RE :: What’s Our Misson? :: What’s Our Purpose? :: What’s Next? :: Adventures!
Greetings STL Adventurists and Outdoor Teachers!
A Fun Social at Llywellens
It was an absolute joy to meet and socialize with a room full of people who are passionate about teaching outdoors. I was delighted to have the opportunity to shake hands with some of the legends of early STL outdoor-ed programs like STREAM / SL/EAP / SLEEC. As we dream about what STREAM School might be, I hope to draw from the well of their collective knowledge and wisdom. I was also introduced to some educators who are new to the ideas behind experiential education, but keen to get involved. These new connections are so important to the future of our mission. I also got to catch up with some of the folks who are currently getting students outside both their classroom as well as their comfort zones.
I would like to continue to have socials, but what might we call them? Adventure Beers, or some such? Either way, this was a great opportunity to share, catch up with some familiar faces as well as meet new ones. For our next Adventure Beers, I am thinking about a sunset float and campfire on a lake near Pacific, MO. Would you be interested? Let me know what you think.
Developing a Mission
What are we doing here? We now find ourselves at the end of a global pandemic and at no time have we and our young people needed more. No doubt a generation of students have lost a step in their academic progress and maybe something more. An increase in screen time and isolation and a decrease in collaboration and community building has left students without the crucial skills to lead. We can find those skills again – by struggling to climb high mountaintops and navigate wild river rapids, by learning to be resilient in the face of adverse weather, and above all by having the courage to lead others when the day’s challenges seem insurmountable. It’s time we get out there…
A Purpose
The purpose of the STREAM School might be (as a start) to offer a unique summer learning experience that combines academic enrichment, outdoor adventures, and character development to empower students to become lifelong learners and responsible members of their community. STREAM School can accomplish this through direct programming of expeditions and field-experiences that get students learning outside. Through partnerships with colleges or universities (looking at you UMSL people!), we might offer academic credit (high school or AP). Let’s get students learning outside.
A secondary purpose of the STREAM School might be to act as a laboratory for experiential, outdoor, and adventure education curricula. The curricular work of this school can be shared and made accessible to the greater community of educators, serving as inspiration and a catalyst for the broader community of experiential educators. Let’s be a public resource.
A tertiary purpose of the STREAM School might be to serve as a nexus for outdoor educators. The school can provide opportunities for sharing, networking, and teaching the hard and soft skills of leading students outside. Let’s share what we know.
What’s Next?
Because we are well on our way to incorporating as a 501c3, non profit, it’s time to start thinking about leadership and organizational structure. What does that mean for us now? I believe we now want to sort out our individual levels of desired participation. Do you want to use your energy and expertise to help set a course for STREAM School? You might want to serve on the Board of Directors. Are you an Old Salt who has a lot of knowledge but no interest in the responsibilities of board membership? You’d be great on the Advisory Board! Are you curious about teaching outdoors or helping others learn how? Then, think about joining as a member!
Step one is assembling a Provisional Board to help guide the organization through the process of (1) incorporation, (2) tax exempt status, (3) adoption of initial bylaws, and (4) beginning the process of setting the Mission, Vision, and Goals. This provisional board should serve to the point of incorporation and adoption of our official bylaws. At that time, we will have a second vote for board members based on those bylaws. Are you ready to lead? Let’s talk!
You can find the working documents HERE. Use the password Huzzah!
Adventures!
Are you interested in joining us on one of the following adventures…?
STREAM School Illinois Caverns Caving Adventure
The 2024 Expedition for Experiential Educators
…or do you want to experience / or lead some other sort of adventure? Let’s make it happen!
-KP
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STREAM Summer Expeditions 