10 Sep How both students and staff grow socially at The Outdoor School
At the Outdoor School the “why” is a very important part of our curriculum and culture – this is where most organizations derive their values, philosophies, and especially their programing. Perhaps the most important “why” within any organization is why team members choose to put their effort towards the mission.
The Outdoor School Mission:
The Outdoor School strives to use the outdoors to awaken both ourselves and others to the potential within and around all of us.
The direction of this potential within and around us has a lot to do with social growth. To highlight this point, here are some quotes from former staff members while reflecting on their time with The Outdoor School:
“Where can I begin? Great location, great job, great people, great life experience, great greatness. The most outstanding thing for me is the opportunity to learn more about myself.”
“What did I love about my time here? How much I’ve grown through this job. How intrinsically rewarding everything has been. Seeing a whole new world in TX. Meeting the fantastic people here.”
“The best thing about The Outdoor School is what it provides for children who would never otherwise get this experience.”
“Each and every person I worked with taught me something new.”
“The employees are amazing – the genuineness, the creativity, the kindness, the openness, the friendliness, the dedication, the commitment.”
“The Outdoor School has the ability to unite a group of strangers into a team that impacts hundreds of students each semester.”
Now here are some quotes from students after attending The Outdoor School:
“I learned that if you set your mind to something then you can do it. If you encourage others they can do more.”
“I learned that all I have to do is be myself.”
“I learned that teamwork is better than working by yourself.”
“I learned that I have no limits to what I do if I really want to do it.”
“Act like fear is in its underwear and laugh at it.”
“I laughed everyday and tried my hardest at everything.”
There is a common thread running through these experiences – the ability to learn about yourself and others. Students and staff members who attend The Outdoor School learn so much. Some of what they learn will turn out to be useful on a test, and the most important part of their education will be applied daily in the classroom and beyond.
Instructors should work at The Outdoor School for the same reason students should visit The Outdoor School – social growth is both facilitated and a necessary part of the experience. Instructors will learn and find adventures with a diverse group of people whose passion is to find knowledge and connection within a beautiful environment.
-Mark Stein
Personnel Director
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