A "Walk" in the Woods

I often jest about how I leave you to be "in the woods" for the Outdoor Leadership Experience (OLE), but in all honesty, it's a very productive time for me, and I believe it makes me a better leader.  In education we spend too little time thinking, planning, and reflecting.  Often, we learn something, are expected to implement it, and then move on to the next thing.  And, I realize that I can be guilty of furthering this problem.  OLE reminds me to slow down, think, process, and plan with intention.

To better understand this experience, note that I helped lead the Turtle group, a group of 10 teachers, directors, principals, and assistant principals.  During the 3 days, the Turtle group worked on developing a community, completing initiatives together, and learning from one another.  The Turtles were 1 of 8 groups who functioned in this way.

On Wednesday night, OLE participants created hand-made journals for their secret partner.  Each person was responsible for writing about their partner's experience, documenting their teamwork, growth, and support of the group as a whole.

The first night, the group worked together on an initiative called 3 Circles of Communication.  Before journeying on their orienteering adventure, it was important to build systems of communication and create a community among the group.

On Thursday morning, we continued working on our listening and communicating skills with the Minefield.

Before the group could venture "into the woods" they needed to build their skills in compass reading and their understanding of topographical maps.

"Turtle Power!" As the group began their hike to find 11 flags (plus a bonus) throughout the Mark Twain National Forest with only a compass and topographical map, they came together as a team to celebrate their successes.

We left camp at noon and officially finished our task at 2 a.m.   We carried our lunch with us (finally eating around 3 p.m.) and cooked some spaghetti tofu for dinner at 10:30 p.m.  Learning to communicate and make decisions as a large group in both the light of day and the dark of night has many parallels to the decision-making processes in our schools.

The Turtles worked together to complete the Marble Maze, first moving 1 marble to the exit without falling through any holes, and then doing the work with more complexity:  2 marbles, then 3.  It concluded with all but one person blindfolded to complete the task.  

Failing Forward:  In the Island initiative the group found themselves unsuccessful.  However, the group learned a lot from their failure, admitting that they weren't listening to the group members who had suggestions different from their identified plan.

In addition to group challenges, there were individual ones:  rappelling and rock climbing.

In addition to all of this fun work, we had a relaxing experience finding flags at various points along the lake.   We tied our canoes together and worked as a group to achieve our goal.  Along the way, we appreciated the majesty of a bald eagle soaring alongside us.