Dear WEA Members,

 

It is truly an honor to serve as the new president of the board of trustees of the Wilderness Education Association.  As a board member for the past several years it has been a real pleasure to have even a small part in important recent developments. I have been especially honored to serve with such a great group of professionals.

 

I became a member of WEA in 1987 and have observed the development of professional outdoor leadership certification for almost a quarter of a century.  In those twenty-five years, outdoor leadership has become increasingly diversified. Special interest organizations and trade groups have grown up around the “adventure specialties” that have emerged. WEA, however, continues to be the consistent voice advocating for  professionalization of outdoor leaders. The continuing development and refinement of curriculum standards for the preparation of outdoor leadership professionals forms the core of the WEA mission. That mission, begun in 1978 with the 18-point curriculum, continues with extensive curriculum restructuring and refinement during the last decade. That mission has been further expanded and facilitated by development of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation Education and Leadership.

 

As WEA transitions from a provider of courses to an accrediting body and continues the institution of the International Registry of Outdoor Leaders, I encourage educators and outdoor professionals who have encountered WEA in the past to take a closer look.  I can confidently say; “This isn’t your parents’ WEA.”– I can also stoutly affirm it stands firmly rooted in the tradition of outdoor professionalism and safety envisioned by it’s founders.  

 

I encourage new professionals to examine and take advantage of the International Registry of Outdoor Leaders to begin establishing their professional credentials as an outdoor leader. I also encourage you to actively participate in the doings of the association. This is your profession and your association. Attending the national conference connects you to the network of outdoor professionals. Your personal involvement in the committees and groups of the association directly influences how WEA and the field of professional outdoor leadership develop. I look forward to meeting and working with you in the coming year.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mike McGowan