hulbert outdoor center

HULBERT OUTDOOR
CENTER
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 3
THE ALOHA FOUNDATION, INC. FAIRLEE, VERMONT
SPRING/SUMMER 2005
This will be a year of changes for The Aloha Foundation and the Hulbert Outdoor Center.
We say goodbye to Posie Taylor, who has managed The Foundation for the last 17 years,
and who has been an integral part of the Alohas for almost 45 years as a camper, counselor,
Director of Aloha Hive, and finally, as our Executive Director. Posie leaves a legacy that
she can be proud of. In September, she will become Senior Consultant to the Centennial
Campaign and will take some well-deserved time off to be with her family. We wish her
well in this time of transition and know that she leaves with the satisfaction that The
Foundation has been guided by her loyalty and commitment to its well being, as well as to
excellence in the national camping industry.
Andy Williams, Director of
Hulbert Outdoor Center.
Posie leaves the management of The Aloha Foundation in good hands as she passes the
leadership torch to Jim Zien, our Executive Director-Elect, who began his work here on
June 15. We welcome Jim and his commitment to The Aloha Foundation and Hulbert Outdoor Center’s goals. What we
do at Hulbert Outdoor Center and at The Aloha Camps closely matches Jim’s background.
As Kate Merritt, President of The Aloha Foundation Board has written, Jim “spent many summers as a camper, camp
counselor and horseback riding instructor at a camp in northern Wisconsin, and later in life, at a family camp on the
coast of Maine, sailing the island trails of Penobscot Bay. As a student at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, Jim
became interested in non-formal, experiential approaches to learning, and subsequently served for more than a decade as
the Director of Community Services and Educational Resource Development at the Boston Children’s Museum, developing innovative educational programs for children and their parents. He has worked extensively in the non-profit world,
both as an internal manager and as a consultant in the development of educational, cultural and recreational resources.
And he has known and loved the Upper Valley since his days at Dartmouth.
Jim’s enthusiasm for Aloha’s mission, his deep experience as a manager and
his hands-on expertise in starting complex new programs make him the ideal
choice for The Aloha Foundation”.
Along with the Camp Directors, I have spent time with Jim over these last
months and applaud the energy of his ideas and leadership style. I am eager
to work with him as he looks forward to development of the new Lake
Fairlee Camp facility and program, and to working closely with The Aloha
Foundation team.
Join me in welcoming Jim to our community.
School Program
Becky Proulx &
Andrew Lane Wedding
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Elderhostel
Leadership Training
Adult, Youth, & Family Trips
The Aloha Foundation’s incoming Executive
Director, Jim Zien, with current Executive
Director, Posie Taylor, and Hulbert Outdoor
Center Director, Andy Williams.
Family Camp
Lake Fairlee Camp
NEW WEB SITE! Be sure to visit our new, updated website at www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert
HULBERT OUTDOOR CENTER • SPRING/SUMMER 2005
2
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Once a Student, Now an Instructor
By Emily Sustick, School Program Instructor
Two breadsticks, three croutons and some “pea soup”. And
on top of all that we’re supposed to be ants trying to access
a great big pile of sugar? I stood bewildered, wondering
how in the heck we “little ants” were going to get across
to the “sugar.” Feeling unsure made me feel uneasy. I was
used to knowing how to figure these kinds of problems out!
Emily Sustick has
worked as an Outdoor
Education Instructor
in the Hulbert School
Program since August
2004. In March 1995,
she was a Hulbert
School Program
participant with the
Hartsbrook Waldorf
School, from Hadley,
MA. She is a graduate
of George Washington
University with a
degree in Psychology.
I came to Hulbert in the 7th grade with my class from the
Hartsbrook Waldorf School. Experiential education plays a
large role in Waldorf Education, and so it is no wonder that
many Waldorf schools choose to bring their middle school
aged children to participate in the School Program here at Hulbert Outdoor Center. Although my classmates
and I had embarked on many outdoor adventures prior to our arrival, my experiences here at Hulbert stick out
in my mind as especially significant. I have great memories of teambuilding under the apple tree, swinging on
the swings at recreation time, and jumping for the trapeze on the ropes course. The environment felt immediately comforting and familiar, providing us with a safe space to stretch the boundaries of our comfort zones
and to open our young minds to new ways of developing social relationships and community.
Waldorf students begin first grade together and through a conscious curriculum decision, continue through
the eighth grade with this same group of students. As a result, they benefit from the Hulbert curriculum in a
slightly different way than some other students might. Along with the inevitable challenges that teambuilding brings, they must also recognize, and begin to break down social roles that they have developed over
the course of their years together. Although at the time I was not aware of the specifics of this process, I do
remember leaving Hulbert with a heightened awareness of my own role within the group setting. As a School
Program instructor this year, I have had the opportunity to observe this development in my own students from
a new perspective. From this more mature vantage point, some of the issues my students have confronted while
working together seem to have obvious solutions. For me as an instructor, it can be challenging to facilitate
discussion about these issues without interfering with this often measured development process. In considering
my role, I have often found it helpful to take myself back to that moment in time where my own 7th grade core
group was faced with a similar problem. I try to remember that with a little time and patience, we too discovered we were quite capable of coming to our own solutions.
