Mission: To inspire at-risk and committed delinquent youth to remain crime free and stay in school to reach their full potential in education, community, career and life, through attaining academic achievement, character development and social responsibility.

New Staff Training


Discovery's New Staff Training is designed for experienced and entry level wilderness instructors who have a desire to instruct 24 to 30 day wilderness expeditions with Outward Bound Discovery. We are interested in applicants with a desire for future work with Discovery. Applicants with previous field experience or experience working with at-risk populations could begin working for Discovery right away. Entry-level or less experienced instructors participate in Discovery's Instructor Practicum immediately following the New Staff Training.


New Staff Training Schedule

September 20-29, 2008
Fairhope, Alabama

Training Design

Day 1 - 2
Food Pack Out
Outward Bound Philosophy & Methodology
Prep for Expedition
Gear Issue

Days 2 - 9
Swim Check
Canoe/Paddling Skill Training
River Dynamics
Navigation
Campcraft
Leave No Trace
Teambuilding and Problem Solving Initiatives
Cooking in the Field
Behavior Management
Life Skill & Outdoor Education Curriculum
Group Leadership & Facilitation Skills
Reality Therapy/Choice Theory
Goal Planning
Experiential Teaching Techniques

Days 9-11
Gear Clean Up
Driver Test
Evaluation and Feedback
Instructor Placements

Instructor Practicum

After participating in our New Staff Training, we offer additional professional development through our Instructor Practicum. This practicum is designed for entry level or less experienced instructors interested in future work with Discovery. The practicum provides "hands on" learning opportunities so new instructors can hone their wilderness and facilitation skills.

Schedule

August - November, 2008

Instructor Practicum Group #59, September 2006

Instructors spend approximately 9 -12 weeks working as a 3rd instructor on 18-30 day wilderness expeditions with at-risk or committed delinquent youth and young adults throughout Florida, South Carolina and Alabama. Instructors also spend time at base camps learning the "behind the scenes" of an expedition. The duration of the practicum varies depending on the professional development needs of each instructor. The Instructor Practicum ends once the participant demonstrates the skills required to assume the Assistant Instructor position.

Practicum instructors earn a $175 weekly stipend including time off during the practicum, instructors are provided room and board and travel between base camps. College credit may be obtained as part of a field experience or internship.

What to Expect...

  • Spend time working at several Discovery base camps throughout Florida, South Carolina and Alabama.
  • Instruct with experienced instructors on up to two 18-30 day wilderness canoe expeditions.
  • Receive individual one-on-one professional development throughout the practicum.
  • Spend time working with base site and logistics staff learning food pack-out, gear repair, and course support responsibilities.
  • Assist with program or base enhancement initiatives.

Contact Information

Penny Jeffers, Field Staffing Director
Telephone (218) 365-0040
Fax (218) 365-5626

Email: pjeffers@outwardbound.org