Course Overview and Travel Information. Course Overview. Maine Wilderness Educator Course - 50 Days

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1 Course Overview and Travel Information Maine Wilderness Educator Course - 50 Days Course Overview The Wilderness Educator Course is a 50-day intensive practicum designed to prepare you for the exciting world of outdoor leadership and wilderness education. Through training, practice, feedback and reflection, you will gain the teaching and technical skills necessary for working in the field of outdoor education. The Hurricane Island Outward Bound School has a 50-year history of innovative and life-changing wilderness or adventure education. While all of our gap year and semester offerings provide unparalleled opportunities for skill building and personal growth, the Wilderness Educator Course is more specialized. You will learn from the experience of the expedition as well as learn the craft of designing an expedition to create a meaningful experience. You need not have previous teaching or leading experience; just a high level of fitness, a dedication to building an expeditionary community, a love of the outdoors and a strong interest in the outdoor classroom. Throughout the course you will share leadership and teaching opportunities. During moments when you are not in a leadership or teaching role, you will be in a follower/student role. For that reason, your full participation in every activity and every day is essential to the learning of the whole group. All Wilderness Educator Course students will Engage fully in all aspects of the expedition, including formal lessons, group decisions, skills practice and wilderness living tasks. Be active drivers for their own learning as well as contributors to the learning of others Think and act so as to protect and enhance the physical and emotional safety of themselves and others Professional Certifications and Trainings Students will participate in several nationally recognized training programs during this course. Trainings you will participate in: Wilderness First Responder Swiftwater Rescue Whitewater Canoeing Leave No Trace Trainer The Outward Bound Difference: What HIOBS Wilderness Educator Students Learn On this course, students learn: to sail, canoe, white water canoe, rock climb and backpack with expertise and craftsmanship. to navigate using a map or chart and a compass. to live (cook, eat, sleep, work and learn) together on an expedition, contributing energy and ideas, sharing tasks and responsibilities, and relying on themselves and each other. To manage groups in the outdoors as well as how to plan and execute engaging lessons. to manage medical emergencies in remote areas. As students learn these sailing, canoeing, back packing, teaching, first aid, and rescue techniques, they practice many essential skills and habits to help them prepare for new challenges at work, college, home, and in their communities. They enhance their ability: to remain engaged and present, giving every challenge their best effort, even when the goal seems beyond their reach. to form a team and focus on the team effort. It takes an entire crew to sail, canoe or backpack well; the expedition team performs best when everyone is working together. to work as an educator either in outdoor or classroom settings. In addition to the skills of wilderness travel this course educates and coaches students in effective teaching techniques. to share responsibilities, communicate and lead. Leadership roles are shared within the group, and responsibilities rotate each day. to find reserves of tenacity and compassion. Maine Educator Semester courses are designed to expand and stretch the limits of students, individually and together, so that every expedition is a true accomplishment and a memorable journey.

2 Course Outline Sailing Section I: Immersion (14-16 days) Your course will begin at Hurricane Island Outward Bound s Sea Program basecamp located at Wheeler Bay in Spruce Head, Maine. Here you will meet your watch mates and begin your journey along the Maine Coast. Why start with sailing, you might ask, when many wilderness and adventure programs don t have sailboats? We start with sailing because it s the perfect place to start and a unique opportunity. In fact, it s where Outward Bound and the wilderness education movement started. Our traditional 30-foot sailboats encourage teamwork and leadership like no other classroom. On an open boat with no cabin and no engine, you will live closely together using only wind and oars as propulsion. As you rotate responsibilities during this expedition, you will learn the crafts of sailing, navigating, rowing and living aboard a small open boat. At night, you sleep on deck under a tarp, taking turns at anchor watch under brilliant night skies. As your group learns to operate as a cohesive crew, you will have many opportunities to explore the infinite facets of wilderness leadership, judgment and decision-making. The last section of the sailing phase will provide you with your first opportunity to put these and your new technical skills to the test: your instructors will remove themselves from all routine decision making and you and your crew will take on the responsibilities of the expedition for yourselves. Skills you will learn include: Sailing and seamanship Weather observation and prediction Tides and currents Rowing Anchoring Marlinespike seamanship (knot and rope skills) Coastal piloting and navigation Coastal cruising and live aboard skills Solo (individual reflection time) Implementing Outward Bound leadership models Canoeing and White Water Section II: Skill Building and Risk Management (9-11 days) Living and traveling with just what you can carry on your back or in a canoe is a simple existence, in which small choices can make deceptively great differences. So it is with teaching and risk management. Wilderness canoe expedition skills are essential to the outdoor educator. Your wilderness classroom will be the Penobscot, Kennebec or Allagash watershed(s) in Maine s Northwoods, the land that Thoreau immortalized in The Maine Woods. On the waterways of this five million acre forest, you will practice paddle strokes and precise maneuvering. You will also learn the skills of portaging (carrying the canoe on your shoulders), and lining (guiding your canoe down unrunnable rapids) as you travel through some of the amazing waterways of Maine. In learning to work and communicate well with your paddling partner each day you will discover the power of two people truly working together. Expedition canoeing in Maine means paddling white water. During your canoe expedition you will learn how to scout, paddle, and manage open canoes safely in class II rapids. During the canoeing phase you will learn the following skills: Canoe paddle strokes Tandem open canoe maneuvers Identifying river features Scouting rapids White water management River rescue

