Posts Tagged ‘education’

Anticipating the Path Ahead

May 17th, 2013

Courage. When I walked into the Explore Austin office for my first interview with Mike Braeuer and the selection committee board members, I knew I had the courage to show them that I would be a valuable and committed addition to their team. When I walked into the office for my first day as the new Director of Development, I knew I had the courage to begin passionately fundraising for the spectacular mission of Explore Austin – to change the lives of underserved youth through leadership, mentoring, and adventure.

It wasn’t until Mike asked me to join the 7th grade girls on a Summer Wilderness Trip in Colorado, for “back country” hiking, camping, and rock climbing, that I began to feel a little weak in the knees. Part of the reason I am drawn to Explore Austin is that my family and I have enjoyed so many hiking and camping trips together. They always bring us closer together and teach us to love and care for the outdoors. Most recently, we shared a day trip to the Pedernales State Falls Park, one of the most beautiful spots we’ve ever visited.

But this Summer Wilderness Trip sounded just one degree outside of my comfort zone. In my mind, back country = bears! Rock climbing = heights! If these things scared me, I began to wonder if I really was the right fit for Explore Austin after all. But then I thought about it. Maybe I am just right.

I will be experiencing exactly what these Explorers will be experiencing. Alongside them I’ll be going on an adventure for the first time, with all the inherent doubts, risks, and triumphs. I realized that by this fall, I will be able to speak wholeheartedly about how Explore Austin changes these kids, because it will have changed me in the same special way. I’ll come home with a little true grit, better prepared to fundraise, and imbued with the spirit of the ACES framework: Action-oriented, Courageous, an Excellent Teammate, and a Strong Communicator.

I’ve always strongly believed that mentors and caring adults outside of the family household can have a lasting impact on children’s potential success. They can create what I call “bright spots” in a child’s life, that broaden their horizons and teach them how valuable they are. I can remember fondly and thankfully the people who influenced me in my youth. But a surprise to me was that throughout my introduction to this organization, every staff member, mentor, and board member I’ve met has told me that Explore Austin has changed their lives as much, if not more, than it’s changed the lives of our Explorers. I can’t wait.

Author: Carrie Carpenter
Carrie is the Director of Development at Explore Austin.

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Seeing With New Eyes

April 2nd, 2013

When I first joined Explore Austin, I was an eleven-year-old six grader standing at four foot nine. I was also a really timid and reserved boy – I was so shy that I would do my best to avoid uncomfortable situations which included talking in front of the class or others.  So when three adults would come to mentor us, the Explorers, during Saturday events and at KIPP during lunch on Fridays they introduced ACES which became our foundation for all events – ACES (A standing for Action oriented, C for Courageous, E for Excellent teammate, and S for Strong communicator). I was not fond of the S — I could live with that since it was a small price I would pay in comparison to the fun that would come from this unknown journey. I was wrong about only expecting diversion.

Of course, this was 59 Saturday events, 6 Summer Wilderness Trips, and about 1436 hours of Explore Austin, ago.  Since then, I have had remarkable learning experiences I would have otherwise never had; memories such as white water rafting in class 4 rapids, mountain biking, and summiting mountains, which were all some of the cool things I expected out of Explore Austin, so I was not disappointed.

That said, it never occurred to me that so many challenges would play into these experiences of being an Explorer. For one, these outdoor activities were strenuous — I remember how painfully cold the nights were during the sea kayaking trip in the San Juan Islands and all I took was shorts – I quickly learned the importance of planning for a outdoor adventures, and the value of the provided packing list.

Also, I will always remember during the summit of Mount Baldy, how my head throbbed with every heartbeat from the altitude. On several different occasions, these were times that tried my will and my good spirits. Although they were uncomfortable and challenging experiences, I do not regret any of these memories because in the process of six years I developed new skills, strengthened the friendships I already started developing with my classmates and found three new friends, our mentors, Mark Schoenfeld, Jason Brooks, and Mike Leary. Mark is a teacher whose wisdom is only matched by his relaxed demeanor and patience.  Mark would entertain us by the campfire with his ukulele and signing, and was skilled as a human jukebox – For the most part, I found this entertaining until he wouldn’t stop singing Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”. Then there is Jason; Jason is the ex-marine who brought discipline to the group. He’s known for saying, “If you’re not bleeding, you’re not trying hard enough”.  With climbing several mountains around the world and competing in 100 mile runs, Jason practiced what he preached.  Then there’s Mentor Mike whose adventurous spirit was not blemished by a near-fatal-fall on the way down from Long’s Peak as he tried to surf the rocks during our decent.

