Career Focus: Teaching should be revered!

This fall, I was lucky enough to grace the cover of the College of Western Idaho’s Career Focus Magazine. The photo was taken on my fourth summit of Denali, and my fifth trip to the mountain. I have been mountain guiding for 14 years, and we could not have been luckier on this day. My clients and I touched the top with just enough time to get down before high winds began to ravage the mountain. It was a 17-hour summit day, and by the time we were back at high camp, I was exhausted and questioning my own career choices. I am one of those people who have been lucky enough to experience the “American Dream.”  I am one of the select few whose work is also play.  I was never happy at standard 9-5 jobs that I could leave behind at night, and go home.

Yet, to argue that I have been intentional with my career choices would have to be a little bit of a fib. I went to college to get involved in social service programs. As early as 1994, I was working as a developmental therapist and wondering why I was always broke. In truth, I ended up in adventure education because it is also amazingly fun and rewarding, but also because it met a financial need.  Yet, I have always wondered why work that is so essential such as development therapy or psychosocial rehabilitation pays so poorly.

Now, I am lucky to be teaching at the College of Western Idaho in a capacity that trains future teachers to work with our children. I love it! Our company, Experiential Adventures LLC , focuses on improving leadership and communication within businesses and higher education organizations without losing our adventurous roots. It is true; Geoff and I truly understand how hard work can lead to success.

I wonder, again, why  are primary teachers so misused and disrespected in the state of Idaho? Teachers are the backbone of our childrens’ learning and social experiences beyond the family. They are an essential link in the process of creating a civil society, and primary and secondary education programs drive our future economic value. It cannot be stated enough that future economic value and the development of a hardworking society that values acceptance is what teachers provide to the next generation.

Accepting the value of social programs as an investment in the future seems to be a challenge for some. We are, at times, taught that individual success trumps societal value. Teachers struggle to teach children about the gray area that exists between the absolutes that news channels, commentators, and pundits propagate. However, individual success is predicated upon our society’s success and vice-versa.

So as I focus in on my career, I have realized several things – mountain guiding is a risky endeavor that is an amazing experience and requires the ability to make essential decisions to protect those in your immediate care, but at high altitudes those in your care and already financially stable and successful. Therefore it does NOT change lives on a daily basis. On the other hand, the only absolute about teaching is that every child is changed and molded by teachers everyday. For that gift alone, teachers should be recognized for all that they do. Teaching should be a revered profession, not one that is constantly under attack for being anything but what it is – the key to our children’s future.

DirecTV Takes the L.E.A.P.

This fall Experiential Adventures LLC worked with the senior leadership of DirecTV in Boise to improve their workplace relationships and set a positive tone for the future. After reading an amazing book by Steve Farber called The Radical Leap,

the DirecTV managers met facilitators at Lucky Peak State Park for a day of team building and group challenges. The Radical Leap was a fantastic choice for this group! It challenges everyone to recognize when a leadership void exists, and to understand that they have the influence and control to do something about it! Farber’s philosophy is essentially an acronym that embraces Love, Energy, Audacity, and Proof (LEAP) as the basis for being effective in life whether it be in the workplace, with family, or in personal pursuits.

On this beautiful fall day, the DirecTV senior leadership team took the LEAP.  EA facilitated a series of physical and mental challenges that served as the foundation for spirited discussions. The team explored how to improve management practices, support one another, and how to inspire their employees. A central theme that the team consistently returned to was the importance of cultivating support and empathy in the workplace.

Creativity is energy spawned by the opportunity to take calculated risks and it provides people with the audacity to try new things. One initiative challenged the team to create a new “boat-based” company. Using DTV as an acronym for the new company name, the team needed to design and build a vessel that could be put on the water and paddled. While an amusing project, the task helped the team develop ideas and solutions for the challenge through a fun and creative process. Who knew that DTV also stood for Determined Travel Vessels and Drifting Toward Vegas?

Finally,  the time came to put the boat on the water to see if it worked. Overtly, the activity was about whether or not the group could build a boat that was functional. Yet, the real proof was demonstrated by the capacity of the DirecTV leadership to support the captain in the event of a capsized vessel. Wading deep into the water in an attempt to keep the craft afloat, the team members came together to successfully navigate the challenge!

