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Outdoor Pursuits recently completed yet another “Graduate River Trip” in the program’s 45 year history. During this trip we send our seniors off into the world with a river-style commencement speech, recognition from their peers, and a whole lot of fun. Sometimes though, a graduating senior has some wisdom of their own to share…
Read MoreFinding water in the desert can be a difficult task. It is not unlike finding meaning and purpose in our lives in a world that is discouraging and harsh at times. In the spirit of graduation season, the LC shares its steps for finding “water” as today’s graduates begin the next steps in their journeys…
Read MoreThe final chapter of the Cardinal Challenge takes us on a gravel ride back in time where we reflect on the previous points of the compass and some lessons learned…
Read MorePart three of the Cardinal Challenge take us deep into the Weminuche Wilderness where sought after peaks are bagged; whitewater is paddled; friendship is deepened; and a life is inspired…
Read MoreA parameter of the Cardinal Challenge, is that each adventure must have some objective to be achieved. In the West Challenge, the LC looks to help out a friend as he builds his dream…
Read MoreDue to a summer of disruption caused by a global pandemic, the Lesson Collective turns to its own backyard for a source of adventure, exploration, learning and connection. This is the first of four human-powered adventures in each of the cardinal directions. Welcome to the Cardinal Challenge…
Read MoreSometimes we plod along through life on auto pilot without thinking about “why” we are making the decisions we are or where we are headed. In this post we find inspiration in the work of two women who have found their “why” and have dedicated themselves to helping young women find theirs as well.
Read MoreDoes our urge to recreate come from a place of mental health and well-being or are we simply grasping for a perception of “happiness?“ In this post, former adventure addict, Brad Meiklejohn, shares some thoughtful words on where, for some us, the drive to pursue our outdoor activities derives…
Read MoreWith the current state of the world, is it responsible to seek out adventures in lands beyond our local community? There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but the LC has come up with a possible alternative for those of us who are adventure-minded…
Read MoreAs we have shown through the LC, life lessons abound in the deserts, mountains, rivers, and oceans of our amazing planet. As we learn in this beautiful post, there is no shortage of parallels between chasing backcountry powder and educating rambunctious middle schoolers…
Read MoreAll it takes is a single spark to ignite a fire. However, to keep the fire aflame and grow it into inextinguishable bonfire, there must exist both a caretaker and a fuel source. The task to empower our nation’s 25 million girls is a daunting one, but the “Fire Tenders” are finding inspiration through a collective vision to stoke the flames and empower the next generation of women leaders…
Read MoreIn era where authenticity is compromised by social media, it can be refreshing to relearn that life isn’t all sunshine and lollipops. In this check-in by LC contributor, Hollie Ernest, shares how the uphills and downhills are all a part of the journey…
Read MoreCollegiate outdoor orientation programs have the power to change lives and affect the course of an incoming college student’s college experience. They also can teach those leading such programs some valuable life lessons…
Read MoreSometimes the universe feels the need to teach us some life lessons. When we refuse to slow down and learn, it finds its own ways to make us listen…
Read MoreThree years ago we started a snow artist program called the Red Mountain Residency. This week long backcountry hut trip is all about bringing new and old friends together to catch up, laugh, eat good food, and of course, ski deep San Juan powder. Check out this glimpse into this year’s residency…
Read MoreHow many times do we let go of our dreams? Succumbing to circumstance. Putting them off for a “better time.” It takes courage and often times sacrifice, to hold fast and make our dreams a reality—especially, if one’s dream is to circle the globe by bike…
Read MoreIt can be easy amidst the busyness of our daily lives to lose perspective and let the frenetic pace of life dictate each life turn and decision. If not careful, our dreams are lost and we find ourselves living a life that is not our own. During these times, a visit to Mother Nature to hit the “reset” button may be just what is needed…
Read MoreUpon graduating from college, most people begin launching into a career whether out of necessity to begin the daunting task to pay off student loans or just out of societal pressure to take the “next” life step. With the current generation of graduates, it is however, becoming more common for those with an adventurous spirit to strike out on a post-college trip or sabbatical from what has been the norm. Often times these experiences lead to learning some extraordinary life lessons…
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