Virginia Heights

Compton Overlook

Last week after a short hike in Shenandoah National Park, the e-tour had an amazing evening and delicious bbq dinner with our Virginia State Advocate Laurie Harmon and her husband Randy. The following morning we had the opportunity to introduce the Leave No Trace principles to her Outdoor Education and Leadership class at George Mason University in Manassas, VA. During the lesson, we also had time to play a few activities with her students such as "The Ethics Game" from the TEEN Activity Pack and "Minimum Impact Match" from the PEAK Activity Pack that these aspiring outdoor educators can add to their bag of tricks for future use.

Susan, Dan and Laurie

After the class, Laurie introduced us to Susan and Dan at The EDGE: Mason Center for Team and Organizational Learning who recently received a Leave No Trace Connect Grant. The EDGE has a mission to challenge the members of the global community to better understand themselves, those around them, and their world by using innovative approaches that educate, inspire and empower. We enjoyed a full tour of their facility and wished we had more time in our schedule to enliven our sense of adventure in their daring treetop playgrounds.

The Tower

Connect Grants are primarily focused on providing support and training to people and organizations that work with culturally diverse communities. To learn more and apply click here.

We hope you have the opportunity to get out and challenge yourself this week. Have fun!

Mark and Tara

2011 e-tour team