During these past 6 years, Mike also taught us the importance of building trusting relationships, and the importance of communicating with people and it’s also relevant to point out that he’s so good with communicating with others that he could have a conversation with a cardboard box. This well-diverse trio continuously communicated the value of team work, brought many laughs along the ways, taught us many lifelong skills and they lived ACES through example.  They also challenged us outside our comfort zone continuously whether it was encouraging us to jump off that vertical log to capture the flag, rock climbing to higher more challenging levels despite our fear of heights, or when given the opportunity, to speak up in front of a group or in my case, to even speak at all. The latter is the reason that I am able to stand in front of you this evening.

Now, I’m six feet tall and a senior in high school. I’m not as timid as I used to be, and now I mentor 6th and 8th graders for Explore Austin as a way to give back to the program that has given me so much. I also like to reflect my experience in Explore Austin in quotes. The first one is by Marcel Proust: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new lands but seeing with new eyes.” Yes, I witnessed the beauty of places like Colorado and Washington, but more importantly I discovered a love for the outdoors. Another quote is by Robert Pirsig:”It’s the sides of the mountains that sustain life, not the top.” It’s not what I am today that I choose to define myself by but what it took me to get here. All the tears, cuts, strides, blisters, scars, falls, journal entries, headaches, AND laughs, in addition to the people that helped me become the person that I am today. And finally, I want to share one of Mentor Mike’s favorite quotes that also happens to be from my personal Explore Austin journal, “If a small boy from Texas can grow up to be president than I can do anything.” The small boy I reference is former President Lyndon Baines Johnson. I wrote this after our visit to the LBJ Ranch in which Lucy Baines Johnson gave us a bike tour of the home in which she grew up in with her father and family – the stories she shared were super inspiring!

There’s really only one thing I have left to say, and that’s thank you.  Thank you to Explore Austin and all of the staff that plan the events and run the program, including our guides that lead us on these life changing adventures. Thank you to the KIPP Austin Collegiate who chose to partner with Explore Austin. Thank you to the Austin community for your participation with Explore Austin. And finally, thank you to the supporters, without your generous donations and continuous support, I may not be standing in front of you today WELL PREPARED for life after high school and my next journey of attending a prestigious university. Thank you!

Author: Temo Tovar
Class of 2013, Expedition Year Explorer

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The Big Twelve in Twenty Twelve

December 19th, 2012

The year two thousand and twelve came and went and (fingers crossed) we’re all still here to look back and remember it. What an exciting year it was for us here at Explore Austin!

We’ve had changes big and small, but all of great importance to the team.

ONE- The Switch

Most notably (and it’s highly unlikely you missed it) our fearless leader Todd Hanna moved on to new opportunities, not leaving us behind, simply “Changing Seats on the Bus” and Mike Braeuer stepped up from CFO to our new CEO & President. Mike has seamlessly adapted to his new position and is full of new and fresh ideas.

TWO- The Bird

The second radical change for Explore was announced at this month’s mentor training session. You would have thought you were at a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, the way the crowd errupted at the announcement of “Freebirds!”. Burritos for all! Beginning in 2013, every Explorer and mentor will get to peel back the foil and enjoy a warm, delicious Freebird’s burrito lunch on their monthly Saturday Excursions. Yum!  Big shout out to mentor, Justin Collett, for connecting us to this fantastic partnership.

THREE- The Pioneers

The Class of 2012 set all kinds of precedents this year. The class pioneered our Expedition Year Program – six of the oldest Explorers continued on to a seventh year, spent as Junior Mentors for the youngest class of Explorers. They attended Saturday Excursions, Tuesday morning mentoring sessions at KIPP twice per month, and helped lead the 2012 Summer Wilderness Trips. This program connects the dots and truly brings the experience full circle.  The Explorers become the mentors and have an opportunity to put the leadership skills they have learned into practice.

FOUR- The Graduates

Not only did our first class launch a new program this year, but we are beyond proud to announce that 100% of the Class of 2012 graduated from KIPP Austin Collegiate this year and that ALL of the grads were accepted to a four year university!

