What's crackin' yall?!?!?!
I've had a lot of people ask me about my certifications, experiences, and overall knowledge/skill/wisdom level and many of them (mostly those who run outdoor programs) have been on my case before about how I'm not good enough for their program/trip/whatever because I don't hold some necessary paperwork or BS recommendation. It's something that has driven me to go out and seek these certifications, but also made me think about who I am and what I know or can do as an outsider...
I've been guiding for over 3 years now, independently, and things have gone great. I hold no major certification, the closest thing you could say is that I'm a Eagle Scout with the BSA (try to talk crap about that achievement, I dare you), and that tends to be a source of contention. On the other hand, I have attended countless symposiums, classes, workshops, service learning opportunities, and trips ranging from big mountaineering to weekend camping with buddies. While I try not to toot my own horn, I am proud of what I know and what I do. That being said, I'm sure there are plenty of you out there who feel the same way or have let your dreams of becoming a professional outsider drift to the wayside because of some negative vibes (or what have you). I want you all to know something, there is NO set path to becoming a professional outsider, no Bachelors Degree in Outdoor Fun, no true "that's it, I've finally made it through all of school" moment to be a guide. Don't let anyone ever tell you that you need to get Certification A and go to Class B all while attempting to take Trip C... You can be and specialize in what you love just by being an avid outsider and gaining knowledge and wisdom as you go. For me, experience means more than any piece of paper you can give me; I'll take a 45 day hike into the wild which give you practical application of knowledge than some 10 day class that gives you theoretical application of said knowledge. That goes for both structured and self-taught scenarios. My old Scoutmaster always said "experience is the best teacher" and I'll back him up all the way on that. Rest in peace Mr. Huntly, you were one of my biggest influences and inspirations into achieving what I have in the outdoors.
Lets all remember that there are different skills, knowledge/wisdom, certifications, experiences, and possibilities on how you can accredit yourself as an outdoor professional. Just because someone says "you're not ______ certified" or "you don't have the necessary experience" DOES NOT mean you have no idea what you are doing. I advocate people taking the time to learn and be prepared for what is to come, but don't let someone who thinks they are better than you because they have a website, certification, or more time in the outdoors get you down and tell you that you can't do something. If you are an outsider and you feel you have worth as an educator or adventurer then go have fun and be the best you can be. I too often hear about how amazing it would be to be a guide or how someone wanted to work in the parks system but never followed through with it because they either thought they couldn't do all the extreme things (mountaineering, climbing, etc) that they think would be part of the whole job description, like their faith in themselves was shut down!! Newsflash: You don't need to be super hardcore to be a guide! Take my pals up in Ely, MN right now who are canoe camping guides. They're particular skillset isn't the most complicated nor is the job the most dangerous place to work in the outdoors (not downing on you guys at all cause what you do is fecking awesome), but they still rock the crap out of their trips and have a blasty with their campers doing it! Many of the people I know who are self proclaimed adventurists in the outdoors, getting back to it, or sharing it with others, who just simply applied to some of these companies and got training on the fly. I don't care who you are or what outdoor activity you do, if you do it and do it with all your heart and soul then YOU CAN BE AN OUTDOOR PROFESSIONAL!!!
When I look at myself I see 3 things:
1.) No Major Certifications - Already taking two courses (to be completed in Jan 2013) and planning with NOLS and other schools.
2.) Extreme Experience in the Outdoors: Camping with family at age 3, been doing it with groups, friends, or solo since then.
3.) Outdoor Spirit: I embody the "get up and get outside" spirit that sends you (and others) to the greatest natural sights and wonders of this world.
