I spent the past 10 days in the woods and waters of Maine, participating in Outward Bound Instructor Training. We backpacked, canoed, and rock-climbed. We tested ourselves physically and mentally and were shown the history, teachings, and traditions of Outward Bound. We learned new outdoor skills, refined skills we already knew, and reflected on how those skills can be applied to our every day lives. For 5 of the 7 days it was 30 – 60 degrees and raining. For 2 days it was sunny and 65 degrees (so the bugs came out, too!). We were led by caring instructors/guides who made sure we were safe but challenged, supervised but not babysat, and taught but not preached to. To say the least, it was an amazing experience! However, throughout the week I couldn’t help but notice the similarities to Explore Austin and the things our Explorers are getting ready to experience this summer.
In just one month, we will be sending 52 boys to Colorado and Washington State for Explore Austin’s “Main Event”. Some will kayak, some will mountain bike, some will raft, and some will rock-climb, backpack and fly fish. All will learn and grow! We have mentors and guides who are committed to challenging, supervising, and teaching in the same safe manner as the Outward Bound instructors I was with. The boys will learn new outdoor skills, refine ones they were taught this Spring, and discuss ways to apply those skills in their lives here in Austin. I’m sure there will be rain, sun, tears, and smiles all mixed together. There will be deep conversations about life and jokes told about each other (and who knows what else). There will be late nights, early mornings, and probably a skinned knee, or two. Most importantly, in the end there will be growth of character. Our Explorers will be Action-Oriented, Courageous, Excellent Teammates, and Strong Communicators.
The last 10 days in Maine made me a better person, a better father, and a better husband. This summer will make our Explorers better people, better friends, better sons, and better students. That is why we do what we do. As we send the Explorers on their excursions, we should remember what Kurt Hahn, the founder of Outward Bound said, “…Expeditions can greatly contribute towards building strength of character. Joseph Conrad in Lord Jim tells us that it is necessary for a youth to experience events which ‘reveal the inner worth of the man; the edge of his temper; the fibre of his stuff; the quality of his resistance; the secret truth of his pretences, not only to himself but others.” I’m proud to be part of an organization trying to do just that.
Onward,
Todd