FIVE- The Linguist

This Fall we added a new member to our Staff, the wonderful, lovely Lysa Kraft—our new Program Communications Coordinator/Office Manager. She’s rocking it as a point of contact for our Explorer families. For the first time ever, we have someone with whom they can communicate freely and easily, to whom they can express there concerns, and who can answer their questions. Try as we might, the (pre-Lysa) rehearsed and broken Spanish that we provided via various staff members didn’t quite measure up to the fluent understanding that Lysa provides.

 SIX- The Lights

Trail of Lights is BACK, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of it. The RunTex Carrozza Foundation and Forefront Austin Networks have collaborated to bring the Trail of Lights back to life after its two year hiatus.  We will participate in the Trail of Lights and benefit from the festivities as one of the non profit partners. Come visit us in the Dell Nonprofit Tent as you stroll along through the lights- we’ll be there Wednesday, December 19th and Sunday, December 23rd.

 SEVEN- The Challenge

These past few months, our own Robbie Jane Paup has put herself up to a personal challenge—The Stand-Up Desk. On September 29th, RJ raised her desk up on cinder blocks and commited to standing while working through the end of 2012. Obviously, we,  her supportive coworkers, took her personal challenge, and made bets. Some had little faith and some trusted in her determination (read stubborn side) to prove the haters wrong and keep her motivated through to the end.

Sadly, the standing lasted without waiver for 101 days until (do to illness) she took a seat on November 29th. The victors? Mike, RJ, and myself. And despite the momentary lapse- she’s back at it again, standing as I blog (and as I sit, in my oh-so-comfy chair). How long will she last? Check back in 2013 for an update.

EIGHT- The Quest

While we are already amping up for our 4th Annual Quest for the Summit, it is fun to look back to last March at our 3rd Annual Quest for the Summit. The event was a blast — and a success to boot! Held at the nationally aclaimed Contigo Austin, the cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and of course the company, couldn’t be beat. In the end our supporters came together to raise $150,000 (a 50% increase from the previous years event!).

 NINE- The Trip

Summer Wilderness Trips reached new heights this year! Every class took a week-long trip to Colorado—each taking on the new challenges, from mountain biking to canoeing. Our Class of 2017 Girls were the first female class to spend multiple nights in the wilderness on their five-day Backcountry Climbing Trip. All of the girls set new personal bests at McCurdy Tower (and nearly all summited the 300 ft. climb!). The Class of 2013 was the second class to summit Longs Peak—a grueling 15 mile hike that required an alpine start at 2:30am! The boys of the Class of 2014 may have been the only Explorers to experience winter weather in 2012. During their trip they encountered snowy conditions on French Gulch Pass and engaged in an epic snow ball fight. Every class had a once in a lifetime experience this summer, achieved new goals, pushed past new bounderies.

 TEN- The Pathfinders

This summer we launched our Pathfinders Club, a program for the long term supporters of Explore Austin. In the first year,  we had 12 Pathfinders make this three-year financial commitment that allows Explore Austin to better budget into the future. Through this program we have already secured revenue for 2013 and 2014, ensuring the Explore will continue to change lives in the years to come.

 ELEVEN- The Community

In 2012, Explore Austin continued to grow and recognition has spread. In the early years, when those involved with Explore mentioned the program, they were met with blank stares. Lately that has changed—more and more we hear “Oh, Explore Austin, I’ve heard of that!”

We’ve been honored to receive multiple awards and have been recognized amongst many wonderful organizations. In September, Explore Austin received the John Covert Watson Award for Vision at Westcave Preserve and CINCA’s Celebration of Children in Nature Awards. Earlier this year, Todd Hanna, our founding mentor, current board member, and then CEO, was awarded the Austin Under 40- Youth and Education Award. These are only two highlights from the list of recognition and honors we have received over the past year. We look forward to more to come, so stay tuned to our Facebook and blog for announcements!

 TWELVE- The Engagement

Last, but most certainly not least our Program Manager, Claire Nelson, and our OWA Summer Wilderness Trip Guide, Paul Taylor, are engaged! We couldn’t be more excited for them. What a perfect fit- two of the goofiest, most adventurous people we know.

What awaits in 2013? Only time will tell, but I’m sure it will be full of adventure, friendship, and new memories!

 

Author: Lauren Mays is the Marketing and Communications Intern at Explore Austin and is recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.

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Honor It

August 31st, 2012

So, this is it…my last words as CEO of Explore Austin.

