John Gookin Receives Paul K. Petzoldt Leadership Award

Estes Park, CO – On February 19, 2010 during the 2010 National Conference on Outdoor Leadership. John Gookin, Curriculum & Research Manager for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) received the Paul K. Petzoldt Award. Wilderness Education Association (WEA) is honoring John Gookin for his significant contributions to the field of Outdoor Leadership. This award has been given to recipients such as Tap Tapley, Glen Exum, Yvon Chouinard, Phil Powers, and Bill McKibben. John Gookin is the twenty-third person to receive this award.

John Gookin began his career at NOLS in 1981 as a field instructor with more than 250 weeks teaching students technical skills, leadership and about the environment. For the last 21 years, John has been the managing curriculum and research for NOLS. During this time, he has been involved with research with the University of Utah on student outcomes.

Drew Leemon, Director of Risk Management for NOLS says “John is a dedicated educator has passionately provided leadership to legions of NOLS instructors and students for embracing experiential education. John doesn’t give you the answers, he gives you the tools to find them yourself and to be a life long learner. This award is a fabulous recognition of John’s talent, experience, dedication and expertise.”

The Wilderness Educational Association and the Professional Ropes Course Association are the co-hosts of the 2010 National Conference on Outdoor Leadership.