BioLite Camp Stove - coming to EOU?

Check out this incredible product video. BioLite Camp Stove is a camp stove (obviously!) and highly portable energy producer. This companies other products are similar, though on a larger scale and have the possibility to positively affect the lives of millions of people around the world.

If we purchased one or more of these stoves for use on our courses and trips, as well as for FREE student rental, would you use it?

Send us your feedback at gisaak@eou.edu or stop by the Outdoor Program and let us know what you think.

Spring Break Skiing in the Wallowa Mountains

Here is a great video of our friends at the Wallowa Alpine Huts  and the incredible backcountry ski terrain in the Wallowa Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Depending on local avalanche and snowpack conditions (see Wallowa Avalanche Center) we will kick off our EOU Spring Break with an overnight, tent-based, ski tour up towards Eagle Cap mountain.

Then we head on over to Central Oregon to experience some of the best rock climbing in the country. More than just rock climbing, Bend and Central Oregon is home to some of the best outdoor terrain in the state.

Not a bad way to spend Spring Break! Want to join us? Check out http://www.eou.edu/outdoor/ and contact us today.

EOU Climbing Club Competes at BSU Buck-Off

On Saturday, March 10^th the EOU Rock Climbing Club led a trip to Boise State University for the annual “Buck-Off” climbing competition. 4 members of the rock climbing club left at 5:00am for BSU’s campus and climbed until 4:00pm. The climbers included Mark Canavan, Chris Chipman, Scott Hatfield, and Calvin Erickson. The competition was held as primarily top rope climbs and boulder problems with a very easygoing and friendly feel. Specifically, climbers were split into either beginner (5.7-5.9), intermediate (5.10-5.11) or advanced (5.11+) and were given 2 hours to complete as many climbs as possible. The word competition here is used loosely, as often competitors would laugh and exchange beta with one another, and there were always supportive cheers with any successful climb. Winners were declared, but due to the size of this event a sponsored raffle was held were all competitors eventually won something for their troubles, and everyone went away with an excellent experience. This was the first of many trips to come and we encourage people to join the EOU Climbing Club as active members will be sponsored for free entry into many events. Rock on! (All photos Mark Canavan)

Undergraduate Internships at the North Cascades Institute

North Cascades Institute is seeking motivated undergraduate students to be spring or fall interns at its Environmental Learning Center, located on the shores of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. Up to two interns will be selected each season to live and work alongside Institute staff and graduate students. Internships are designed to provide training in environmental education with some practical application of skills; as such, interns will work under close supervision from mentors. Duties include observing and teaching our residential environmental education program, Mountain School, assisting with educational programs for youth or adults, assisting with Learning Center operations, and participating in Institute events, staff meetings, and program debriefs. In addition, the interns will be responsible for completing an independent project related to the experience. This is a full-time position. Interns should expect to work five days (approximately forty hours) each week. Some weekend work is required. There is some flexibility with responsibilities based upon individual university requirements. It is the responsibility of the intern to complete paperwork with his or her university necessary to receive credit for the experience.

Qualifications

Required:

·       Enthusiasm for the mission of North Cascades Institute

·       Junior or Senior status at a university

·       Some coursework in a related field

·       Experience working with children

·       Willingness to live in a rural area

·       Ability to hike four miles with a backpack

·       Possession of current driver’s license; acceptable driving record for past three years

·       CPR/ First Aid Certification (more advanced certifications preferred)

·       Criminal history disclosure form and background check will be required

Preferred:

·       Wilderness First Responder Certification.  Strong preference will be given to applicants with this certification. Interns without this certification will not be able to solo instruct some programs.

·       Experience living in a small community

·       Experience working at a camp or residential education center

·       Familiarity with Microsoft Office

·       Ability to complete the full term of the internship

Responsibilities

Teaching (50%): Attend staff training; shadow, team teach, and solo instruct Mountain School program; assist with planning and teaching of at least two weekend programs.

