James Pointer is currently the interpretive supervisor at Lake Vermilion - Soudan Underground Mine State Park located in beautiful northeastern Minnesota. He has been in this position since 2004. During his tenure, he has been involved in the training of staff, developing and presenting various interpretive programs, and providing outreach opportunities to communities in the area. Prior to coming to Minnesota, he was the 4-H youth development agent in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. This was a great opportunity to learn new youth development techniques, while also helping youth engage in the outdoors. His other background includes working for various residential environmental education camps, nature centers, and the Forest Preserve District of Will County, Illinois. His duties have ranged from leading programs to supervising staff to first person interpretation. James has a B.S. in Finance from Valparaiso University and a Master’s of Education (specialization in outdoor teacher education) from Northern Illinois University. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, canoeing, camping, cross-country skiing, and biking with the family. He also enjoys practicing his archery skills and spending time observing the night sky.