On an Intercept course, we ask our students to identify the difference between a consequence and a punishment. They identify that punishments are unfair and lead to more harm than good, and that consequences are inevitable, often put upon by their actions. By understanding the difference, students know what’s expected of them and what they will […]

How did an Outdoor Educator course and two scraps of paper lead to a business with a mission to alleviate loneliness? This is Audrey’s story. How It All Started Audrey was a recent college graduate when she signed up for the Oregon Outdoor Educator expedition in 2017. “I took the Outdoor Educator course and it […]

The best advice I’ve ever received? “Make sure you’re not taking advice from the wrong people. Know who your cheerleaders are and go to them if you need help.” When I first heard this, it struck a chord. I felt like I’d been taking advice from the wrong people–including people I love–for a long time. […]

Packing for a backpacking trip is a delicate task of balancing comfort and weight and often leads to numerous questions about what you actually need. Most people will become experts at this craft through years of adventures in the wilderness. I’ve done some contemplation while on the trail and came up with items that I think […]

In her book Rising Strong, researcher Brené Brown observes that a “tolerance for discomfort” is the common denominator between resilient people. Exercises provided below are aimed at improving your mental and physical tolerance for discomfort. First, let’s take a look at why discomfort is important for building a resilient mindset. The Key Word is Mental […]

A few weeks ago, I was standing in a circle with five dirt-covered adolescents just outside Marble, Colorado. With Aspen leaves still dripping from the early morning’s downpour, I told the students that the 15-day mountaineering course they had just completed was only the beginning of their journey. The challenges they tackled and insights they […]