The Montreat College Outdoor Education Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Ken Kalisch as an Associate Professor. Mr. Kalisch is well-known in the field of outdoor education and is widely recognized for his lifelong commitment to wilderness program ministry. Ken served for 30 years at Wheaton College as a teaching faculty in Christian Education and as a full-time program manager at the College’s HoneyRock campus in northern Wisconsin. Among many programs he developed the High Road Wilderness Program, the forerunner of the Discovery Wilderness Program at Montreat College. He has written a popular textbook for leadership training titled The Role of the Instructor in the Outward Bound Educational Process. Regarding his move to Montreat, Professor Kalisch said, “I have heard many good things about the strong OE progam at Montreat College. I am pleased for the opportunity to join Montreat’s faculty and a growing program that is making a big difference in the lives of young adults.”Professor Kalisch joins Dr. Andrew Bobilya, Dr. Dottie Shuman, Dr. Brad Daniel, and Professor Dave Sperry, who also directs the Backcountry Wilderness Program.

New Team and Leadership Center

The Outdoor Education Department was blessed to have one of its alumni, Mr. Shane Sullards of Lapdog, inc. offer to teach a course in challenge course design and installation during the fall 2006 semester.  It was Shane's dream to build the College a comprehensive challenge course that could be used as a training center for Montreat Students and an outreach to the community.  Shane's only stipulation was that he be able to teach students through the process. The students worked one day a week in addition to their fall break and part of their Christmas break to complete the course.  The College now has a Challenge Tower, High Teams Course, fixed low initiative course and portable initiatives to use for training and public programming.  The course is currently being used as a tool for team and leadership development among church and school groups, corporate training departments and others.  The Department is grateful to Shane Sullards and Greg Peck of  lapdog, inc., the students and volunteers and all those who donated their time and financial resources to make this project a reality.

Immersion Semester       

The purpose of the Outdoor Education (OE) Immersion Semester and Certificate in Wilderness Leadership is to offer OE courses together in a semester format that will allow students the opportunity to spend increased time away from the Montreat College campus, live in an intentional community, and focus on developing as Christian wilderness leaders. The program is open to current Montreat College students who meet the prerequisite requirements and to others interested in attending the College for the semester certificate program only. Courses may include Leadership and Group Dynamics, Field Natural History, Expedition Management, Outdoor Programming, and Leadership in Whitewater Canoeing or Kayaking and Rock Climbing. Students may receive certifications from the American Canoe Association, Wilderness Education Association, and Wilderness First Responder. Students are required to pay regular tuition and room and board fees plus a special course fee. This program is designed for Sophomore and Junior students during the spring semester and includes over 55 days of direct field experience and attendance at a professional conference.  The students live in cabins on the College's Black Mountain campus, cook all of their own meals, and engage in an integrated set of courses.  The semester culminates with the students providing programming for local youth agencies in the community.

 Wilderness Journey for First Year Students (OE 181)

The Outdoor Education Department will offer its 3rd annual Wilderness Journey for First Year Students course as a pre-orientation option for incoming freshmen and transfer students in August. Students participate in a 12-15 day backcountry expedition in the mountains of Western North Carolina prior to starting their first year at the College.  This course focuses on individual and group development in four core areas: service, stewardship, discipleship, and leadership.  Through this experience, students are encouraged to work together, develop an attitude of service, and gain an appreciation for the natural environment.  Emphasis is placed on spiritual growth and Christian fellowship – particularly as students consider their transition to the college community.  Included in the requirements for this course is a reflective paper and post-course gatherings during the fall semester.  Applications for Fall 08 are currently being accpeted.

CLIMBE

CLIMBE (The Center for Learning and Investigating in Mountain Backcountry Ecosystems) provides an environmental training and research center for gifted 8th-12th graders who have an interest in field and laboratory science.  The CLIMBE program was recently granted another 3 years of funding to focus on the study of climate change.