go at the Hero Quest Logo

I was blown away by the first version. It captured the feeling I wanted so well, and with such little input from me! The one thing that was a little off when I first saw it was that is seemed more roman than greek; a distinction that I know would mean nothing to most people. I think it was mostly because of the red font, and the spears. So with that feedback she set to work again.

Runner-Up for Final Logo

The next round of logos were all so awesome that it was hard to choose between them. Devin and I independently picked the same two, but neither of us had a favorite! I don't really know how I chose, I think I asked for my family's input, and then mostly just went with my gut.

Do you love the logo! (<< Purposely not a question mark.) I do! What do you guys think? Any suggestions? Any funny logo stories? Share in the comments!

See you at Hero Quest!
-Whitney