EA is excited to have had the opportunity to relate our philosophy of leadership to the Radical Leap, and we look forward to our continued relationship with the leaders at DirecTV in Boise.

 

Tags: education, facilitation, leadership, program design

EA’s First Contract – A Tropical Storm

[8.15.11] Story Story Night

Press the play button above, and read this quick entry. This story is about EA’s first contract, a metaphor for weathering the storms associated with being a “small business owner”, and a true story of being evacuated out of a tropical storm. In 2004, Experiential

Adventures was alive inside of my mind and on a homemade web page. I was working at Texas Tech University, and longing for a daily view of the mountains and snow. After two years of saving, scheming, and planning, I notified my supervisors that I was leaving TTU to pursue private enterprise.

Thus, in 2005, I promptly moved into a van.At the time, strategic planning was really just my way to decide where I was going to park the van to sleep. At the time, a business plan was “it feels right” or I might be able to by a new rope and some cans of refried beans. All I knew was that Experiential Adventures LLC, had the potential to be a life long journey  that could open new experiences and opportunities.

So, in May 2005 I was parked on the side of the road in the old Volkswagen Westfalia wondering how I was going to pay my student loan payments, and why I thought that the safety of a University job could possibly be inferior to living the dream as a “small business” owner. At that moment, I received a call from a college in the northeast asking me to do some work for them. The best part was that it paid. And so it began, after having had Experiential Adventures for over a year, we finally had a contract.

The story was presented at Story Story Night in Boise, Idaho on July 28, 2011. The theme that evening was Water: Stories of going with or against the flow. This experience demonstrates why strategic planning, risk management, and financial planning is essential. EA survived its first contract to grow and expand into a vibrant company. While we believe in the importance of planning, we understand that, at times, luck has something to do with it!

Tropical storm Arlene, made landfall on June 12th, 2005. It occurred extremely early in the hurricane season, and was one of several including Hurricane Katrina. It had sustained winds of about 60mph, and escaping the beautiful islands of the Gulf Coast National Seashore was beyond our abilities. Please listen to the story!

Story Story Night – Stories of Water – Surviving a Tropical Storm.

 

Finally! Outdoor Program Administration – Principles & Practices

Finally! Finally!! After 4 years of work, we are nearing completion of this massive project. We have received cover art and sample layout pages from Human Kinetics for the forthcoming text Outdoor Program Administration – Principles and Practices. During the development of this text, we (Geoff Harrison & Mat Erpelding) are the co-editors of this text and have had the opportunity to both recruit and work with 31 other fantastic outdoor program professionals. In 2007, the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education and Human Kinetics partnered to publish a textbook specific to Outdoor Program Administration.

The 400+ page and 21 chapter textbook is organized into 4 sections – Foundations, Program Design and Implementation, Staffing Considerations, and Facilities and Programs. Like a long climb, the process has been challenging for everyone involved as the path to get to this point has spanned multiple births, job transitions, expeditions, injuries, etc. The text is expected to be released in February 2012 and will likely be used in the classroom in the Fall. Thank you to all who have helped on this important AORE resource as it will truly benefit current and emergent professionals.

We are proud to be part of such an important organization.  The mission of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education is to provide opportunities for professionals and students in the field of outdoor recreation and education to exchange information, promote the preservation and conservation of the natural environment, and address issues common to college, university, community, military, and other not-for-profit outdoor recreation and education programs.

We feel strongly that this book is in direct support of the mission, and are excited to have been provided the opportunity to spearhead the project!

University of Wyoming – Fall Staff Training

Staff who train together, play together, and work together tend to who have amazing cultures. The University of Wyoming Outdoor Program is an example of a group of people with different backgrounds and views who have created a powerful culture on their campus. The leaders who work at the OP will graduate and go on to be history teachers, geophysicists, environmental scientists, and outdoor professionals and each one will be forever impacted by the leadership opportunities provided by the OP. So what is it about the University of Wyoming Outdoor Program that creates such amazing leadership opportunities?

It is simple. Effective leadership only develops when the decisions being made are not trivial and will

impact others. Other leadership training programs focus on theory, but this program combines theory with significant practical application. Leaders emerge when real and consequential decisions have to be made – the moment when autonomy and empowerment collide. Leaders realize their capabilities the moment when the decisions matter.

