Day 528: Board Presentation

Mike began the presentation to the Board of Education with a short powerpoint that captured the essence of Quest.  He started by talking about the four relationships that are the essence of the group dynamics in a successful expedition.  Individual to group, individual to individual, group to individual and group to group.  We teach a full lesson in our classes so that students understand the principles in practice.  He focused on the commitments that the parents and students make and how much dedication is required from each to make participation possible.

He provided highlights of our activities from each of the hikes and talked about what skills the kids learn.  I especially liked the mention of playing like kids should.  It's interesting to hear someone else talk about what Quest means to them and why they think its important.  I know that Mike loves it and he is a different person while we are hiking.   Much like Mark, he has a serious job and is often stuck at a desk.  Quest is a release and a renewal, a chance to reconnect with children and others who share the same values.  We value the same principals, but whenever we speak, we also concentrate on the environmental education element.  He concluded with a student's statement about how she had been skeptical about our claims, but then experience taught her that we were right.  She is hopeful about the future and that her class will treat each other differently and she is so glad that she did Quest.

Then Shane Murphy spoke about what Quest meant to him.  He told the story of how he connected to his cook group leader, Peter.  Pete guided him and became his mentor once Shane moved into high school.  Whenever he had a problem, he knew he could turn to Pete.  He encapsulated the importance of having high school student leaders.

My turn came and I talked about all the people in the community who support Quest and donate their services.  We have 33 private landowners who continue to grant us permission to cross their property and they do this because we teach the kids low impact hiking and how to treat private property with respect.

I tried to convey to them how important Lee's and Dave's contributions were.  They were the visionaries and planners.  We have been the beneficiaries of their early efforts, research and dedication.

We are so grateful that the Boards of Ed. have said YES for many years!   All their predecessors on the previous boards and in the administration offered support. They recognized the importance of outdoor education and validated the principle that valuable learning can take place outside of the walls of the school.  They were willing to take the risks.

Mike followed up with a series of my photos that Steve narrated.  Then little Questy arrived for a visit.  I like that Questy's rescue represents more solid values and is now the mascot for Brocton and Fredonia.

The day was damp and humid and the yard is swampy.  I decided to paint the two park benches and it took about four hours.  Tomorrow, I hope to get back to weeding and potting plants.

Before 

After

It's lime green!

Clematis