Program Leader Emily Wilbert relaxes on the summit of Centennial Peak with her River and Mountain Adventure group in July 2009.

This is a guest post from Eli Shostak, Deer Hill’s Staff Manager:

As Staff Manager at Deer Hill, I spend a fair amount of time chatting with people who are interested in being Deer Hill Field Staff. As our conversation winds down, I ask if the person has any questions for me. One question that comes up again and again is “What do you look for in a DHE leader?”

My answer always comes in three parts. The easiest part of the answer focuses on the basics. A DHE leader is at least 21 years old, has a clean background and spotless driving record, is a certified Wilderness First Responder and has a CPR card. If they don’t already have a Utah River Guide’s License, they need the skills and experience to obtain one.  They have previous experience leading teens in the outdoors and have at least three people who will vouch for their competence.  These requirements make a good starting point, but it takes more to be truly qualified to do this kind of work.

Deer Hill leaders are role models who have technical expertise, or “hard skills”, and the professional experience and resumes to prove it. Some have studied adventure education at school, some are graduates from prestigious organizations like the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) or the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and some have participated in impressive expeditions that demonstrate their talents. They must also have the “soft” skills to teach others how to be proficient outdoor travelers, and to take care of their group. They can fully commit their hearts and minds to their groups because they are comfortable being in wild places for extended periods of time. Leading courses that are often 21 days or more in length requires a certain amount of mental and physical stamina – it’s easier if you already have exemplary technical competence and experience.

The first two parts of my answer don’t quite get at the heart of what being a Deer Hill Leader means. As people who have participated in extended wilderness and/or cultural adventures can tell you, the experience is unlike any other on Earth. Deep connections between individuals who have only known each other a short while, expansive experiences of landscapes that were initially intimidating, and reassessing the boundaries of our own strength and our capability are common elements of a Deer Hill course. Our leaders are intimately aware of just how powerful this experience is and strive to highlight it. A DHE leader recognizes the transformational nature of these experiences and works day and night to facilitate this awareness for our students. While this element of being a DHE leader is hardest to quantify it is potentially one of the most important.

Our leaders are passionate people who choose to leave their communities behind and head to far out places with a new group, year after year, driven by their dedication to our mission and their deep belief in the lessons that can only be learned during these types of adventures. Being a part of this staff is certainly one of the best parts of my job.