Dedicated to: Joe, Julie, Andrew, Eric, Maggie, Sophie, Chris, Nat, Andrea, Gene, Aaron and the rest of the field and base staff, along with the summer and prospective staff who trained with us, who taught me so much, in such a short time...
My first expedition was the brainchild of New academy director, Joe Geier. He believed that the best way to teach new staff the SOAR methodologies and logistics of a successful expedition, and a fruitful experience for children is experientially. The new potential field and base instructors, the returning lead instructors, and directors went on an expedition. Joe insisted that teachers join the expedition training so that we would know the expedition experience, and the other staff would see our investment, so together we would make a strong team for the students.
Lesson one: Packing a pack for backpacking: Yes, they are as large and heavy as they look. It amazed me how much gear you need to trek to the backcountry for just 3 days. I didn't have many of the essentials: The sleeping bag, the tent, the backpack. The last time I had a mess kit was in Cub Scouts. I was Ill- prepared for my first outdoor adventure. Joe provided me the necessary gear, and the veteran field and base instructors helped me and gave me tips on how to pack a backpack. It's pretty intuitive. That doesn't mean you automatically know that there is a best way to pack one of these things, and why it is best. You have to plan. You have to achieve balance. You have to prioritize the things you need most toward the top. There is an art to this. I had no idea.
Lesson two: Putting the backpack on your back: Again, you would think it is a no brainer but if you don't have the pack positioned just right on your body through a series of shimmies and shakes and strap adjustments, it can be painful and you can hurt yourself. With the assistance and support of field and base staff, I learned how to do this properly. We haven't even left Balsam Base yet.
After about an hour drive to PantherTown, we had arrived... to the trailhead. I had never used the word trailhead before. I am learning new vocabulary and techniques right and left, and this plane hasn't even taxied yet. Before we headed out on the trail, a prospective new- to-SOAR field staff briefed us on safety on trail, everything from carrying your pack, to what to do if you are separated from the group, to what to do if it starts lightning. I am amazed by the amount of knowledge the base and field staff possess, and how effective they are at sharing what they know. I am mesmerized by simply all there is to know to backpack safely and successfully.
From assembling tents, to setting up tarps, to filtering water so it is super-safe to drink, to assembling, dis-assembling and repairing cooking stoves to being able to tell us about vegetation and wild-life in the area, and the history of an area, these field and base staff continue to impress. Not only are there an incredible number of things for staff to know, and know how to do to conduct a successful expedition, they have to be able to teach it to other staff and to kids in a way that they can understand and be successful with it. From packing, to hiking to setting up camp, to camping, to wrapping up camp at the end of the expedition, I learned how to do this while LNT. ( That's Leave No Trace for all the amateurs out there).
Can I help it, if I felt a little pride in my teaching team? I haven't mentioned them yet. I can take absolutely no credit for the skills and talents that these individuals bring to SOAR, but I couldn't help but to feel a little gratification that with the help of Joe, I selected some exceptional individuals for our teaching team. These guys are helping me to truly realize what Academics at SOAR has the potential to be. In our quest to become and extraordinary school, I have been concerned that we don't do so, at the expense of the things that make SOAR a special place, something different than " Just a school." Gene McNabb_ Friedmann and Aaron Hirsh are helping me to realize that vision. At times a bit intimidating, I recognize that both of these educators possess strengths and talents that are very different than my own. But far from threatened by their unique skill- sets, I am over-excited by the things they offer the program that truly helps me move academics at SOAR more fully into the experiential realm, with a curriculum that promises to be rigorous, as well as individualized, hands- on as much as possible, and interconnected, so that students can not only see the relevance in what they are learning, but how different subjects are complementary to one another. Both Gene and Aaron have life's experiences that extend way beyond teaching, but have decided each for their own reasons, that they want to give what they have and know, back to kids. As some of the directors at SOAR have cautiously optimistically said to me, " ... but you haven't seen them with the students yet..." Sometimes you just have an incredible feeling when things are " right". These are some dynamic individuals.
While I don't truly digress, because we are all truly connected now, more about the base and field staff. As I sat in on trainings facilitated by Julie and Joe on behavior management, I learned not only how much experience Joe has, and how much Julie knows, but how knowledgeable the entire staff are in terms of psychology, behavior management and bringing out the best in kids. What follows is probably the biggest, and most important lesson I learned on my first expedition:
The SOAR staff have not only skills and talents, but the sincere desire to do what most regular schools can't or wont due to the constraints placed upon them, and the number of students they serve: "Teach the Whole Child". I have preached that we are there for the " whole" child for the past almost two years from my perspective, which didn't extend far beyond the schoolhouse. That has always been my perspective even before coming to SOAR, which is probably why I feel so at home here. I've practiced " Teaching the whole child" in terms of academics and life here at Balsam Base, and the schoolhouse. This is the first time, however, that I actually saw the holistic side of SOAR "in action" practicing what is our philosophy, not because it is a part of our philosophy, but because it is in our blood.
I listened as staff talked the talk about how they did or were going to " walk the walk" of what I refer to as " reaching and teaching" the whole child. It was then that I realized TRULY what a special place SOAR is to send your kids. Every member of the staff, has it within them to take the time, no matter how long it takes, to "reach a kid", because I have always believed, and the staff here embody " You've got to reach them to teach them"
This is where the fork in the path is. Where most traditional schools, through no fault of their own travel "traditional routes", SOAR staff take "the path less traveled" even if it is the longer of the two paths. Even if it is more rocky with more risks and dangers of exposing themselves to the elements, and all that nature throws in their path. SOAR staff take the time and the effort, whatever it takes to reach and make a difference with a child That is what I learned on my first SOAR expedition. I also came to the realization that "for a job" there's no place I'd rather be, and no staff I would rather call my work family. It is work, but when you love what you do, which the SOAR staff obviously do, it is so, so much more than that.
Thank you SOAR for making me a part of your family.