To me (not always to others) that's enough to get up and out while showing people great things and taking them places they will never forget. I didn't sit at home thinking "I should go camping for a living" when I decided guiding is what I wanted to do, I spent years thinking about skills, gear, and places to go before I couldn't do it anymore. When I had finally reached a point where I (and many others) thought I was a good outdoorsman I had this urge, not to go camping, but to share everything I had experience and give people the chance to experience the natural wonders I hold so dear. It's a passion, a love if you will, that spans beyond a field of work or weekend hobby; this is a way of life, spiritual and nearly religious in nature. And so, I went, and I did. I started with weekend trips and simple skill learning moments on the trail, now 3 years later I book everything from a day hike to significantly longer trips that reach overseas! I'm not the Army trained survivalist, I'm not the guy who lived int he woods for 20 years, nor am I the guy who had enough money to just go play with gear and open spaces for years. I'm a 25 year old student (Conservation and Environmental Sciences - go figure), outdoor adventurist, music lover, party starting, regular joe who often goes by the calling of "Dude"! I just happen to find a little way into the life I love and am following it until I either physically unable to or fall too an untimely end. No two ways about it, screw it if someone says either you or I are not good enough or will never be good enough to live life outdoors... their loss on all the awesome adventures we will have and memories we will keep.
The outdoor community is one that takes care of it's own and is supportive of your dreams and adventures. Lets just get that strait... I've been taken care of by so many companies (thanks to Merrell, Cascade Designs and their companies, Sierra Designs, FITS socks, Osprey, and many many more) in one way or another. I am always surprised at the level of care and dedication these companies give back to the community and an proud to say I have or will work with them in the future. If you have any questions on gear, hope to achieve a pro-deal, want to review and test gear, or just want to thank the gear gods for what they have done for you, let them know and be sure to make an impression; there is nothing better for a company who makes products or services to get you back outdoors than a huge thank you and a picture of your adventure. Not to mention you can post it on my FB page (EcoHiker Adventures on Facebook) and share it with the world while encouraging others to get out and have some fun!!!!
So lets wrap this up, maybe it's not the most coherent blog I've done, but it feels like this is a good time to say it. I want to see more and more people working with the outdoors, teaching others, and experience some of the greatest natural wonders we have in this world. If you hesitate, stop and smack yourself a bit, then throw on your gear and get the fudge out there! As always, I'm here if you have questions or just need a bit of a motivational bump to go do it. You know what the best part about all this is? You won't be disappointedc with your decision to do it :) SO GO, BE, DO, AND LOVE everything there is outdoors and be the best outdoor professional you can be. As usual, much love to you all!
"Cheers, beers, and the great outdoors!"
~Eco
 |
| Dante and I Canoeing at Devils Lake State Park |
I've been guiding for over 3 years now, independently, and things have gone great. I hold no major certification, the closest thing you could say is that I'm a Eagle Scout with the BSA (try to talk crap about that achievement, I dare you), and that tends to be a source of contention. On the other hand, I have attended countless symposiums, classes, workshops, service learning opportunities, and trips ranging from big mountaineering to weekend camping with buddies. While I try not to toot my own horn, I am proud of what I know and what I do. That being said, I'm sure there are plenty of you out there who feel the same way or have let your dreams of becoming a professional outsider drift to the wayside because of some negative vibes (or what have you). I want you all to know something, there is NO set path to becoming a professional outsider, no Bachelors Degree in Outdoor Fun, no true "that's it, I've finally made it through all of school" moment to be a guide. Don't let anyone ever tell you that you need to get Certification A and go to Class B all while attempting to take Trip C... You can be and specialize in what you love just by being an avid outsider and gaining knowledge and wisdom as you go. For me, experience means more than any piece of paper you can give me; I'll take a 45 day hike into the wild which give you practical application of knowledge than some 10 day class that gives you theoretical application of said knowledge. That goes for both structured and self-taught scenarios. My old Scoutmaster always said "experience is the best teacher" and I'll back him up all the way on that. Rest in peace Mr. Huntly, you were one of my biggest influences and inspirations into achieving what I have in the outdoors.
