WELCOME! This blog chronicles the ministry events of Emily's work with the Outdoor Leadership Team (OLT) of the CCO. OLT staff invest in the lives of college students often by "suspending the normal rhythms of campus life" through adventure activities that allow students to check their bearings in life. We engage in recreation for the sake of re-creation, learning, and growth that can transform lives into those of leadership and service.

Please note: the views expressed on this blog are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCO or OLT.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Emily Works Inside?

My office. A.k.a. our dining room.

Yes, it is true. Although I work as a member of the Outdoor Leadership Team I spend the majority of my time inside. Just what do I do with all of that time? Well, for every trip that I lead there are hours, weeks, and even months of preparation and follow up work required. This includes designing the experience appropriate to the goals of the group: theme, length of experience, activity, and location. Once I have the big picture in place there are the details: recruiting participants & instructors, creating a budget, developing the curriculum, planning the itinerary, planning the menu and buying food, gathering the equipment, etc. After the experience is facilitated there is clean up, follow up with participants & staff, and evaluation of the trip.

In my office. There's a very casual dress code.

Trip planning is just one aspect of my office work. I also spend a significant amount of time support raising. This is not just asking people for money, but staying in good communication with my support team and sharing the vision of my work with an ever increasing audience. It includes my newsletter, keeping this blog updated, prayer emails, thank you notes, supporter events, and visiting supporters.

The view from my desk!

Additionally, I work with my supervisor Joy to handle some of the administrative work for the Outdoor Leadership Team. I'm typically at the CCO office one day per week doing this.

And later this month I will begin work at the Cafe & Creamery that my church is starting in my neighborhood. I'll be there about 10 hours per week to specifically build relationships with the youth that frequent the Cafe. I am excited to add that new aspect to my work.

So you can see that there are plenty of ways I stay busy when I'm not outside! I hope this has given you a better feel for my work!

Please take a moment to join me on a tour of my office building! Click the "play" button below and enjoy!