Like many people moving from one adventure to the next, I thought about making my last words simply “thank you” or “goodbye”.  But those seemed too simple; too generic; too passive.  Six years, over 95,000 hours of mentoring, over 16,000 miles on the trail, and over 2,000 hours of community service deserve a more powerful statement.  The hundreds of donors, the Explorers, the mentors, the families, the board members, the Advisory Board members, the staff, and the entire Austin community that have walked alongside me on this journey deserve more than a thank you note and a goodbye wave.  So instead of the words “thank you” or “goodbye”, I leave each of you with these two words; Honor It.

To our Explorers and Mentors: Your title brings with it challenge, responsibility, accountability, obligation, and sometimes burden.  Your title also brings with it inspiration, leadership, opportunity, adventure, and fun.  You have earned your title and made it more meaningful for those who will follow in your footsteps.  Honor It.

To the families of our Explorers: The opportunities that Explore Austin provides your sons and daughters are unmatched.  Your involvement and support are integral to making those opportunities possible.  You have made a choice to change your children’s lives.  You have made a choice to be part of the Explore Austin family.  Honor It.

To our Board members and Advisory Board members: For the past three years, you have guided us along the Explore Austin path.  Along that path you have changed our community.  You have created something unique.  You have created something special.  You have created something great.  Honor It.

To our staff: You have created more than a nonprofit, more than an adventure program, more than a workplace.  You have created a special way of doing things.  You have created a culture around leadership mentoring, and adventure. You have created a home for our family.  You have created Explore Austin.  Honor It.

To our supporters: You have made all of this possible. You have helped us keep our promise to our Explorers.  You have continued to make a commitment not just to our organization, but to each individual Explorer. You have created hope.  You have created opportunity.  You have created a movement. Honor It.

And to the Austin community: You have embraced us.  You have accepted us.  You have acknowledged us.  And yet, you have a chance to do so much more.  You have a chance to join us.  You have a chance to be a part of something great.  You have a chance to make an impact.  You have a chance to change lives. You have a chance to change the world.  Honor It.

-Todd

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Where We Go From Here

August 16th, 2012

Explore Austin Friends and Family,

Jim Collins described a Level Five Leader as someone who “Builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will. A level five leader is someone who looks out the “window” to credit those who made the company great, and looks in the “mirror” to determine when something went wrong.” Todd Hanna is that kind of leader and had a singular impact on our organization and team. As you can imagine, whoever was going to succeed him had pretty big shoes to fill. We all knew that. When I was offered the role, all I could think about was how impossible it would be to replace our fearless leader, Todd. After seeking wiser counsel, I realized two things: First, Explore Austin doesn’t need another Todd Hanna. We need a distinct leader who can carry on his legacy of Integrity, Thoughtfulness and Excellence, while bringing a diverse skill set and fresh perspective for Explore Austin’s future. Second, I came to realize that I had found my calling.

It’s been said that a calling is where someone’s particular passions, their skills, and a burning need in the world intersect. For me, that intersection happens at Explore Austin.

It begins with a passion for both outdoor adventure and mentoring. A passion for adventure and the outdoors is not uncommon. Adventure experiences canoeing, camping, mountain biking, and mountain climbing (including a trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro) have only deepened my passion for adventure. However, I owe much of my personal success to mentors, who took the time to point me in the right direction. Their simple yet monumental impact motivates me to give back to youth in my community who might not otherwise develop mentoring relationships like these.  The mission and work of Explore Austin is dedicated to these and mentors everywhere. And, I cannot imagine my life today without their guidance.

These mentors have not only impacted me personally, but influenced every successful career decision I’ve made. Regarding the skills necessary to lead Explore Austin going forward, I could mention my professional successes and my resume. I might also point to the Acton School of Business where I earned an MBA (and incidentally, learned about the concept of a calling.) However, it’s really the last three years as Explore Austin’s full-time CFO, and Director of Operations that have prepared me for this transition. For three years, I’ve been intimately involved in every aspect of the organization from budgeting and reporting to Explorer and Mentor recruiting and selection. I’ve seen our curriculum become a refined progression of challenging adventure activities.  I’ve helped hire a staff of phenomenal individuals who made Explore Austin into the award-winning organization it is today. I can’t imagine a more exciting challenge than guiding Explore Austin to our next mountaintop, whatever that may be.