Rewind back to that moment, under the apple tree. Eventually someone came up
with a solution. It took longer than perhaps even our instructor had anticipated,
but we figured it out. That first time we all accomplished “pea soup,” you would
have thought we had won the lottery. Ten years and many “pea soups’ later, I
stand in quiet anticipation of my students every move. The excitement now is in
who will rise to the challenge? How will they deal with frustrations? And most
importantly, how will I help them to see the process of what they are doing, and
how it will apply to their lives far beyond a couple of boards and a silly story
line about “pea soup”?
Visit our new website at www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert, or call 802-333-3405.
3
TRANSITIONS
On June 11, 2005, Becky Proulx, Director of School Programs, married Andrew Lane,
former Hulbert Outdoor Center staff and Lanakila Counselor. The ceremony was
followed by a wonderful reception here at Hulbert Outdoor Center. The day was full
of reunions and happy faces. Friends and staff presented Becky and Andrew with a
beautiful Mad River Explorer Canoe. On the day before their wedding, Becky was busy
with school programs and Andrew finished teaching at Sharon Academy. They are a
couple dedicated to education and making a difference in the world. We all wish them a
long and happy life together.
It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Greg Auch, Director of Wilderness Trips.
After spending four years with us, Greg has decided to take a new direction in his life.
He has always had an interest in Emergency Medicine, and that has led him back to his
native state of Michigan, where he began nursing school in May. We wish Greg and his
family well in their new adventure.
Acting Director of Wilderness Trips,
Mark Ceder, and his wife Margaret
School Program Director,
Becky Proulx, and Andrew
Lane, former Hulbert staff
and Lanakila counselor.
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that
we welcome Mark Ceder as Acting Director of
Wilderness Trips. Mark joined our team on May
1, 2005, and is excited to guide and encourage his terrific staff and young
trippers through the Voyageur Program this summer. Before joining the Aloha
Foundation, Mark coordinated student leadership development programs at
two universities, while instructing wilderness leadership courses for outdoor
professionals. He received his undergraduate degree in communication from
Villanova University and master’s degree in outdoor recreation from Western
Illinois University. Mark is a Wilderness First Responder. After living all around
the country, Mark and his wife, Margaret, and their two Labrador Retrievers
have settled in the Upper Valley where they plan to raise their family. They are
expecting their first child in November.
GREEN TEAM REPORT
Tour of Vermont Law School
An April visit to the
Vermont Law School
found the Green Team
touring the newly
renovated Debevoise
Hall, which houses the
Environmental Law
Center. The renovation
project blends historic
preservation with modern,
resource-saving technology. Among the many
resource-saving features was the installation of Clivus Multrum composting toilets, which conserve hundreds of gallons of water daily.
Other interesting elements were the use of green certified wood, and
linoleum (wood chips and linseed resin) instead of vinyl flooring. For
more information visit their website at http://www.vermontlaw.edu.
YES Conference
The Vermont
Youth
Environmental
Summit was
hosted by Hulbert
Outdoor Center in
May. The conference created “for
teens, by teens’
was filled with
activities and
workshops to help
students become
more “environmentally literate.” Key note
speaker was Bill McKibben, popular author
of many books on the subject of man and
the environment. www.billmckibben.com.
Visit our new website at www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert, or call 802-333-3405.
5
WILDERNESS EMERGENCY MEDICINE & LEADERSHIP
Wilderness First Responder Recertification
November 19-20, 2005
$195
This two-day review is designed to recertify. Although
open to any WFR graduate, SOLO currently has
reciprocity with WMI/NOLS and WMA; graduates
of these programs can be recertified through SOLO,
providing their certification is current at the time of the
course. CPR Recert. is available for an additional fee.
Proof of eligible WFR and CPR training must be provided
to SOLO before renewal cards will be issued. Fee includes
meals, lodging and course; day students– $155.
Mark Moore, ACA Instructor Trainer for spring 2005.
Wilderness First Responder
December 5-14, 2005
$725
Join staff of SOLO, nationally recognized leaders in the
field of wilderness medicine and rescue, for an 80-hour
intensive wilderness emergency care course. Learn skills
needed to deal with emergencies in remote settings, with
a focus on the extended care often required in wilderness
medical emergencies. Practical simulations and lectures.
Includes CPR. Excellent course for outdoor enthusiasts
or outdoor trip leaders. Fee includes meals, lodging and
course; day students – $550. Pre-registration required.
Wilderness First Aid
Nov. 19-20, 2005
$195
Join staff of SOLO for a two-day introductory course in
wilderness medical emergencies. Course includes lectures
and practical simulations. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts
and trip leaders. AHA CPR available for $35. Recognized
by American Camping Association and various Guide
Licensing Boards. Fee includes meals, lodging and course;
day students – $155. Pre-registration required.
