Hands-on learning helps youth discover the way to lead
"Pathfinders: Those who know not the way, but who are sent to discover it. We are these people; whether or not we were when we came, we are now."
The Lake Superior Pathfinders Environmental Leadership Program allows youth to immerse themselves in environmental issues, build their leadership capabilities, and apply their new knowledge and skills for the well-being of their own communities. Photos by LAKE SUPERIOR PATHFINDERS
With these words, high-schooler Marie DeMars sums up her experience in the Lake Superior Pathfinders Environmental Leadership Program. The program, which springs from a University of Wisconsin-Extension - Northland College partnership, builds youth leadership around critical environmental issues through experiential learning on Lake Superior.
More than a leadership program
"Pathfinders is more than a leadership program, it's a journey of self-discovery and skill development with the goal of empowering people to take active roles in their communities," says Elizabeth Post, environmental education specialist with UW-Extension and director of the Lake Superior Pathfinders Program at Northland College's Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute in Ashland.
Real-life learning
Pathfinders focuses on the complex interaction between environmental protection, economic development and community needs, and the impact of these factors on conservation and land-use decisions. The Lake Superior Basin is a "living classroom," supporting learning based on a sustainability model that balances social, environmental and economic perspectives.
Youth learn about leadership while participating in ropes courses and climbing walls, exploring estuaries, kayaking the sea caves, and camping on beaches. Students gain insight into the lake's cultural significance by interacting with elders and educators of the Anishinabe, or Chippewa, tribe. Northland College's Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute and UW-Extension educators and field counselors facilitate learning with guest speakers and natural resource professionals.
Pathfinders' participants build leadership skills through physical challenges including climbing walls, kayaking and camping.
Profound influence
The weeklong Pathfinders experience has a profound influence on grade 9 through 12 students, as evidenced by their reflections on what they learned and a newfound sense of their own power to effect change.
"You start out thinking that you're coming here to help out and save your community. Once you leave you realize you've really helped and saved yourself! The relationships and changes you make will change you forever," says a report by returning students, called Navigators, who serve as guides.
Another student, Lucy Clements, recorded in her journal: "Never in my life have I met people with such passion. These were teenagers who I could actually have faith in; whom I felt would really put actions behind their words and live their lives looking for ways to shed light on ... environmental indifference. Through these participants I learned how to have faith in people."
Prepared to change the world
The lasting impact of Pathfinders may ripple out into the lives of these students for years, as they work on environmental issues in their own communities. Their increased knowledge and skills enable them to participate as engaged and caring citizens in changing things for the better.
"I am more motivated to take a stand on environmental issues and go home and do something about them," says Betsy Baertlein, a 2005 participant. "I also have more confidence in myself as a leader."
"I would definitely recommend this program," wrote the parent of one student. "I like how you combine environmental topics with leadership training. Not only did you make them aware of critical environmental concerns, but you taught them how to take action."
As one student summarized, "I've found accomplishing goals is not as tough as I thought. Also, there are powerful people here who may just change the world one day."
UW-Extension-Northland College partnership
Funded in its first two years by a Wisconsin Coastal Management grant awarded to UW-Extension, Pathfinders, now in its third year, is funded by Northland College with student tuition covering only room and board and supplies. The college, which contracts with UW-Extension to direct Pathfinders, is seeking funding to continue the program. —Jo Futrell
We did it! The Pathfinders program reached more than 1,200 youth in 2005 through environmental/leadership education programming during the school year and three weeklong summer sessions.
Growing in size and influence
- In 2005, the Pathfinders environmental education/leadership development program reached 1,162 youth throughout the state during the school year.
- In 2005, 85 high school students — 59 from Wisconsin — participated in three Pathfinders' summer sessions. In 2004, 38 youth participated in summer sessions, and an adult program was piloted.
- Pre- and post-assessments show that students' confidence in their leadership abilities increased as a result of participating in Pathfinders. A follow-up survey is in progress to assess participants' progress on their personal action plans and their level of involvement in their high schools and colleges.
For more information and summer 2006 application forms: Lake Superior Pathfinders Program Director Elizabeth Post, (715) 682-1482; www.northland.edu/pathfinders; pathfinders@northland.edu