Have you ever wanted to learn how to write a professional-grade grant for an outdoor education proposal? Are you interested in hearing more about how to become a successful backcountry leader? How about participating in a discussion on river and land use in Colorado?
If any of these topics sound interesting to you, or if you are generally just interested in outdoor education, then the Colorado Outdoor Educator Symposium (COES) will be the event to attend this block.
Next Saturday, Feb. 1, professional outdoor education leaders, backcountry enthusiasts, conservationists, environmental policy leaders, students, and teachers of every background will be gathering here at Colorado College for the symposium to educate participants on the many exciting aspects of outdoor education right here in Colorado.
According to its website, “The COES aims to bring together and build on the great community of outdoor educators living and working in the Rocky Mountain State to share new ideas, develop best practices, and utilize our incredible local resources.”
In addition to a wide variety of workshops covering topics such as reflection and meditation, adaptive outdoor programming, multi-pitch climbing, and backcountry leadership, the COES will feature a keynote speaker, Vince Anderson, who will present a workshop on outdoor adventure.
According to the Office of Outdoor Education, “Vince’s talk will explore how childhood in Colorado ultimately led to adventures in the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Andes, a career as a mountain guide, and how he and his partner, Steve House, became the first North Americans to win the world renowned Piolet d’OR.”
Vince’s experience as a professional outdoorsman and backcountry leader, his advice, and his stories will be invaluable to nature enthusiasts of all ages.
The COES runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Worner Student Center. The fee of $20 for CC students includes access to a multitude of workshops, discussions, panels, and the opportunity to network and form connections with leaders in the outdoor community.
More information on the symposium is online at: http://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/outdooreducation/COESymposium.dot, and you can register to participate on SUMMIT.
Nila Horner
Staff Writer