It’s those moments at the mountaintop where we are able to make sense of all those days in the valley.  The world needs more leaders who are ready, willing, and able to stand up for what is right. The world needs mentors to guide the next generation forward. And youth in America today need healthy adventure activities or they will undoubtedly turn toward less healthy ones.  There are plenty of statistics to back me up. This is nothing new.  I (like you) had heard it all before.

The good news is that Explore Austin is up to the challenge. We believe by combining the benefits of mentoring, outdoor adventure, and leadership skill development, we can counteract the downward trend we see in today’s youth. Even more meaningful than the statistical impact we are making is the individual transformation we see in the lives of guys like Oscar German and Jude Rios. (Click to hear it in their words.)

You may have been following us these last seven years, or just seven months, on our journey to see Leadership, Mentoring, and Adventure change the lives of underserved youth in our community. Regardless of how much, or how long, you’ve been involved, let me end by saying “Thank You.” We couldn’t have done this without you. And, I hope you’ll continue to Make the Journey Possible because believe me, we’ve only just begun!


Mike Braeuer is the President/CEO of Explore Austin.  Contact him at mike@exploreaustin.org

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Climbing Life’s Mountains

January 11th, 2012

In honor of “I am a mentor social media day”, I’m sharing the below reflection I wrote following a 2009 Explore Austin Summer Wilderness Trip. Enjoy!

Climbing a mountain is an easy, and often used, metaphor for life. But that’s not why we climb mountains at Explore Austin. We climb mountains, not because it’s an easy metaphor for life, but because it actually changes your life. Case in point… my experience as an Explore Austin mentor in the summer of 2009.

Over a one week period, we mountain biked over 70 miles at an average of 9,000 feet in the Tarryall Mountains. It was near the end of the trip and everyone (mentors and Explorers) was exhausted; mentally, physically, and emotionally. Juan, one of our 10th grade Explorers, was particularly spent (not to mention a bit injured from a spill he took the day prior). As we set out on our bikes that morning, Juan struggled to keep up. The hills were long and the headwind was strong! A few miles into the ride, Juan decided he’d had enough. He wanted to take a break in the support vehicle that had been following us for the week. The problem was, because of the rough terrain, there was no support vehicle on that section of the trail!

As Juan and I rested, I told him that this was one of those times where he had no choice but to push on. I promised him that I would stay with him, help him up the hills, and make sure he made it through the day. Failure, I reminded him, was not an option. We mounted our bikes and, as we rode, I held onto his backpack, pushing him up the hills and encouraging him along the way. As we climbed, I remember thinking to myself about how lucky I was to have had hands on my back, pushing me up life’s hills, for as long as I could remember. I remember how honored I was to be in a place to give back to Juan what my mentors had given me; the courage to dig deep, the will to suffer through the difficult times, and the support of knowing someone is there alongside you for the ride.

Toward the end of the day, the miles had taken a toll on both of us. As we stood at the base of the largest (and last) hill of the day, we both wondered how we would make it to the top. I was exhausted having spent my day literally pushing Juan as I rode next to him. Juan was completely exhausted, as well. I wasn’t sure “pushing” Juan was going to be enough. So, as my mentors on occasion did for me, I decided that this was one of those times where rather than pushing my mentee, I would literally pull him up the mountain. Not having anything to pull a bicycle with, I took my rain pants out of my backpack, tied one leg to my seat and the other to Juan’s handlebars, and started up the hill. Juan pedaled behind me, providing as much energy as he could muster. We reached the summit exhausted, but elated. Despite the physical, emotional, and mental challenges, we had done what we set out to do; finish and finish together.

After gulping down water and catching our breath, Juan approached me. In his characteristic quiet voice, he thanked me as he shook my hand. He wasn’t long-winded or full of hyperbole, but I knew what he wanted to say. I knew that he had probably never had someone there to encourage him to do something difficult, to not allow him to give in, or to suffer through the difficulties in climbing the mountain of life. He never had someone “push” him that hard, much less “pull” him along. I put my arm around him and thanked him for his appreciation and his willingness to keep going.

We’ve spoken about that experience a few times since, of the metaphors it evokes, and of the value of that day. I know Juan gets it. I do, too.

