Newark-bound

I’m writing as I travel to Newark, New Jersey. I’ll try to post this from DIA.

Tomorrow I’ll be doing a presentation for Newark school teachers and others who work with youth in Newark. The Rivendell Foundation sponsors up to four individuals each year as they pursue a NOLS education. Each Rivendell Scholar is expected then to use that education to positively impact young people in Newark.

This presentation has become an annual tradition and is one of my favorite parts of my job. It is like old home week. Ken Goldman and Barbara Greenburg of the Rivendell Foundation are always there along with many of our Rivendell/NOLS alumni. It is always inspiring to hear how these graduates are using what they learned at NOLS—starting recycling programs at their schools, starting outdoor education programs, helping students develop their leadership skills. Many of these teachers have the tools after NOLS to take Newark kids out on extended field trips or will get involved with a New Jersey program called Project U.S.E. Project U.S.E. has an outdoor center in North Jersey and offers great opportunities for urban youth to experience the outdoors.

This relationship is a great one for NOLS and for the Newark community.

Bruce Palmer, NOLS marketing director