Learning / Stewardship
Each year on April 22nd, we observe Earth Day, a celebration of the environment. The concept has grown since its inception in 1970 to include weeklong and even month-long activities and conversation, creating a wealth of opportunities (and resources) to teach and engage in principles of environmental protection and stewardship. With the phrase “Earth Day is every day” in mind, here are five ways you...
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Learning
The number of amazing jobs and careers available working both in the outdoors and on behalf of the outdoors is staggering. But with such a bounty of options, which one is right for you? We pulled together a list of twelve dream outdoor recreation and conservation careers to serve as inspiration while you carve out your own pathway. This list isn’t exhaustive by any means...
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Learning
Fundraising can feel like one of the most vexing components of running an outdoor program. It can seem difficult to know exactly where to look for funds and how to apply for them, especially with the threat of rejection looming with each grant application. The thing is – you have to ask for funding in order to receive it, so it’s always worth giving it...
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Learning / Uncategorized
Are you interested in building an outdoor program at your school, in your community, or within an existing organization? Consider these four steps a starter kit that will help you understand what it takes to develop curriculum, build partnerships, recruit participants, and launch a successful outdoor program. DEVELOPING A CURRICULUM Most programs begin with a great idea, but the most successful programs also begin with...
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Learning / Tech Tip
Most of us would probably rather spend our workday out in the field instead of glued to a computer. Even so, digital media can offer an incredibly useful toolkit to help support the work we do outdoors, so it’s worth learning how to harness its power for good. Here, we offer some tips and tricks to help you navigate the digital waters. ASSESS YOUR CURRENT...
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Learning
If you enjoy spending time outside, chances are your bookshelves are already stuffed with environmental tomes and tales of outdoor adventure. We suggest you add to that collection with these must-have books relevant to anyone who works with youth outdoors. BOOKS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Whether or not you work in a traditional outdoor education setting, these books will help strengthen your knowledge base and inspire...
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Learning
As we approach the year’s end, many people are already looking forward to 2018, thinking about what personal goals they might hope to achieve: picking up a new hobby, saving for a big vacation, or perhaps simply getting outside more. Just as you look inward when the new year approaches, it’s a great idea to also reflect on your organization, program, or project to see...
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Learning / Stewardship
Whether by leading a hike, hosting a campout, teaching climbing skills, or coordinating an environmental education class, outdoor educators, and program leaders are responsible for helping others form lifelong connections to the natural world. However, it’s also important to remember our responsibility to help preserve and protect the places where we teach and play by weaving the concept of stewardship into programming whenever possible. All...
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Learning / News
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the outdoors, but aren’t quite sure where to start – or do you know someone else who dreams of working outdoors? Whether you’re hoping to forge your own path or are working with young people who are hoping to establish a career in the outdoors, keep reading for tips on how to hone in on a career...
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Learning
With summer in full swing, paddling is a great way to beat the heat. We reached out to our friends from Leave No Trace for tips on how your program can minimize it’s impact while encouraging participants to get out and paddle. They provided the 7 paddling specific Leave No Trace™ principles below. Leave No Trace™ principles are simple guidelines to help you...
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