sargent
center

Leadership
and Career Development for Arts Administration AR 700
Laboratory Sessions: June 10-12, 2005
(Held at Sargent Center for Outdoor Education in Peterborough, NH)
Angela Myles Beeching, Professor
Rob
Rubendall, Assistant Professor
Van
transportation will be provided to the Boston University Sargent Center
in Hancock, NH. All food and lodging will be included in the tuition.
The weekend curriculum will address decision making, organizational
development, group dynamics, and negotiation strategies.
weekend
schedule
| Friday |
|
| 6-7pm |
Dinner |
| 7-9pm |
Introduction/
Orientation |
| |
|
| Saturday |
|
| 9am-12pm |
Activity
I |
| 12-1pm |
Lunch |
| 1-4pm |
Activity
II |
| 6-7pm |
Dinner |
| 7-9pm |
Mini
class session |
| |
|
| Sunday |
|
| 8:30am-12:30pm |
Activity
III |
| 12:30-1:30pm |
Lunch |
The
activities or outdoor laboratory sessions will take place Saturday from
approximately 9:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday morning from 8:30am-12:00pm.
The overall purpose of these labs is to provide an opportunity to learn
more about leadership styles and group behavior in an active format.
You will explore in an experiential process your own style of leadership
as well as observe and discuss the behaviors and interactions of your
classmates.
Frequently
Asked Question about sessions at Sargent Center:
What
is experiential education?
How physical are the exercises?
Am I required to participate?
What safety measures are employed?
Is there a tentative schedule of lab topics?
What is Sargent Center for Outdoor Education?
What are the accommodations for the weekend?
Classroom
and Dining?
Telephones and TV's?
Will students have free time and recreation?
Is there nearby shopping?
What are the Medical Facilities and Emergency Staff?
What do I pack?
Are there any Health Forms that I need to fill
out?
What are the Directions to Sargent Center?
(from Boston area)
How do I contact Sargent Center for Outdoor
Education?

What
is experiential education?
Experiential education can be a very broad term. For this course, it
is defined as a complete learning experience that begins with structured
interaction between group members, often involving an unusual or challenging
situation, and engages the participants both mentally and physically.
The interaction is followed by focused reflection to draw out behaviors
and common values expressed by the group. These are then further discussed
to relate the “laboratory” experience to the themes of the
course. The experiential learning model is often referred to as “taking
the test before the course,” building on the e experience itself
to derive learning afterward. Back to questions
How
physical are the exercises?
This is usually determined by the nature of the group. Some exercises
involve little or no physical activity beyond interacting with each
other and a few simple props. Others can involve movement, challenge,
and even perceived risk. The risk may be climbing a series of steps
or ladders, crossing over a small beam a foot or so off the ground,
lifting someone over or through a barrier, or climbing a structure using
technical rock climbing harness and safety systems.
The
purpose of doing each exercise is to fully engage participants in a
meaningful learning experience that will provide data for follow-up
reflection. The level of physical challenge is adjusted to the needs
of the individuals in the group.Back to questions
Am I required to participate?
To succeed in the course, you will need to actively participate in the
lab sessions. This means interacting with your classmates, offering
ideas and suggestions, actively supporting the efforts of others, and
taking on the level of challenge and risk that is appropriate for you.
We use a philosophy called “challenge by choice,” which
simply means you control the level of participation at all times, and
no coercion will be used to push you beyond your comfort zone. You will,
however, be given the opportunity to challenge yourself as much as you
like. True learning takes place only when the learner is motivated and
freely chooses to learn. This will be explained in detail in the first
lab session.Back to questions
What
safety measures are employed?
Sargent Center exceeds standards in the field at managing risk in outdoor
exercises. Staff have been fully trained and have years of experience
leading these kinds of activities. Our equipment is state-of-the-art
and is inspected annually by both internal and external consultants.
Policies and procedures reflect years of observation data and are designed
to minimize risk as much as possible. Not only will your physical safety
be foremost in our mind, but your emotional safety as well. See “challenge
by choice” in the preceding paragraph.Back
to questions
Is there a tentative schedule of lab topics:
Saturday
a.m. Solution finding, trust, competition vs. collaboration, partnering
Saturday
p.m. Leadership styles, feedback, creativity, follow-through
Sunday
a.m. Personal challenge, inner resources for leadership Back
to questions
What
is Sargent Center for Outdoor Education?
Founded in 1912 as a training facility for physical education and
health majors at Sargent College, the camp has evolved under Boston
University's leadership to become a full-service, year-round conference
and education center in the Monadnock Mountain region of New Hampshire.
The 700-acre site includes over 22 miles of trails, a 60-acre pond,
large open meadow, forests, wetlands, and a floating glacial bog.
You will be staying in small, rustic cabins or larger lodges situated
around the central meadow. Most people find the tranquil setting and
gorgeous surroundings a welcome break from their hectic life styles.
We hope you, too, will treasure the time spent with us.
To
maximize the benefits of the course, plan to devote yourself mentally
and physically to the subject matter and interactive experiences for
the entire weekend. Class will meet morning, afternoon and evening.
