While preparing to enter the workforce after college it was important to me to pursue a career that brought meaning to my life. I decided I wanted to blend my personal passion of outdoor recreation with my love of working with young people. My life had been changed by a mountaineering trip and I wanted to share that magic with others. I sought a Master’s degree with the intention to have a career working for college outdoor programs.
Just like Intramural Sports, college Outdoor Programs are housed in the on campus recreation center and are a non-academic service for students. Core components of these programs were rock climbing gyms, equipment rental and outdoor trips led by trained student staff. The programs were led by a full time salaried professional staff who managed the entire program: hiring, training, managing, budgeting, marketing-the whole show. It was this position I held at three universities all in the southeast from 2011-2020.
Time after time after time I witnessed college students have positive impacts on their lives from these programs. During and after a 6 day freshman orientation trip including hiking, climbing and whitewater rafting I watched students transform from anxious teenagers to confident young adults. I saw them make lifelong friends and even lifelong partners. I saw their minds open when exposed to new cultures from international travel. I saw the “outdoor magic” I had experienced growing up on an Outward Bound course touch the lives of hundreds.
While it was a recreational setting it was really a leadership development classroom. When we taught the student staff how to be a raft guide we were really teaching them effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking and self reliance. These are all critical skills to have as they entered the “real world” and they had the maturity to appreciate it.
Just as in life, the most meaningful outcome was the relationships that were formed. They taught me as much as I taught them. I keep up regularly with former students and staff of these programs. It was one of these former staff members who approached me about the documentary project now known as “Eyes On The Horizon”.
After a decade in this field with long hours, extensive travel, weekend trips and giving of myself I had emptied my cup. I knew I needed a little of the same “outdoor magic” they experienced to help myself heal. My exit from this career was difficult and heart wrenching. I miss spending so much time with vibrant, bright young adults. Just as the programs changed them it changed me and I am very, very grateful.