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Connecting the Dots…

December 13th, 2011

A few months ago, I wrote about a transformation at Explore Austin.  I wrote about my experience at 12,000 feet in the mountains of Colorado where, somewhat suddenly, I realized that the 6th grade boys I had mentored and led for the past 6 years were now leading me and my fellow mentors not only up a mountain, but in life, as well.  I explained that, more than anything, I hoped that these young men would continue to be Explorers for life.  This past weekend, I was lucky enough to see the start of that wish coming true.  For the first time ever, our oldest Explorers were serving as Mentors! No longer were they boys looking for guidance, they were young men giving it.  No longer were they followers looking for direction, they were leaders, providing it.  No longer were they Explorers experiencing change, they were Mentors making it.

I watched as part of Explore Austin’s new “Expedition Year”, these Junior Mentors explained to our newest 6th grade Explorers what our program is all about.  I listened as they shared stories of their trips to the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado, relaying the challenges and triumphs they had experienced all along the trail.  I marveled at their ability to discuss the day’s Developmental Asset (Self Esteem) while simultaneously modeling it.  And the whole time, I couldn’t help seeing a little bit of us (i.e. their mentors) in each of them.  I saw Rusty’s mix of discipline and fun in the way Luis connected with his Explorers.  I saw Jamie’s sense of humor and quiet (yet highly impactful) demeanor in Jose as he interacted with his Explorers.  And, I must admit, I saw a little bit of my own leadership style in the way Erik led his Explorers from the front of the group.  In all of them, I saw our passion for changing lives.

And that’s when it dawned on me… perhaps the greatest accomplishment to date for Explore Austin isn’t the 52,000 hours of mentoring, the 22 weeks in the wilderness, the over 8,000 miles paddled, hiked, and biked, or even the amazing addition of a Girls’ program.  It isn’t something found in surveys, or even in testimonials (although both of those matter too!).  Perhaps our greatest accomplishment to date is completing the cycle.  Our mission at Explore Austin is simple; “to change the lives of underserved youth through leadership, mentoring, and adventure.”  This weekend, I saw evidence that we’re meeting our mission. More importantly, we’re perpetuating it!  The lives first changed by Explore Austin beginning 6 years ago are now changing the lives of others.  There is a Chinese proverb that says, “If you want happiness for a lifetime, help the next generation.”  Explore Austin is doing just that.  To me, that’s what it’s all about!

I don’t think any of us who started this journey together could have seen last Saturday’s experience coming.  In 2006, on that first Explore Austin trip to the mountains, we had no idea how the dots would eventually connect, how our lives would be changed, or even how the lives of our Explorers would be changed.  What we did know, without a doubt, is that they would be changed.  Steve Jobs has famously said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.”  In the same speech, he said,  “you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.”  Six years ago, as founding mentors, we trusted in each other.  Today, the dots have been connected.  Six years from now, I have no doubt that the number of dots will be greater and the ways that they connect will be different. Yet, like six years ago, I have trust in our newest Mentors that, when they look back, those connections will be just as powerful!

(Click to enlarge.)
Orange Dots = Mentors; Yellow Dots = Explorers

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Explorers For Life

August 5th, 2011

Four weeks ago, as I climbed a 12,000 foot peak in Rocky Mountain National Park (as part of our oldest class of Explorers’ 6th and final Summer Wilderness Trip), I witnessed first hand a transformation.  After six years of leading our Explorers up mountains, over streams, through waves, down bike trails, and up rock climbing routes, my fellow mentors and I were being lead by our Explorers!  I’m not sure exactly when it happened, or how it happened.  All I know is that, after six years, almost instantly my view had changed.  Rather than looking over my shoulder to check on our Explorers, I now saw them up ahead, looking over their own shoulders to check on me.  Rather than struggling to keep up, they were struggling to slow down.  Rather than asking where we were headed, they were reading the map.  Rather than asking for permission, they were taking charge.  Rather than following, they were leading.  Instantly, the previous six years flashed before my eyes…

Tiny, curious 6th grade boys, backpacks larger than themselves, hiking through the mountains of Wyoming… laughing the whole time.  Arrogant, testing 7th grade boys, sure that they knew it all, horsing around in the hills of the Missouri Ozarks… questioning all the time. Growing, but physically and emotionally awkward 8th grade boys, paddling for hours through the waves of the San Juan Islands… joking all the time.  Physically tough 9th grade boys, pedaling up the mountains of Colorado… working the whole time.  Confident, yet humble, 10th grade boys, climbing a 13,700 foot peak in Colorado… thinking all the time.  And now, mature men, leading me up a mountain in Colorado… listening all the time.  My, how far we’d come!  From followers to leaders, the journey was complete.  Or, so I thought.