3 Backcountry Medicine Section III: Wilderness First Responder (8-9 days) Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is recognized as the standard level of expertise in backcountry first aid. This nationally recognized program trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. The 80-hour curriculum includes standards for extended care situations. Half of your time will be spent completing practical skills, case studies and scenarios designed to challenge your decision-making abilities. In this phase of the course, you will develop the following skills: Patient assessment Knowledge of body systems Equipment improvisation Trauma Remote medicine Toxins Wilderness protocols Wilderness rescue Backpacking and Rock Climbing Section IV: Expedition Planning and Teaching Backpacking is a great combination of team and individual elements. In the mountains, you will learn map reading, cooking, how to pack and adjust your pack, foot care, hydration, knots, and navigation on- and offtrail. The mountains of Maine and northern New Hampshire are rugged, wooded, at times muddy and steep, with bold granite summits and views that stretch to the horizon. Rock climbing sessions take place at the many granite crags and cliffs that make northern New England a world renowned climbing destination. You will learn how to properly use harnesses, helmets, ropes, belay devices, slings, cams, and nuts. You will start with the basics of tying in to the rope and safely belaying each other, and practice efficient movement over rock using techniques of friction, edging and crack climbing. As you build experience and skill you will develop more advanced climbing techniques and practice setting up and managing a variety of sites. To live well in the backcountry, all group members must share the chores that turn a camp into a home, including setting up tents and tarps, making a kitchen area, taking a turn fetching water, and cooking satisfying meals. This phase focuses on essential wilderness leadership skills and includes: Expedition planning Ropes course management (time and course Leave No Trace wilderness ethics itinerary allowing) On- and off-trail map and compass navigation Solo (individual reflection time) Rock climbing skills and site management Search and Rescue Lesson planning and delivery Final Section V: Final Expedition/Assessment (4-6 days) In small groups, you will test your leadership and technical skills by taking on all of the challenges and rewards that are a part of planning and executing a successful final wilderness expedition. This will enable your instructors to fully evaluation your current level of achievement and work with you to create a customized development plan to further your personal and career goals.

4 Outward Bound Course Components Solo One- to three-night solos provide an important break from the rigors of the expedition. With sufficient food and equipment, you ll spend time alone at an assigned campsite to rest, reflect, and practice the camp craft skills you have been learning throughout the course. We choose your solo site to offer as much solitude as possible, within hearing distance of other group members. You will not travel during this time and your instructors will check on you occasionally, but you will be mostly alone for the duration of your solo. Many students are initially nervous about solo, but most are ready for a rest and a break from the group when the time for solo arrives. Solo length is based on length of course, weather and instructor preference. Of the two solos on this course, one will be a multi-day solo, and the other may just be a single day or a day and night. Final Expedition As the course progresses, the instructors work to hand over responsibility for leadership of the expedition to you and your group members. Throughout the Outward Bound sections of this semester your group will have multiple opportunities to test your leadership and technical skills by taking on all of the challenges and rewards that are a part of planning and executing a successful expedition. Service Service is an integral part of the Outward Bound curriculum. We encourage service to the environment in the form of leaving campsites cleaner than we find them and practicing Leave No Trace ethics throughout the course. We coordinate service projects with land managers as well as with select social service agencies. Throughout your group s different expeditions there will may be opportunities to support the local communities and ecosystems in which you travel. Final Challenge Event We typically end our courses with a Final Challenge Event an individual final physical push. This might take the form of a run, a swim or a triathlon-style challenge. Information on Outward Bound Semester Courses Groupings For much of the course you will function in a group of 6-12 people. This is the classic Outward Bound watch. It is generally co-ed and comprised of individuals from different geographic, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Ages will range from 18-30, with the average age being early to mid-twenties. Some components of the course will require different student groupings and student/staff ratios. You may be in a larger or smaller group for classes, activities and skills instruction. Additional Instructors and Logistics Coordinators may join the course for different sections. Student Independence There will be times on this course when instructors will not directly supervise you. This will include time around camp, cooking or setting up tents, sleeping, and solo. We have found that a degree of independence is an effective educational tool and we expect that all students come to this course with a willingness to learn skills and effective expedition behavior, and practice them without instructor supervision, either alone or with other group members.

