symposium

Sharing Our Future:
The First International Symposium focused on the theme "Sharing Our Future". All of the activities and the workshops focused on sharing ideas and activities as well as methods of how to better share our ideas across borders. Approximately 114 people attended the conference, 34 from overseas and 80 Australian staff. Staff stayed in dormitories, canvas tents or camped using their own equipment. The international staff lived and learned at the Outward Bound Australia National Base Camp in Tharwa, Australia.

Pre and Post Conference:
Outward Bound Australia worked hard to create opportunities for staff to stay and explore Australia both before and after the symposium. This allowed for staff, who were flying from great distances, to get more out of their experiences. The pre-conference workshops included the Kurt Hahn Training Series by Tony Richards, "Rediscovering Your Aboriginal Heart" by Graham Ellis-Smith, a Sydney Discovery Outward Bound course, and some Team Management Systems trainings. Tony's workshop was provided courtesy of Outward Bound International, Graham Ellis-Smith charged a small fee for his workshop, and the Team Management Systems (TMS) trainings were scholarship courses provided courtesy of TMS. After the symposium, Graham Ellis-Smith offered an additional course and TMS offered additional courses. In addition, Outward Bound Australia offered a short "wilderness course" and a climb of Mt. Kosciusko for participants to experience the wilds of Australia and the programs at OBA.

Symposium Opening:

The symposium was opened with two separate keynotes and introductions from Outward Bound Australia. The evening of the 21st, Graham Ellis-Smith gave an inspirational "reconnecting to our work" talk that looked at how we relate to nature and how we express that in our lessons as outdoor educators. The next morning we were welcomed by Tim Medhurst, Executive Director of OB Australia, who introduced Ian Curlewis, Q.C. one of the two Trustees of Outward Bound Australia. Ian welcomed us all with a full group activity of the "peeling bananas" chant and a historical look at Outward Bound in Australia. After Ian spoke, Tony Richards helped us "Re-invent the we'll" of Outward Bound with a rousing and funny keynote focusing on Kurt Hahn.

Day One: Learning about each other's schools:
After the keynotes and welcomes, staff had the chance to learn about all the schools represented at the conference. New training ideas were shared, new activities such as "waterfall climbing" at Outward Bound Japan, and the nuances of how each school interprets the mission of Outward Bound were made clearer. Staff were eager to hear about other schools and many saw opportunities for collaboration and staff exchange.

Day Two: Activity Day
This was a unique and fun day that provided snapshots of what we do at Outward Bound. Staff engaged in activities such as the OBA ropes courses, caving, rock climbing, pointillism (from OB Czech Intertouch program), whitewater activities, and expeditioning. During these activities, facilitated by the OB Australia staff, instructors had the opportunity to share their practices of managing and framing activities.

Day Three: Workshops
On the third day, staff had the opportunities to share their skills and work. Workshops ranged from learning about specific successful programs at schools, staff training and leadership techniques, to improving international communications and best practices. At the end of this day, Karim Haddad, school director of OBA facilitated a closing circle where each of the staff participants shared a lesson learned. It was a powerful moment where participants recognized the auspicious field of work we are engaged in and the great people we work with.

Evening Events:
Each evening OB Australia planned exciting events for the group. The first night was a Bush Dance at the local dance hall complete with a local band and plaid shirts . This was a great way to loosen up the group and begin to build connections. At the end of the evening, staff from OBA and elsewhere shared stories and poems.
On the second night, OBA hosted "Quiz Night" which was a fun filled team game with lots of funny questions and great prizes. On the third and final evening, there was a special dinner and a campfire where the participants shared traditional songs from their countries.

In all, these events, helped create friendships and connections between staff that will last beyond the Symposium.