For the past three years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a high school lead counselor for Outdoor Ed in Larkspur, Colorado.  Outdoor Ed is an overnight camp for 5th and 6th graders that allows them to learn in an active natural environment, and it really transforms them and the way they see the world. This experience is totally life-changing, and it's such an amazing part of my personal education. My love of learning, outdoors, and childcare all come together to create this amazing adventure. Becoming a high school lead is harder than you'd think; it involves an extremely selective application process, as well as rigorous training. It's not a responsibility I take lightly- the campers physical and emotional safety are in my hands. It's up to me to make sure that they respect the environment, other campers, and most importantly, themselves. The physical risks taken through activities such as zip lines and high ropes, and the emotional risks of leaving home and being in a foreign environment can be difficult for kids to handle. My job is to offer a support system and make sure their physical, emotional, and social needs are met. 

 

    Through my experiences at Outdoor Ed, I have learned so much about leadership, communication, and the importance of community. I was able to lead students through team building, problem-solving, and physical challenge activities; this instilled powerful community values in the kids. I personally developed strong leadership and communication skills through my interactions with the campers, other high school leads, and the camp directors. My bonds with the community and the importance of service were really solidified for me during my trips, and I'm incredibly grateful for these opportunities to lead. 

 

    Being at Outdoor Ed really impacts the way I see my community. It opened my eyes to the various personalities, backgrounds, and needs of different students. I realized the incredible potential that lies in youth- they are so much more intelligent, compassionate, and confident than people believe. I frequently volunteer with children, but having such an in-depth and personal experience with these students really opened my eyes to their complex personalities and needs. 

 

    The things we teach the kids at Outdoor Ed are not only valuable life-long skills for them, but also for us as counselors. I do a lot of self-discovery at Outdoor Ed; being in the wilderness tends to have this effect on me. I reevaluate my education, my passions, and my relationships with others. I learn a lot about teamwork, and the importance of community connections. The incredible thing about Outdoor Ed is that everyone brings something special to camp. Seeing all the differences in people and how they come together to create what I'd call the world's most amazing week, creates a new look on life. It makes me more accepting and empathetic, and if there's one thing that we hope the kids take away from their experience, it's that outlook on life. Outdoor Ed has really enriched my life and education, and it's the one volunteer opportunity that has changed me the most.