November 10, 2005

Dear Outdoor Exposures Participant,

We are looking forward to seeing you in December for a weekend of Outdoor Exposures at the Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone, Minnesota. We hope you feel the same!

Those of us who have spent the semester at the Audubon Center of the North Woods (ACNW) are known as “Fall Blockers.” We are Northland College students with Outdoor Education majors. The emphasis of our majors varies, but we share similar viewpoints on outdoor education. Fall Block has shown us the importance of being aware of our surroundings - even the smallest details, having the ability to interpret even the most abstract observations, how to work as a community - no matter how small, how to push beyond our personal boundaries - physically and emotionally, and most importantly, how to translate this knowledge to others. We now feel that the experiences we have undertaken this semester have had an impact on our lives and have improved our abilities as outdoor educators. We want to give others just a taste of the experience that we have had here at ACNW as Fall Blockers.

Throughout our weekend together, we will be gaining a better understanding of our sense of place. We will be taking part in an experiential activity known as reading the landscape. You will also become more aware of the details often passed by, and get a sense of the Center’s geologic, natural, and cultural history. We, of course, do not want to forget about encouraging you to go beyond your personal boundaries, so you will also have the opportunity to climb immeasurable heights (well not quite immeasurable, but close), and play “Indiana Jones” on swinging rope bridges two stories off the ground! It does not end here…in the evenings we will have bonfires, so be ready to socialize and tell your most embarrassing stories!

Enclosed you will find two forms that need to be returned to us by November 29, 2005. We need this paperwork to ensure that you will have fun, feel comfortable and be in safe situations while here at the Audubon Center. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at (320) 245-3149 or you can e-mail us at phillipst01@northland.edu

Yours Truly,

Fall Block 2005 Students:

Amanda Henderson, Daniel Blankenship, Janeen Williams, Jenna McIntyre, Joanna Wepking, and Terra Hughes