By Christopher Patrick Britt
Education delivery, student expectations, and curriculum development are rapidly changing alongside societal changes. Educators must stay ahead and determine what skills will best prepare youth for future jobs that don't exist, while at the same time increasing the focus on shaping the whole child beyond classroom borders.
How then can the members of our youth support network best support both these areas of development? What programs, schools, and extracurricular activities are available that meet these needs?
There is one method of education that has been used to create leaders among young adults far before the first school or college. That method is going outside, or to be more accurate, going back to the first classroom.
When considering your child's educational future, it is easy to focus on what is in the immediate view. Grades, school choice, and local extracurriculars take our primary focus, influenced most often by peers or social networks. In today's educational climate, we rarely focus on non-traditional educational or leadership opportunities as having developmental capacities. The most driven and self-reliant students are those who have developed self-efficacy through outdoor education programs.
This post will highlight three avenues that focus on developing leadership skills in young adults: National Outdoor Leadership School, Outward Bound, and Outdoor Education Programs within schools.
National Outdoor Leadership School
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) started in 1965 in the depth of Wyoming. It began primarily as an outdoor school, and then into a wilderness medical school. From there, it has developed upon the founder's idea, Paul Petzoldt, into a school that teaches leadership through living responsibly with nature and wilderness expedition. Today, the classroom is our surrounding: rivers, mountains, and valleys. They work with NASA and education programs around the world on risk management protocols and procedures. Programs around the world are offered through a variety of activities used to elevate interest in outdoor activities or to substantially improve a skill-set in medicine. From backpacking to fly fishing, from Patagonia to the Appalachians, students have a wide array of offerings. NOLS courses also count for university credit.
Outward Bound
Outward Bound (OB) is a very similar organization to NOLS in that they both offer outdoor education and leadership training. Outward Bound focuses on courses around personal development and self-reflection – soft skills. OB is an internationally recognized outdoor education group that primarily works in North America and tends to be a little more youth-focused and can offer an array of programs that are suited for young high school students eager to get outside. I can say with full confidence if your child attends either of these programs, you will notice a change in them upon returning.
In-School Outdoor Education Programs
Lastly, many private and public schools offer outdoor education programs. I ran one for years in the private system, and now I am back in the independent system running a ski and snowboard focused outdoor education program. Each school's programs differ in size and length. Some are far more comprehensive than others. Many schools hire third party outdoor educators such as NOLS, OB or local guide outfits to run their programs. Be sure to ask questions regarding the length and type of activities offered. Is the Duke of Edinburgh program provided, and does the outdoor education activity meet the outdoor component for bronze, silver, and gold levels? Are students expected to participate or are they encouraged to? Will they get any certifications out of the program? What are the risks to this activity and what incidents, if any, have occurred within the school's outdoor education program? Finding the right fit means challenging schools on their innovative teaching methods.
Some parents often question the need or benefit of these programs within schools. To that, I would refer any parent to any yearbook produced by their school of interest. Read the graduate's biography and count the number of times an outdoor trip is referenced. It's not the biology lesson, band class, or math competition that they remember, rather, it's the drama production, extracurricular sport, or outdoor adventure that makes the greatest impact. These are the experiences that shape our youth into the adults of tomorrow, allowing them to explore creative expression and independent thought. I encourage parents to consider these programs as complementary to their child's education plan, not only for the uniqueness they add to an application, but for the inherent value they provide in creating leaders with empathy, leaders who reflect, and leaders who take meaningful action.
Ultimately, these skills are what prepare them for success, both in post-secondary settings and more importantly, in life.
Christopher Patrick Britt, Outdoor Guide
Christopher Patrick Britt has been an outdoor guide for more than ten years. He has spent his time guiding canoe trips in four provinces and one territory, fisherman in northern BC and northern Ontario, heli-skiers in the Yukon and Alaska, and high school students in a variety of outdoor education experiences around the world. He has spent years as a private school AP Science teacher and IB Science Teacher. Currently, he works with First Nation Schools of British Columbia developing science and employment-related curriculum. If he is not in a school, you can find him on his skis among the Pacific North West Mountains, playing hockey, surfing, or behind a drum kid.
Twitter: @westvanteacher
Email: chrbritt@gmail.com
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