Advanced Wilderness First Aid
November 19-22, 2005
$375
This four-day course is designed for individuals who want
a more in-depth training in Wilderness First Aid in the
backcountry. Outdoor enthusiasts, trip leaders, or anyone
who works or travels in the back country will find this
course important. Standard WFA information plus medical
and environmental emergencies, and skills to go with
them. More hands-on practice with grater emphasis on
leadership. Taught by staff of SOLO. No pre-requisite. Fee
includes course, meals and lodging; day student – $315.
Wilderness EMT Module
December 2-4 AND Dec 9-11, 2005
$375
Designed for currently certified EMTs. Meeting the
guidelines established by the Wilderness Medical Society,
Solo’s Wilderness Module has been approved by the
National Registry of EMTs for 48 hours of CEUs. Course
takes place over two weekends. Practical simulation
and labs provide practice in backcountry leadership and
rescue skills. Fee includes course, meals, lodging. Day
students: $315.
Backcountry Search & Rescue
November 19-20, 2005
$205
Taught by SOLO and North American Rescue Institute
(NARI) staff, nationally recognized leaders in the
field of wilderness medicine and rescue. This twoday introductory course in wilderness search and
rescue techniques will cover basic principles of rescuer
preparedness, search management, leadership, some basic
back country medicine, map and compass skills, ropes and
knots, emergency care, evacuations and litter carries. Fee
includes lodging, meals, and course; day students – $165.
Pre-registration required.
For more information and a printable registration form go to our new website at www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert/wilderness.html
7
LAKE FAIRLEE CAMP UPDATE
Memorial Day Weekend brought a hardy
group of volunteers together for a work
weekend. There was lots of excitement
as they uncovered hidden treasures in the
old gardens and under the overgrowth of
brush. Sixteen full truck loads of debris
went to the brush dump. The cabins and
dining hall got their first round of cleaning.
While we worked we were treated to a
wonderful display of wildlife – a Pileated
Woodpecker, a coyote, 2 Broadwing Hawks
playing on the updrafts, an Osprey, beautiful
wildflowers and an amazing array of
small birds.
Herb Kummel, former owner, joined us Saturday and offered
some very valuable information on the water system. He was
full of little tips and tricks to help us as we learn to live with the
new site. Over lunch on the wonderful dining hall porch, he told
many stories of the camp and its history.
The place has been humming with activity as our Building and
Grounds Department works to upgrade the electric service,
install a new septic/water system, and lay new gravel for more
passable roads. With all this team effort, we where ready to go
for the first renters, who arrived July 2. In the summer of 2006,
we plan to pilot new programs.
Many thanks to all the volunteers, to our Buildings & Grounds
Department, and to all who are helping Lake Fairlee Camp to
become a reality. Stay tuned for updates on our future workdays!
If you are interested in joining us, please contact Deb Williams.
August Family Camp
Saturday, August 20 - Friday, August 26, 2005
Join us for a week full of activities for you and your family to enjoy.
We take the best elements of camp and offer them at a leisurely pace
in a relaxed atmosphere: sailing, canoeing, water sports, hiking,
climbing, nature walks, arts and crafts, singing, music, and storytelling
by the campfire. You can pick and choose or do it all…or just relax
in the shade and watch the fun. Adventures abound, and friendships
emerge that will last a lifetime. Our Children’s Program is supervised
by experienced staff members. Home-base is Aloha Camp on Lake
Morey, with some activities at Camp Lanakila. Delicious, hearty, and
well-balanced meals are served family style in our sunny dining hall.
Sleeping quarters are platform tents and cabins at Aloha Camp. For
more information contact Lynn Daly.
The Aloha Foundation, Inc.
Hulbert Outdoor Center
2968 Lake Morey Road
Fairlee, Vermont 05045
Non-Profit Org.
U. S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 86
White River Junction, VT
802-333-3405
Fax: 802-333-3404
Website: www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert
Printed on Recycled paper
The purpose of The Hulbert Outdoor Center, as a program and facility of The Aloha Foundation,
is to enable individuals to enrich and change their lives and the communities
in which they live, work, and play, through experiential programs.
Family Canoe Trip to Maine’s Rangeley Lakes – August 20-26, 2005
Experience the joy of waking to the call of a loon after a peaceful night’s sleep at the edge of a
serene, wild lake. Join us for a family canoe camping adventure on the beautiful Rangeley Lakes of
Western Maine. Enjoy the natural world at a leisurely pace while Hulbert’s skilled trip leaders teach
camping and canoeing skills for a safe and memorable canoe trip. You and your family can relax,
make new friends and spend special time together that is often lost in the hectic pace of everyday
living. This trip is fully outfitted and includes transportation, canoes, cooking gear, group equipment,
instruction, delicious food and lots of good, safe adventure. Our adventure begins at Aloha Family
Camp. Trip participants will spend Saturday and Sunday nights at Aloha Camp. Accommodations,
while on our trip, are in two-person tents which Hulbert will provide. We will canoe to a different
campsite each day. For more information or to register please contact us as soon as possible. Spaces
go quickly on this popular trip.
For more information, call 802-333-3405, or check out our new website at www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert.