New blog for continued adventures

Hello all!

I hope that you all can use this blog as a tool for keeping updated on my life, where I am, my stories and what I'm up to.  Sometimes I forget to email people so it is simply easier to post on a blog.  This is for your enjoyment.

I begin my second Outward Bound course on Tuesday the 15th and should return the 3rd week in May.  There are different levels of courses which I will explain to help you all get an idea of what types of programs we run.

There are FINS - families in need of services programs.  This works with students 13-16 and their families on proactive measures.  For example, kids can be missing school, cheating, stealing, beginning gang involvement or anything else that would lead to juevey.  We lead then on 20 day canoe expeditions with 10 days of follow-up to help prevent them from making the same negative life choices.  These courses can be male, female or co-ed.  They tend to be run out of Key Largo, Scottsmoor, FL and Fairhope, AL.

There are re-direction courses that are for the same type of kids, except no parent involvement.  They are run in Lowcountry - Charleston, SC and are backpacking trips.  These students have either been in juevey or seriously suspended from school and need to be 're-directed' in life.  These can be male, female or co-ed.

Last but not least are STEP - short-term expeditionary program.  This is based in Yulee, FL and this works with teens 16-18 who have been seriously convicted, are on parole or conditional release status.  These are 30 day canoe expeditions and if these students do not pass they will go to big-boy jail.  We either have male or female courses only, co-ed would just create problems.

There are always three instructors and up to 11 students on each course.  The average number of students on a course would be 8 or 9.  

Luckily for me, my second course gets to be an all male STEP course!  This means that I get my ass kicked everyday by these kids.  They are the tough of the tough.  So wish me luck as I begin this wonderful journey, as the kids would say, "the tree-huggin hippie girl."  I have to say I love my job. 

Please feel free to leave comments and ask me questions.  I should have an idea about my life the rest of the year after I get off course so if you are wondering about the Peace Corps, traveling or continued OB work, my mind is yet to be made up.  We shall see.  

Love and hugs from the woods!