Administrative and operations (20%): Assist with facility operations and gear maintenance; attend weekly meetings and hands-to-work.

Assessment and Evaluation (10%): Participate in weekly program debriefs, weekly check-in with supervisor, end-of season debrief and exit interview; participate in peer observations and feedback.

Independent Project (20%): Complete an independent project related to natural history, environmental education, stewardship or the operation of an Environmental Learning Center. The project should be approved by the supervisor and submitted to NCI upon completion.  Ideal projects will be relevant to the Institute and in a format that can be utilized after the intern leaves. Past projects have included developing lesson plans to be used at NCI programs, making educational videos, and writing a native plant restoration management plan.

Benefits and Housing

This is an unpaid internship, available for college credit. Interns will be offered housing either at the Environmental Learning Center or in the neighboring towns of Diablo or Newhalem. Interns may be asked to share a room for part or all of the internship. Interns are responsible for their own food, though some meals will be provided when programs are in session. Interns are responsible for their own health insurance and transportation.

Application deadlines

Spring internship deadline: February 1, 2012

Fall internship deadline: May 1, 2012

Internship Dates

Spring internship: February 27 – June 10, 2012 (some flexibility)

Fall internship: August 29 – December 7, 2012 (some flexibility)

To Apply

To apply, please send letter of interest, resume, and names of three references with current contact information to:

North Cascades Institute

Undergraduate Internships

Attn: Katie Chipko

810 State Route 20

Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

For more information, contact Katie Chipko at 206-526-2562, or mailto:katie_chipko@ncascades.org?subject=Undergrad%20internships%20query%20from%20web.

Snowmobile avalanche survival: Lessons from a near tragedy

This is an incredible video of an avalanche survival produced by the Utah Avalanche Center. If you snowmobile or ski in the backcountry this video is a must see.

EOU Outdoor Program Job Openings

Job Openings

The Outdoor Program has four immediate openings for student staff positions. We are looking for EOU students that are passionate about the outdoors and about eastern Oregon. See details below and apply before Friday, March 23 to be considered.

Job Title:  Outdoor Program staff member

Number of Positions:  4

Salary $8.80 - $9.25

Qualifications Must demonstrate strong leadership potential and active interest and involvement in outdoor activities relating to the Outdoor Program. Typical program activities include: hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing, rafting, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, cycling, ice climbing and winter camping. Applicants do not need to be advanced or expert in these activities (though experts are welcome to apply!). Familiarity or experience leading groups or clubs on outdoor adventure trips, and teaching skills are desirable as is experience with outdoor equipment repair and maintenance. The ideal applicant will be creative, independent and able to think "outside the box". We welcome applications from EOU students with all levels of outdoor experience and ability.

Duties: Serve students and community members through equipment rental and check-out. Clean and maintain the Outdoor Program and outdoor adventure equipment. Attend regular staff trainings. In addition to the above duties, each employee is encouraged to take leadership in at least one area of focus within the Outdoor Program. These areas include: rock climbing, cycling, snow sports, river sports, environmental advocacy, and equipment service. Staff members will work with the Outdoor Program Coordinator to develop their area of focus through, 1. Rental equipment maintenance/acquisition 2. Student-centered recreation activities 3. Student-centered instructional classes 4. Community outreach.

Days Hours: Monday - Friday 12-4 pm (possibly some weekends)

Hours per week: 5 - 15

Beginning Date: April 2

Ending Date: Ongoing

How to Apply: To be considered for a position in the Outdoor Program please send your resume and a brief cover letter to gisaak@eou.edu or drop it off in the Outdoor Program (Hoke 102).

When to Apply: Immediately

Job Posted: 3/5/2012    

Application Deadline: March 26

Telephone:  541-962-3621  

WMA Wilderness First Aid at Eastern Oregon University

Come take a Wilderness First Aid course at Eastern Oregon University from the Wilderness Medical Associates, April 14 & 15th. Click here for more information...