Leadership
Statement & Competencies
Using the button below, you can access a PDF version of my Leadership Statement which was first written in 2023 to fulfill course requirements for my "Outdoor Recreation and Education" introductory class. Further down the page are my levels of experience in the 8 core competencies and a list of relevant courses taken.
Core Competencies of Outdoor Leadership
CC1 Foundational Knowledge
My current and future coursework at Ohio University reflects my drive to further understand relationships between humans and their environments in the context of locality. Through my studies and community connections, I strive to never forget the important role outdoor leaders can play in society and the change we can make in the world.
CC2 Self Awareness Conduct
As a facilitator, I know that I can only ever be successful if I know where my own strengths and weaknesses lie. After years of working in teaching teams with peers to keep me accountable, I am able to check myself when I need to while still feeling capable and confident in stepping up where I know I am able.
CC3 Judgement Decision Making
For me, safety will always come first in an outdoor leadership setting. Although safety procedures and rules can be learned through games and skits, I ensure, through my facilitation, that participants not only understand the risks associated with an activity but feel safe and comfortable taking part with me present.
CC4 Teaching Facilitation
Through telling stories, actively reaching out to participants who seem hesitant or more introverted, and helping to bring my group together as a community I will work to bring in a companionable approach to facilitation. Each lesson I teach will include time for questions, demonstrations, and explanations to address multiple learning preferences.
CC5 Environmental Stewarship
Growing up in the woods, the valuing of nature and your environment is something I took to heart early in my life and it is something I take with me wherever I go. I plan to work towards a leave-no-trace certification and continue to grow as a steward of the environment on a personal level through readings, university courses, and extended time spent enjoying the outdoors.
CC6 Program Management
By working to engage all members of a group I find myself in, even, and especially, those who may find themselves at the back of the pack or without friends, my work in program management will focus on creating an equitable space where participants feel comfortable recreating and being who they are. I will do this work by continuing to involve myself with outdoor education organizations and furthering my coursework.
CC7 Safety Risk Management
By explaining to participants the principles of perceived versus actual risk, I will work to create a space where safety is a priority but fun and challenge can still be attained. In creating a welcoming and open space for participants, I will create a community-like setting in which psychological risk is minimized and participants feel comfortable asking for assistance in physical safety.
CC8 Technical Expertise
With lifelong experience backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, and simply interacting with nature, I aim to increase my technical experience in everything I do. By taking additional relevant courses at Ohio University, exploring the local environment, and taking advantage of opportunities that can get me out of my comfort zone, I am always seeking ways in which I can learn new skills and hone my existing ones.
Relevant Coursework
Currently Taking:
REC 3100: Recreation Programming
Taken (2022 -2023)
REC 1000: Fundamentals of Backpacking
REC 1080: Fundamentals of Rock Climbing
REC 1130: Fundamentals of Canoeing
PBIO 2060: Sustainable Agriculture
REC 2150: Outdoor Recreation & Education
GEOG 2500: Environmental Geography
REC 2750: Inclusive Recreation
ES 2980T: Environmental Psychology
SOC 3090c: Sociology of Appalachia
REC 3460: Parks & Protected Areas Management
HLTH 3150c: Community Engagement in Appalachian Health
BIOS 3760: Field Ecology
GEOG 4450: Gender, Environment, and Development
SOC 4810: Environmental Sociology