Experiential Adventures LLC joined the UW Outdoor Program at Vedauwoo Rocks just east of Laramie, WY.  EA provided an American Mountain Guide Association Single Pitch Instructor Course to the OP staff at their semi-annual training program. As with many outdoor trainings, the overt outcomes were simple. To learn improved teaching and guiding techniques in the single pitch environment, and to provide even better experiences to participants. However, it is the secondary outcomes that EA enjoys.

Using technical trainings to enhance organizational culture can be powerful. First, many of the leaders will go on to be extremely successful in their field of expertise and may not use the technical skills learned in this course again. Yet, the confidence gained from building anchor systems that  are complex, safe, and secure will transfer into other discipline specific environments. Additionally, the human connection associated with trusting one another to perform raises, lowers, and rescues on each other should not be underestimated. As technology continues to advance and move our world forward, there is still something powerful about the trust created from human interaction in natural environments.

EA enjoys working with organizations that believe in the power of community as an essential component of risk management. Organizations that have staff, who are passionate about what they do and are competent leaders, are generally successful. And….that is why the University of Wyoming Outdoor Program is successful!

 

Cohesion Day – RSAF 428th Fighter Squadron

 

Just east of Boise, at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, an amazing international community trains with the US Air Force to protect their homeland. The Republic of Singapore Air Force has been the air since 1943, but in 2009 the RSAF began flying Boeing’s new F-15SG, a 2-seat, multi-role tactical fighter. Since then, The United States and Singapore have a longterm agreement to perform joint training operations at Mountain Home AFB. Mountain Home AFB was chosen due to the base’s extensive facilities for aircraft and ground support, ideal year-round flying conditions, and highly trained US Air Force personnel.

The high desert of southwest Idaho is a long way from the lush tropical environment of Singapore; however, the welcoming western attitude, proximity to the state capital, food, culture and access to outdoor recreation have made the rotating 2-year deployment assignment a desirable opportunity for the 180+ airmen of the 428th Fighter Squadron.

On September 2, 2011, Experiential Adventures spent the day at Sandy Point State Park, Idaho with the 428th  Peace Carvin “Buccaneers.” The squadron’s leadership knows that the success of the mission and the safety of personnel is contingent upon the work of the entire crew regardless of rank. Based on this need, Experiential Adventures created a pirate themed day of complex,

challenging and super-fun activities. In line with the squadron’s Buccaneer mascot – a “non-traditional” leader was appointed to help each team navigate the day’s physical and cognitive initiatives. The culminating activity of the day was a homemade cardboard boat race. Boat designs varied in style, function, and performance! However, the highlight was the unscheduled but highly spirited water fight and intentional capsizing of some of the boats. At the end of the day, the wet and smiling 428th had truly demonstrated the effectiveness of a unified and cohesive force.

Night Flight – Aviation Specialties Unlimited

One of the best aspects of facilitation is the opportunity to learn about other businesses, the products and services they offer, and how they have developed an effective employee culture. Based out of Boise, Idaho, Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) is a world leader in the sales, modifications, service, and training of Night Vision Goggles (NVG) for private and military helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. The ASU team provides and installs new equipment; serves as a liaison between the client and FAA to ensure all equipment and operations are in compliance with federal regulations; inspects, maintains and repairs NVG goggles; and provides comprehensive on-sight pilot trainings worldwide.

One reason ASU is so successful is because they believe that innovation can occur at all levels of the company and from all members of the staff. In 2009, Experiential Adventures worked with the entire ASU staff during their annual retreat. Creative and critical thinking exercises served as the weekend’s theme to expand on ASU’s approach to ideas within the organization.

Again in 2011, Experiential Adventures attended Aviation Specialties Unlimited annual corporate retreat to facilitate another day of community building programs! Our role this year was to further enhance the positive culture maintained by the employees and family members of this successful company.  The weather offered a perfect late-summer day in Donnelly, Idaho.

This time the physical location of the retreat offered a stark and compelling contrast between something that is vibrant and growing and something that had withered and died. While ASU has continued to grow and expand within the NVG industry over the last two years, the Tamarack Ski and Golf Resort – a failed real estate speculation – continues to lurk on the shores of Lake Cascade like a ghost town. Buildings remain unfinished, cranes sit idle, and real estate values have tanked.