We will, of course, build in time for healthy recreation and relaxation
along the way.Back
to questions
What
are the accommodations for the weekend?
You
will be sharing a small, rustic cabin or lodge room with several other
students. All buildings have central heat, built-in bunks with mattresses,
and bathrooms with hot showers. Each cabin has a comfortable living
and study area. Plan to bring your own pillow, bedding and towels, or
they can be rented from us for $10 for the weekend. You will also need
to bring all your own toiletries, including soap. There is no smoking
allowed in any buildings, and alcohol is permitted only in your cabin.
No pets of any kind are allowed on campus.Back
to questions
Classroom
and Dining?
Classes and dining will be in Northern Lodge. The labs will also use
many of the outdoor areas and facilities of the Center. We will be joining
other groups in the Dining Hall for meals. The food service specializes
in delicious and nutritious menus we hope will satisfy even the heartiest
of appetites. Not to worry, the extra walking around the center will
help balance out the calories. If you have any dietary restrictions,
e.g. vegetarian, vegan, low salt, please let Sargent Center know in
advance.Back to questions
Telephones
and TV's?
Sargent Center is a retreat environment, free from the distractions
of televisions and phones in most areas. There are two pay phones, one
in each lodge, and we will relay messages to you received in our main
office, which is staffed from 8:30 to 5:00 daily. Voice mail messaging
is attached to this number for calls received when the office is closed.
If you would like to leave an emergency number for someone to call you,
please use the Main Office number, 603-525-3311. Cellular phones also
work in most areas of the center.Back to questions
Will
students have free time and recreation?
Early mornings and late afternoons will be reserved for reading and
recreation on your own. Hiking, mountain biking, jogging, canoeing,
and bird watching are popular forms of relaxation. Basketball and volleyball
courts, as well as a softball diamond are located on our large meadow.
The swimming beach will be open from 4:00-5:30 daily.
Back to questions
Is
there nearby shopping?
The center does not operate a store. However, the town of Peterborough
five miles away has several grocery, stationery and small department
stores that should meet all your needs. Several art galleries and parks
exist for browsing and relaxing.Back to questions
What
are the Medical Facilities and Emergency Staff?
There are no health facilities at the center. You should bring your
own supply of personal first aid items and medications. There is an
excellent hospital and emergency room in Peterborough ten minutes away.
Rescue squads from both Peterborough and Hancock service the center.
Conference staff assistance will be available through early evening,
and a Nightwatch person is on site overnight in case of emergency.Back
to questions
What
do I pack?
The class will spend most of the time outside rain or shine, so please
come prepared for inclement weather. Use the following list as a planning
guide for what to bring, but add or delete items based on your own comfort
and preference:
*
Changes of casual clothes for informal indoor and active outdoor sessions
- jeans, slacks, shorts, T-shirts, long-sleeved cotton shirts, sweats
and sweaters
* Light windbreaker for cool mornings and evenings
* Rain gear (hooded parka and rain pants) or poncho
* 2 pairs of sneakers or rubber-soled shoes
* Changes of socks and underwear
* Bathing Suit
* Sunglasses, sun screen, hat, mosquito repellent
* Flashlight (some areas of the center are not well lit) and extra batteries
* Water bottle and a small day pack for lab sessions
* Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste, etc.
Hair dryers are permitted.)
* Camera (optional), notebook, pens/pencils
* No pets, hot plates, or open flames are allowed.
Back to questions
Are
there any Health Forms that I need to fill out?
Students are required to fill out a Health Information form prior to
the weekend to allow Center staff to prepare for your comfort and safety.
Please print out a copy of the health
form and return to the address below by June 1.Back
to questions
What
are the Directions to Sargent Center? (from Boston area)
Option 1 (via Route 3)
Take
Rte 128 or alternate route to Rte 3 north.
Follow Rte 3 north to exit 8 W in New Hampshire.
Go along exit road 1.4 miles to 101A west.
After 6.4 miles, turn left onto entrance ramp for 101 west.
Go about 5 miles to 4-way intersection after railroad tracks (2nd light),
and turn left to stay on 101 west.
Continue 14.3 miles to stop light in Peterborough; continue 2.2 miles
west on 101.
(Use the directions below for both routes)
Take a right on Union Street; go one mile.
Turn left on Windy Row; continue 3.4 miles
Turn left on Sargent Camp Road to parking lot at bottom of hill.
Option
2 (via Route 2)
Take
Memorial Drive or alternate route to Rte 2 west.
Follow Rte 2 to Rte 140 north (Gardner)
South of Winchendon, take left on Rte 12 north (left at "T"
intersection)
Follow signs for Rte. 202 north (right hand turn before Winchendon)
Follow Rte. 202 north to Peterborough.
At light, turn left on 101 west for 2.2 miles
Follow directions about from Union Street.
Registration
is in Northern Lodge. Park in main lot and go past office building to
Northern Lodge.
Back to questions
How
do I contact Sargent Center for Outdoor Education?
Contact Information:
Sargent Center for Outdoor Education
Summer Term
36 Sargent Camp Road
Hancock, NH 03449
email: rubendal@bu.edu
phone: 603-525-3311 fax: 603-525-4151
web: www.bu.edu/outdoor
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