The Mountain Seminar For Educators
Mentored by Nels Jensen and James Ure
9 – 21 August 2010
"The Mountain Seminar was a turning point in my life. Not only did I get to rappel, rock climb, hike, and backpack, but I found what I was really seeking - a deeper acquaintance with myself, with creation, and with the greatness in other people. Our visit to the Wind River Range was like coming to a home I didn't know I had. Delicate flowers, sparkling glacial lakes, rugged cliffs, and enormous bull moose welcomed me to a physical, spiritual, and intellectual journey toward my best self. . . . It will take a lifetime to apply all the lessons I learned on the Mountain Seminar, but I could not think of a better way to start." - Emily B.
Join educators of all 
types and their spouses in the breathtaking beauty of the Wind Rivers range for an extended recreational retreat focusing on the principles of mentoring. Experience the stunning peaks, pristine mountain lakes, diverse wildlife and epic fishing of the Wind Rivers range while participating in group activities and discussion. Individual solo experiences will give you a chance to connect with nature. Additional unstructured time will give you a chance to enjoy things in your own way.
“The scholar is he of all men whom [nature] most engages. So much of nature as he is ignorant of, so much of his own mind does he not yet possess.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Mountain Seminar Schedule
Part I, Didactic: August 9 - 14. Read the books independently and join in online classes where we’ll discuss the readings and prepare for the expedition.
- Tues, 8/10 7-9pm MST - Discussion of "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years"
- Wed, 8/11 7-9pm MST - Discussion of "The Last Lecture"
- Fri, 8/13 7-9pm MST - Discussion of "Mastery"
Part II, Expedition: August 16 - 21. Backpacking in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains. Catch trout, swim in pristine lakes, sit around the campfire and summit a peak. Read articles about education and mentoring together and discuss. Meditate and write in your trail journal. Renew and revitalize as your focus on a life of purpose.
Registration
The seminar cost is $750 per student and covers mentoring, transportation Cedar City, UT and Wind Rivers, WY and all meals while backpacking. Registration is due June 5th. If you have further questions, contact James Ure at jure@gw.edu.
Register online
Texts
Miller, A Million Miles In A Thousand Years
Leonard, Mastery
Pausch, The Last Lecture
Participants are responsible for acquiring their own books. Additional readings will be provided.
*Backpacking location subject to change.
**Credit awarded to enrolled GWU students only. Cost of "exam" credit is separate from seminar fees. Credits must be purchased within one year of completion of seminar.
Additional Information:
- George Wythe University contracts with Legend Outdoors, an outdoor education company owned by Nels Jensen, to offer the Mountain Seminar.
- Participants of the Mountain Seminar are required to create and follow a physical fitness plan in preparation for the expedition. Plans should be submitted to James Ure jure@gw.edu
- This seminar is best suited to educators, mentors and teachers.
- No particular level of prior experience with outdoor activities is required.
- Although our staff are Wilderness First Responder certified, participants are primarily responsible for their own health and safety during the entire seminar.
- Some equipment is provided for you. Other items are available to rent. For more info see “Backpacking Equipment List 10”; this list may be obtained from GWU Seminar Registration Office or by emailing James Ure jure@gw.edu.