Towards the end of our trip (the last day actually), our videographer, Aaron Weiss, was doing an interview with a fellow mentor.  He asked a simple question… “Now that you’re at the end of this six year journey, what do you hope for these kids?”.  While the question is simple, the answer wasn’t so easy.  In fact, as the mentor thought about the answer, his eyes filled with tears, his throat got dry, and his chin began to quiver.  After six years together, (more than 1/3 of the Explorers’ lives), over 50 Saturdays together, over 1,200 hours together, and six weeks in the wilderness together, saying the word “everything” was just too difficult.  The mentor asked that the camera be turned off so that he could gather his thoughts.  Perhaps, the journey wasn’t actually over.

Having heard the story, and fighting the idea that the journey was actually complete, our group (Mentors and Explorers) gathered together later that night.  It would possibly be the last fireside chat, of the last day, of the last week, of the last year, of a six year program!  As mentors, we pondered out loud, that same question…”what do I hope for these kids”.   This time, there were no cameras to stare into.  Instead, we looked into the eyes of our Explorers (lenses to their souls) and contemplated our answers.  Again, the tears came.  To tell someone who you love like a son what you hope for him is more difficult than you might imagine.  To know that you can’t possibly deliver all that you hope for him is heartbreaking.  And to know that whatever you hope for him is out of your control is deflating.  And yet, in that moment… despite the difficulty… having seen the transformation I mentioned earlier (from follower to leader)… having been there for the journey… being surrounded by men rather than boys…  and, literally feeling the power of the emotions in the room, my answer became crystal clear.  “I hope every one of you remains an Explorer for life.”  The words rolled off my tongue with ease (although the tears remained).

What does my answer mean?  It means that I hope for these kids that their journey never ends…. and certainly not right now!  I hope that they keep exploring forever!  I hope that they stay action-oriented, courageous, excellent teammates and strong communicators wherever they go.  I hope that they remain surrounded by people who care about them.  I hope that they mentor others.  I hope that they have mentors of their own for the rest of their lives.  Yes, I hope everything for them!  Most of all, I hope that they remain leaders.  And leaders they are.  As John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”.  Thanks to everyone on our trip, I dream, I learn, I do and (hopefully) I become more.  Our Explorers are leaders to me.  I’m honored to follow them.  Their transformation might be complete, but I believe that their journey is just beginning. I plan on sticking with them throughout that journey.  And, I know that they will be Explorers for life!

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Bus Driver… The Best Job Ever!

April 4th, 2011

If you could have any job in the world, regardless of money, what would it be?  Someone recently asked me that question.  My response… “I’d keep doing exactly what I’m doing now.”  Their response… “You mean you would be the CEO of a nonprofit?”.  My response… “No, I’d keep my job as a bus driver.”  Seeing the look of confusion on the person’s face, I eagerly explained why, in my opinion, the best job in the world (for me) is bus driver.  Specifically, the driver of the Explore Austin bus!

You see, as a bus driver, I have the honor and privilege of sitting at the front of our Explore Austin bus, steering wheel in hand, foot on the gas pedal (often floored!), eyes on the road, headed up the mountain road to greatness! Which means, I have the best view in the organization!  As the bus driver, I can (and do) look through the windshield every day.  And, for the first time ever, I can see the top of the mountain road we have been traveling for the past 6 years.  I can see the crest of the hill… the point at which, when we reach it, I can take my foot off the gas pedal (at least a little bit) and focus on steering and braking, using momentum to power the bus, rather than having to keep my foot mashed down on the gas.

Better yet, in my seat I have the luxury of being able to look up into that big bus driver’s rearview mirror and see the faces of the great people already on the bus… staring back at me!  I see the faces of 100 Explorers (boys and, now, girls too!) eager to change their lives and become better leaders.  I see the faces of our mentors… sitting in literally the same seats as their Explorers, eager to make a difference in the lives of their Explorers and in our community.  I see the faces of our staff members who work tirelessly to provide the opportunities that our mentors and Explorers experience. I see the faces of our Board of Directors and Advisory Board who, when I need them, walk down the aisle of the bus, put their hand on my shoulder, and help me keep the bus in the right lane… pointing out where what seems like a shortcut is too risky, where it’s safe to deviate from the map a bit, or where it’s a good idea to pull over and let more people on the bus. Which is exactly what we were doing at last week’s “Quest for the Summit” fundraiser (and what I’m doing now).  We decided to pull the bus over to the side of the road. Our leadership realized the need to take a pause, open the doors, and invite others to join us on our journey.   After all, what makes being a bus driver fun is the other people on the bus.  I certainly have no desire to drive myself around in an empty bus!