 |
| The feet that have gotten me this far, clad in my NF Hedgehogs! |
Lets all remember that there are different skills, knowledge/wisdom, certifications, experiences, and possibilities on how you can accredit yourself as an outdoor professional. Just because someone says "you're not ______ certified" or "you don't have the necessary experience" DOES NOT mean you have no idea what you are doing. I advocate people taking the time to learn and be prepared for what is to come, but don't let someone who thinks they are better than you because they have a website, certification, or more time in the outdoors get you down and tell you that you can't do something. If you are an outsider and you feel you have worth as an educator or adventurer then go have fun and be the best you can be. I too often hear about how amazing it would be to be a guide or how someone wanted to work in the parks system but never followed through with it because they either thought they couldn't do all the extreme things (mountaineering, climbing, etc) that they think would be part of the whole job description, like their faith in themselves was shut down!! Newsflash: You don't need to be super hardcore to be a guide! Take my pals up in Ely, MN right now who are canoe camping guides. They're particular skillset isn't the most complicated nor is the job the most dangerous place to work in the outdoors (not downing on you guys at all cause what you do is fecking awesome), but they still rock the crap out of their trips and have a blasty with their campers doing it! Many of the people I know who are self proclaimed adventurists in the outdoors, getting back to it, or sharing it with others, who just simply applied to some of these companies and got training on the fly. I don't care who you are or what outdoor activity you do, if you do it and do it with all your heart and soul then YOU CAN BE AN OUTDOOR PROFESSIONAL!!!
 |
| Me at the Urban Ecology Center's (of Milwaukee) Teen Adventure Challenge Day! |
When I look at myself I see 3 things:
1.) No Major Certifications - Already taking two courses (to be completed in Jan 2013) and planning with NOLS and other schools.
2.) Extreme Experience in the Outdoors: Camping with family at age 3, been doing it with groups, friends, or solo since then.
3.) Outdoor Spirit: I embody the "get up and get outside" spirit that sends you (and others) to the greatest natural sights and wonders of this world.
To me (not always to others) that's enough to get up and out while showing people great things and taking them places they will never forget. I didn't sit at home thinking "I should go camping for a living" when I decided guiding is what I wanted to do, I spent years thinking about skills, gear, and places to go before I couldn't do it anymore. When I had finally reached a point where I (and many others) thought I was a good outdoorsman I had this urge, not to go camping, but to share everything I had experience and give people the chance to experience the natural wonders I hold so dear. It's a passion, a love if you will, that spans beyond a field of work or weekend hobby; this is a way of life, spiritual and nearly religious in nature. And so, I went, and I did. I started with weekend trips and simple skill learning moments on the trail, now 3 years later I book everything from a day hike to significantly longer trips that reach overseas! I'm not the Army trained survivalist, I'm not the guy who lived int he woods for 20 years, nor am I the guy who had enough money to just go play with gear and open spaces for years. I'm a 25 year old student (Conservation and Environmental Sciences - go figure), outdoor adventurist, music lover, party starting, regular joe who often goes by the calling of "Dude"! I just happen to find a little way into the life I love and am following it until I either physically unable to or fall too an untimely end. No two ways about it, screw it if someone says either you or I are not good enough or will never be good enough to live life outdoors... their loss on all the awesome adventures we will have and memories we will keep.
 |
| Partying @ All Good Festival, and it's an UpaDowna Moment! |
The outdoor community is one that takes care of it's own and is supportive of your dreams and adventures. Lets just get that strait... I've been taken care of by so many companies (thanks to Merrell, Cascade Designs and their companies, Sierra Designs, FITS socks, Osprey, and many many more) in one way or another. I am always surprised at the level of care and dedication these companies give back to the community and an proud to say I have or will work with them in the future. If you have any questions on gear, hope to achieve a pro-deal, want to review and test gear, or just want to thank the gear gods for what they have done for you, let them know and be sure to make an impression; there is nothing better for a company who makes products or services to get you back outdoors than a huge thank you and a picture of your adventure. Not to mention you can post it on my FB page (EcoHiker Adventures on Facebook) and share it with the world while encouraging others to get out and have some fun!!!!
So lets wrap this up, maybe it's not the most coherent blog I've done, but it feels like this is a good time to say it. I want to see more and more people working with the outdoors, teaching others, and experience some of the greatest natural wonders we have in this world. If you hesitate, stop and smack yourself a bit, then throw on your gear and get the fudge out there! As always, I'm here if you have questions or just need a bit of a motivational bump to go do it. You know what the best part about all this is? You won't be disappointedc with your decision to do it :) SO GO, BE, DO, AND LOVE everything there is outdoors and be the best outdoor professional you can be. As usual, much love to you all!"Cheers, beers, and the great outdoors!"
~Eco
