Mr. Wiltens lived in Los Altos during part of his childhood, graduated from UC Berkeley and earned a master’s degree from Simon Fraser University. He is a writer who has worked as a research marine biologist, commercial diver, chemist, university sports coach, and a columnist. In 1981 Jim opened Deer Crossing Camp where youngsters from 8-17 spend time in the high Sierra wilderness learning skills for creating and succeeding in their own adventures.
Mr. Wiltens writes and publishes books for parents and students; he leads parenting workshops and provides GATE courses for several California school districts. Jim also presents programs on leadership, memory enhancement and creativity to academic and corporate groups.
In 2004 Jim and a friend began an adventure – to ride across the Thar desert of India and the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. This trip led to his founding Deer Crossing Press and publishing his first book, Camels, Cobras and Skulls.