The growth demonstrated by ASU over the past 2 years – amidst a downturned economy – demonstrates why organizations who invest in employee development and support employee creativity are so successful. ASU effectively moves ideas forward, develops and executes plans, all while continually refining, supporting and maintaining innovation. We are looking forward to what the next year brings for this invested team of individuals.

Riverstone International School WFA & Team Building

Effective teaching may be the hardest job there is. ~William Glasser

…….and teaching teachers is even harder! This week Experiential Adventures LLC enjoyed two great days at the Riverstone International School. Riverstone is Idaho’s first International Baccalaureate authorized institution, and working there was a highlight of our summer.

One of the reasons Riverstone International School is an amazing school to work with is because of the teachers. They are a fantastic group of people dedicated to teaching through experiential education, community service and leadership. Riverstone has an extensive outdoor program that engages the students from elementary school to high school graduation.

After enjoying the summer and all that Idaho has to offer, 16 teachers came together for 2 days of simulations, discussions, and informal team building. Originally designed to enhance the safety of the outdoor program, the Wilderness First Aid Course also allowed new teachers to meet their peers in a fun and challenging environment.

Using a ground breaking online curriculum from the Wilderness Medicine Training Center, EA designed simulations focussed on critical emergency care and common ailments experienced by students. By minimizing traditional lecture thanks to the online preparation they had to do, each teacher participated in full simulations as both rescuers and patients.

It can be intimidating to teach teachers, as they can be rowdy bunch. However, this group of professionals is a prime example of why Riverstone’s educational programs succeed. Their combined passion, intellectual curiosity, and fun personalities made for a great couple of days. Here’s to another successful academic year!

The Lure Of Expeditions

Someone asked me why I would choose to spend two months on a frigid glacier when I could be spending a beautiful summer in Boise. I can only say look at this:
A few years ago I wrote this to someone trying to explain why big trips excite me. I think it attempts to explain why I left the coolest dog (Saga)

and my house for 2 months in the middle of the summer. In short, I love expeditions. Absolutely love them. From the time the group starts the process of planning and getting to know one another to the time we send our photos around and thank each other for a fabulous time. The whole experience is an exercise that engages all of the important parts of life.

Each day brings a new challenge in both the human and the physical aspects of living a life that is based in subsistence, basic human support and survival. That is not so say I won’t have my iPod filled with Lady Gaga, but that is neither here nor there. I don’t know how to explain the positive feelings I get when I sit on the ridge at 16000ft after having carried a load to the cache, watch our clients work hard in an attempt to do something they have not done before, or after successfully moving with clients over difficult and scary terrain. Yet, it is why I love life.

Human factors are abound on expeditions. People make the trip. The beauty, grandeur, and location play second fiddle to the group of people. Whether a summit is in the cards or not, it is not nearly as exciting as the group that I am about to spend the next 21 days with. Denali will be there for me to see again, but the people that create this group dynamic will not.

If you are interested in following our progress, please click on the American Alpine Institute Blog Page. Watch for our check-ins and we are team 3 (May 14-June 4).

A Story About a New Year’s Eve Gone Awry

New Years Eve; Stories of Cravings and Compulsions

I don’t know about you, but I love telling stories about adventures. Yet, it seems that my style of story is to mock my errors as an instructor or adventurer. That is the power of story telling, and is why learning from stories can be so powerful.

I told this on stage at Story Story Night in Boise, ID on January 31, 2011. I was a “story slammer”, which means my name was drawn out of a hat, and I was provided with a microphone and five minutes. That night the theme was “HOOKED: Stories of Cravings and Compulsions.” Let me warn you, this story takes a weird turn.

Additionally, my friend Nate will tell you that we did not have an epic, we simply had a couple challenges. However, that does not change my experience, and the fact I had to go to the doctor after our New Years Adventure. So, I would consider it an epic. This story is slightly irreverent, but non-the-less funny (at least in my mind). New years eve is a time to celebrate the new year, and set new healthy goals, but five days after new years eve I was at the doctor’s office trying to explain myself.
Enjoy!