Fall is coming and for many of us, particularly in college and universities, our busy season is starting. In just a few weeks I'll be sending out almost 1,000 students on 6-day backpacking trips across the east coast. In order to help other people develop their programs I've posted the Outdoor Action Program Leader's Manual for our outdoor orientation program. The complete manual is available for you to adapt to your program and is available at the Outdoor Ed Community at Outdoor Orientation Program Leader's Manual.

Conferences

Fall is also conference time, one of the major ways that outdoor educators expand their skills. I'd like to encourage all of you to take advantage of three of the most valuable conferences this fall.

  • Wilderness Risk Management Conference: October 14 - 16, Durham, NC - The core objective of the Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC) is to offer an outstanding educational experience to help you mitigate the risks inherent in exploring, working, teaching, and recreating in wild places. The full workshop listing and registration information is avaliable online at WRMC Conference Home Page.
  • Association for Experiential Education Conference: October 29 - November 1, Montreal, Canada - Each fall, more than 900 attendees come together at the Annual International AEE Conference for professional development and networking. Join us in Montreal if you want to effect change in your work, your life, your community and beyond. You'll leave the conference with the tools, information and inspiration to make a positive impact in the world through the philosophy and principles of experiential education. Visit the AEE International Conference Home Page.
  • Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Conference: November 5 - 7, Minneapolis, MN - The AORE annual conference brings outdoor recreation professionals and students together for networking, professional development and information sharing activities and opportunities. The conference includes educational sessions, skill workshops and certifications, keynote addresses and peer networking opportunities at a unique conference site each fall. For more information about 2009 AORE conference workshops, presentations, keynote speakers, social gatherings, lodging, rates, and more, visit the AORE 2009 Conference Home Page.