In the book Good to Great, Jim Collins says that the biggest factor that contributes to an organization’s rise from good to great is getting great people on the bus… and in the right seat.  Well, I can tell you that the Explore Austin bus is filled with great people!  I can also tell you that for the past 6 years, Explore Austin has been GOOD at what we do.  However, I truly believe that we are on the cusp of becoming GREAT at what we do!  As I told the audience last week, I believe the key to completing that journey (from good to great) is getting more great people involved.  Collins also says that great people get involved with an organization because it already has great people involved.  If that’s true (and I believe it is), then it shouldn’t be hard to convince you to join us.  All you have to do is look at the great people already on our bus!

Before I end, let me say one other thing about being a bus driver.  In between looking out the windshield and looking at the faces in the rearview mirror, my job is to look at the gauges on our bus’s dashboard.  At Explore Austin, we have lots of them…. and they are all important.  We have a gauge for effectiveness, a gauge for attendance, a gauge for efficiency, a gauge for social media, a gauge for just about everything.  However, right smack dab in the middle of the dashboard is a gauge for fuel.  Quite honestly, getting our bus up the mountain to greatness takes a lot of fuel.  As we continue to add great people (Explorers, mentors, and staff) to the bus, it gets heavier, fuel prices go up, parts are expensive, service is expensive, etc. Which brings me to my point… We need help fueling our bus!

We need people with the time, treasure, and talent to make our engine run.  Our Explorers deserve their seat on the bus and we’ve promised to continue to make their journey possible.  Help us keep our promise and help us change their lives.  All you have to do is get on the bus!  Once you do, I can assure you that we’ll find you a seat, drive safely and responsibly, and make it the best journey you have ever been a part of.  It certainly has been for me!

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My Mentors Taught Me That

November 4th, 2010

908 miles from home, 50 miles into a 65-mile mountain bike trip, 9 miles into a 14-mile uphill “grunt” of a day… it starts to rain. I am not a kid anymore. Playing in the rain isn’t fun like it used to be. Cold rain was never fun. Cold rain on burning quadriceps doesn’t “cool” them off. I was miserable. It was only a few moments, but those are the kind that last the longest.

Let’s back up here. It’s summer time 2010. I’m an Explore Austin staff member in Colorado with eleven 16-year old inner-city youth and their Mentors (of 3 years) on a Summer Wilderness Trip. This is supposed to be a good time for all, right? Wrong. This is a trip to build and develop character; to learn to take decisive action, to learn to overcome challenges and obstacles; to confront fear; to become a better teammate; and to strengthen communications skills. I knew that beforehand. However, that was all for the kids, I thought…

Everyone was ready to reach the campsite two hours ago. Soggy lunch and overcast skies don’t create hope and positive attitudes. Nonetheless, the team must reach the campsite together. Everyone musters their most encouraging words, but today, at this moment, they fall to the ground before they fall off our tongues.

All week long, JD has been impossible for me to catch. He is always at the front of the  pack. He’s wearing untied basketball high-tops.  I’m clipped in. Bike “shammys” for support. Camelback to cut down on unnecessary movement when hydrating. Still he leads; cocky, confident, fast. The rest of the group struggles to stay together. JD gets impatient and makes a disparaging remark. It doesn’t go unnoticed, but we ride on planning to debrief around the campfire.

As we get started, JD interrupts. He says he has something to say. I’m not sure what’s about to happen. I thought everyone came into camp in high spirits. JD looked fierce.

“I just want to apologize for my comments on the ride back there. A real man admits when he’s wrong and owns up to it. I’m sorry for letting my team down.”

I was floored. JD was a hard kid. Made harder by poor choices and parole officers.  Somehow, JD had learned that “Real Men” not only make mistakes, but they own up to them. Most adults don’t get this part right, including myself most of the time. This insight will positively affect the course of his life forever. I was inspired and thought it appropriate to tell so.

“JD, I’m proud of you. You’re right; a ‘real man’ make mistakes and takes responsibility for those mistakes. Be sure to thank whoever taught you that when you get home.”

JD replied, “No need to wait, my Mentors taught me that.”

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