"I worked with Ed this past summer at Camp Merri-Mac. He helped develop all of the adventure staff at camp, but I got to work with him through the climbing program. His attention to detail, experience in climbing education, and passion for developing others increased our program’s safety and educational impact. Ed spent extra time working with me on my own technical skills. He taught me facilitation techniques that I have continued to use in other professional environments. I am so thankful for the time that Ed invested in me and our climbing program this summer!"
DESCRIPTION
Experiential Ed worked with outdoor activity staff and directors from four departments at Camp Merri-Mac, a summer camp for girls in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
Camp Merri-Mac, a well-established camp for girls aged 6-14, runs a number of adventure programs for campers of all ages. Ed was brought in to evaluate the curriculum and structure; evaluate, coach, and support instructors; and counsel and support program directors for four programs – rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and backpacking.
Ed spent two days a week from June – August working with these programs to help them evolve and innovate in terms of curriculum/lesson plans, instructor interaction with campers, program goals, safety and risk management, and overall program structure. Ed began by reviewing program materials, interviewing and observing instructors and directors, and developing relationships with each of them. Ed spent time working hands on with instructors and campers each day and met regularly with directors. He provided regular feedback to the camp director on all of his work. Ed continues to serve as a mentor to several instructors and program directors after this experience.