5 Weather and a Typical Day The short answer to the question of what s a typical day like? is that there is no typical day on an Outward Bound course. Weather, wind, wave, and river conditions will determine whether or not we can sail, paddle, climb or hike, and where we go each day. We assess the weather several times a day to help us make decisions about our expedition plans, and we frequently have to amend our plans to meet the changing conditions. For this reason we need to maintain the flexibility to make the best safety and educational decisions for the changing environment. Being ready to read the realities of a situation, change your plans accordingly and remaining flexible is an important skill for an outdoor educator. During Breaks This course is demanding. In order to keep you refreshed and energized, break times have been scheduled during the course. Breaks will be half a day to one day long and may allow time for you to contact home, do laundry, and possibly to shop, dine, see a movie, or explore a town. Hurricane Island Outward Bound staff will maintain responsibility for student wellbeing during breaks, and will remain easily accessible during unstructured free time. During breaks, students are expected to obey all local laws and customs and exhibit appropriate behavior, defined as behaving in keeping with Outward Bound core values, and abstaining from drug and alcohol use. Course expulsion may result if laws are broken, or behavior endangers self, others, property, or the reputation of Outward Bound. Mail Throughout the course, you will be able to send out mail. Because it is a mobile course, it can be difficult to receive mail. Just prior to your course, your Course Director will send the course schedule and mailing addresses to you. Packages containing emergency items should be marked URGENT and also include the course number. Equipment & Personal Belongings Read the equipment and clothing list thoroughly and carefully consider all that you bring. Some storage is available at the base camps. Rugged cameras, quality sunscreen, notebooks and pens are well worth bringing. Expensive jewelry, valuables and many changes of casual clothing are not. Cameras Bring your camera if you want to record the events of your course. However, because the course is rigorous and the climate is often wet, you run the risk of losing or damaging your camera. A durable waterproof case will help protect it from the elements. Please do not bring large amounts of camera equipment. Money There will be occasional chances to buy food, some new clothing, toiletry articles or souvenirs and lost or damaged Outward Bound equipment to pay for. The course schedule and locations do not support banking hours. We recommend a combination of cash and a debit or credit card. Semester students should bring or have access to $200. Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Use of alcohol, tobacco or non-prescription drugs is absolutely forbidden on your semester course. These substances would not only detract from your performance on the course, but can create significant safety and health issues for all participants. Use of these substances while on course may result in your immediate expulsion from the course without a refund. Tobacco is prohibited during all of your Outward Bound course. If you smoke, quitting well before your course begins will provide the best experience possible for you! Emergency Messages You will be in remote areas without telephone contact. Emergency calls are defined as calls that can t wait until regular business hours. Examples of emergency calls are that you are unable to make it to the course start on time or you have a family emergency while on course. Emergency calls during the Outward Bound course should go through our Admissions office. We have a 24-hour answering service, which will facilitate delivery of messages: (855)

6 Academic Credit College credits need to be arranged BEFORE you start the course, and cannot be set up once the course begins. We have prepared a packet with guidelines for obtaining credit for college students, but you need to contact the colleges directly. Up to 12 credits are offered through Western State College, and Northland College. Go to for more information. In addition, if you are currently enrolled, you may be able to arrange for credits from your college. Hundreds of colleges have granted credit for Outward Bound courses in our 40+ years of operation. You need to check with your counselor or registrar BEFORE you take the course. Our semester course would most likely satisfy credit requirements for classes in Wilderness Expeditionary Skills, Wilderness Camping and Travel, Wilderness Skills Practicum in Sailing, Whitewater and Sea Kayaking, Map and Compass, Wilderness First Aid, Group Process and Leadership, and Environmental Science and Ethics. Medical Insurance while on Course We strongly recommended that all of our students carry health insurance while participating in the Outward Bound course. Reimbursement by your insurance company can be processed after the course. Other Insurance Outward Bound is not liable, financially or otherwise, for loss of, or damage to, property. You should make sure that all personal belongings are covered by a homeowners or other insurance policy before the start of the program. Subcontractors We occasionally choose to work with other reputable organizations and individuals to assist us in delivering our courses. We establish these relationships in part to improve the quality of course delivery, and to add additional resources and expertise otherwise unavailable to us.

7 Travel Information Wilderness Educator Semester, HWNLL-471: September 6, 2014 October 25, 2014 TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: MEETING PLACE: Portland Western Maine Airport (PWM) Portland, Maine Ruby Frederick Southlands Travel COURSE START September 6, 2014, Portland Western Maine Airport, Maine Your course starts at 2 :00 pm the afternoon of your course at the Portland Airport. From there, you will transported by shuttle to Wheeler s Bay in Spruce Head, Maine. Course End: October 25, 2014 Your Course ends at 12:00 pm at the Portland Airport. DO NOT book a flight that leaves before 2:00 pm. Mail - Please do not have mail sent to the HIOBS office. Mail sent to the office will not reach the participant. Before September 16 th, have mail sent to: Your Name, Course#: HWNL-471 Hurricane Island Outward Bound School 113 Marina Rd Spruce Head, Maine After September 16 th, have mail sent to Your Name, Course# HWNL-471 Hurricane Island Outward Bound School 125 Outward Bound Rd Newry ME, Travel Problems - If you encounter problems with your travel plans that will delay your arrival to Maine, we can help troubleshoot solutions so that you can get to your course start. During both office hours, and after hours call for assistance. During business hours please dial extension 2408 for Debbie Murray. After business hours please dial 1 and follow the prompts for emergencies.