NCOBS Spring Trail Tales Newsletter No Images? Click here
NCOBS Helps Students Find Their Path With New Program“I think this program will impact me by giving me intrinsic motivation," said Miranda after completing the first ever Pathfinder course offered by North Carolina Outward Bound School. "I have a plan and know where I want to end up after school with my possible career options. I found myself.” The Pathfinder Program is a new program, focused on increasing self-knowledge, clarifying values, strengthening decision making skills and setting goals. The program is designed for emerging adults, as they chart their path toward independence. With unique course components like life-mapping, coaching sessions, and a strengths inventory, students depart from their course with the confidence they need to tackle challenges in college and beyond! PROGRAM DETAILS Length: 30-days | Ages: 18-25 Pathfinder Students Are: Young people in transition who might be searching for the right focus for their next chapter in life, possibly in school or a profession; motivated to take on a unique and challenging adventure to better understand their strengths and interests; have a desire to find their sense of purpose, and build the skills and confidence needed to thrive. SAVE THE DATE! Come Celebrate Our Birthday In AshevilleJoin us as we celebrate 50 years of changing lives through challenge and discovery! This fun-filled weekend is open to all our NCOBS friends, past and present, so mark your calendars and come celebrate with us!TENTATIVE CALENDAR OF EVENTS
*Additional activities throughout the weekend. Stay up-to-date on all of this and more by visiting wwww.ncobs.org/50. Instructor Profile: Jen GradyAt Outward Bound we pride ourselves in having some of the most highly-skilled, fun-loving outdoor education facilitators in the world. Each newsletter we profile one instructor in a Q&A interview. This month we are speaking with Jen Grady, seasoned instructor and Assistant Program Director at Table Rock Base Camp. What inspired you to become an instructor? My own “ah-ha moment” is what inspired me to become an instructor. The “ah-ha moment” is when you realize something that will stick with you forever. This moment is powerful, we often witness it with students while on course, and it’s why I believe Outdoor Education exists. My entrance into the Outdoor Education field started in college through my involvement with my school’s Outdoor Program. When I first started learning I was very much focused on myself. I wanted to learn to rock climb and I wanted to go backpacking. But in order to experience these things, I had to sign up to go on trips with other people. I soon learned it was fun to go out in groups, learning things together, and working as a team. I was suddenly more focused on what we could accomplish and what we could learn. The more trips I attended, the more experience I gained, and then before I knew it, I was leading the trips and helping students find their own “ah-ha moments.” Upon graduating, I got a job that somewhat aligned with my degree in Business Management, but I quickly realized I would not last long in a cubicle with no window, working in an environment where so many people disliked their job. After quitting that job and following my childhood dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, I realized that I missed seeing those “ah-ha moments” in the field. When I returned home, I quickly applied to work with NCOBS as an Assistant Instructor and the rest is history! Launching the 50th Anniversary Campaign & CelebrationsJanuary 26th marked the official start to NCOBS’s 50th Anniversary year of celebrations with a kickoff event in Asheville, NC. The event brought together NCOBS current and former staff, board members and other longtime supporters for an evening of stories and celebration in honor of Dr. John Huie, former School Director and Lifetime Director. While the evening paid tribute to an exceptional man, John reminded us, with his characteristic humility, “NCOBS never has been and never will be about one person… It is about a community of diverse, passionate folks—tough-minded idealists all—trying to change the world one person at a time.” In this spirit, the event shined a bright light on the School as a whole as it approaches this important milestone, and served to launch officially the public phase of the 50th Anniversary Campaign. THE 50th ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN: Enduring Impact…Our Legacy and Our Future In commemoration of 50 years of service to over 160,000 alumni, NCOBS recently launched a $10.2M Anniversary Campaign entitled Enduring Impact…Our Legacy and Our Future. We are pleased to announce that early commitments from generous donors during the quiet phase of the campaign have already totalled $9.5M! We turn now to the broader NCOBS community of students, parents, teachers, staff, and supporters to join us in completing this campaign this year and setting our sights on the next 50 years of service.The goal of the Campaign is to increase significantly the number of people who experience NCOBS programs annually, while also expanding in a sustainable manner. The Campaign supports three main areas: Stay tuned for more details about the Enduring Impact Campaign in the days and months ahead. For more information, or to get involved, contact Kate Mosher, Campaign Manager at (828) 239.2154 or kmosher@ncobs.org Alumni Blog | By: Deb CaughronMy first course as a new assistant instructor in the summer of 1983 had an inauspicious beginning. Program Director Mike Fischesser had put me with a sweet fellow who I knew would gently help me navigate the steep learning curve of leading students through the rigors of an Outward Bound course. Shortly before pre-course planning, my co-instructor injured his ankle and I was hastily paired with the fearsome Ken Peeples. Ken had the reputation of being a gifted facilitator and a tough character. As we planned, he kept calling me “kid” and I stopped just short of calling him “sir.” I was terrified to be working my first course with a legend. SUMMER COURSES ARE FILLING UP!Make sure your child continues to learn over the summer even when they aren't in school. As we head deeper into the digital age, more studies are available on the importance of balancing digital learning with nature immersion. The benefits of being outdoors are vast, and include: increased motivation to learn, use of interpersonal skills, and life skills like: leadership, resourcefulness, confidence and compassion. Help your child discover their strength of character, ability to lead and desire to serve this summer! RECONNECT WITH YOUR CREW Did you know NCOBS hosts events all over the Southeast? From hikes in Atlanta, socials and service projects in Charlotte, and pint nights in Asheville, there is something for everyone! These events offer a great opportunity to connect with good people, who are interested in the great outdoors and the Outward Bound lifestyle. Stay up to date on all of our upcoming events by checking out our Facebook event board. NOW MORE THAN EVER It’s not too late to support the Annual Fund! Our fiscal year ends on March 31, but there is still time to make a difference! All NCOBS programs are designed to inspire students to become more effective and compassionate leaders, so that they can return to their schools and communities with the tools and inspiration they need to make a difference. Your gift to the Annual Fund helps ensure that this life-changing experience is available to all. Visit our website to make a tax-deductible donation today! COLLIER LILLY RIDE FOR NCOBS - 50 Miles for 50 Years of Impact! When: Saturday, May 27, 8:30 AM Where: Wedge@Foundation, 5 Foundy Street To help celebrate our 50th Anniversary, NCOBS is hosting a half-century bike ride in memory of NCOBS alumnus, Collier Lilly. In 2017 we are riding 50 miles for 50 years. The ride offers a beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain route with 3,600 feet of climbing, starting and ending at the Wedge Brewery’s brand new location behind Riverview Station in Asheville. |