THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR STAFF TRAINING
Our Outdoor Education Training is a major part of The Pali experience. It's how we prepare you for the upcoming season and making sure you're set up for success! You'll be trained on how to teach our 25 classes, learn to belay on all of our 4 ropes courses, explore different ways of managing your cabins and activity groups, how to understand our massive schedule for 100+ instructors and leadership members, and you will grow into an exceptional outdoor educator. While we can wax poetic about the friendships made, beautiful views seen, and thermos's of coffee sipped on, read on for some basic things every new Pali Instructor should know about their first training!
1. It’s a TRAINING for a reason
Pali has been an OE program since the 1990's. Whether you have previous outdoor experience or not, we’ve learned that using a training like this is an awesome set up for helping you transition to a new program. We do not expect you to know everything and even a couple weeks in, you'll still have questions and that's totally okay! This training will help introduce you to Pali, The San Bernardino Mountains, and your new community of peers, coworkers, and leadership mentors.
2. Our OE Staff is the best
Our staff is filled with dedicated and passionate people who all have different backgrounds, majors, hobbies, and experiences. All of our leadership and returners have experienced what you're about to do - become an Instructor! We all have the same goal - to get kids outside and learning about the world in a hands on experience unlike any other. Once you get your feet on the ground at Pali, you'll have many opportunities to gain experience in challenge courses, honing in on your teaching skills, getting really good talking to middle schoolers, and expanding on your leadership skills amongst children and adults!
3. You don’t have to be an outdoors expert
You can be a total beginner on any of our OE experiences. We’ll provide the instruction and training before any schools arrive and it will always be geared towards those with little previous experience. You just need to show up with an open mind, your personal equipment and be willing to try new things! Whether it's dissecting a squid or shooting off a bottle rocket!
4. You'll be staying in cabin
Yes! You heard that right, camper. (Just the first couple days of training!)
During training, you'll arrive and be greeted by our leadership team. You will stay in one of our cabins with other new and returning instructors and you'll essentially experience what your future students will experience. Hey - we weren't joking about really being into experiential education. Do not fret! Toward the end of training we will place you in one of our Pali Homes to get settled in. While you're on site during training, you will be given a schedule (the days are LONG, we aren't going to lie), a Pali Curriculum binder, & some goodies that will help you make it through (Quick - Redvines or Twizzlers?!)
5. You’re gonna be cold
Hey, we're in the San Bernardino Mountains in January! Don't forget to get warm waterproof boots, a warm jacket, a large water bottle, LOTS OF SOCKS, and quick dry clothes. We'll be going on a lot of hikes, working on ropes courses, and working outside. You'll probably beat your step goal by lunch. We'll also spend a healthy amount of time in our indoor classrooms as well but it's good to keep the practice of dressing "adventure ready."
6. Don’t drop thousands on gear
Everyone comes from many different backgrounds and we are big believers in "The Outdoors are for everyone!" And although we include a comprehensive gear list for our staff, your gear simply needs to do three things: keep you healthy, warm, and dry.
Bring your medications and toiletries, comfortable bedding, comfortable and appropriate outdoor clothes, rain gear (Frogg Toggs are great at $10–$30 for pants and a jacket), and sturdy/comfortable footwear. Sorry, no open toed shoes on site! Don’t be afraid to borrow, buy secondhand, and get thrifty! January-April is winter at Pali and we need you to be prepared.
We do provide Pro-Deals to many major brands! You'll be eligible after your first paycheck!
7. OE leaders help you get settled on arrival day!
OE staff will be ready and waiting to whisk you away on Arrival Day! It's is designed to help you get settled, fill out important paperwork, get your staff shirts, hoodies, and jacket, take your drug test, and meet with other new and returning staff. We totally understand that this can be overwhelming and a little out of your comfort zone. Please speak up if you need anything, forgot your toothbrush, or have questions! We're here to support you every step of the way.
8. At some point, you are going to be frustrated
Be willing to step out of your comfort zone with small and big steps. We know that not everyone is comfortable with all aspects of the OE experience and hopefully this training will help you fulfill your needs. But we also want there to be some discomfort—this is a good thing and a major part of growing! OE leaders will be there to support you as well as the new friends you meet along the way.
9. Almost everyone is feeling a combo of nervous/excited/pumped/apprehensive…
Hey human! You're being a human! Worrying about making friends, new experiences, or feeling overwhelmed is normal. Even our leaders, many whom have lead multiple trainings before, get nervous before meeting new staff! Training is a big deal and it is okay to feel your feelings! You'll be encouraged to take personal breaks, reach out to home, and to take care of yourself!
10. There are no dumb questions
While on site, our leaders are here to listen to your questions and concerns. They will work their hardest to make sure you have a great experience. If you have questions about food, gear, training details, or anything else before you arrive, email Memaw at asstdirector@paliinstitute.com, who coordinates with all of our new staff.
Now pack your bags, put on your boots, and let’s hit the trail!