Outward Bound California instructors are all trained equally, and yet, are unique in what way they present themselves to their crew. Some are passionate about plant identification, while some enjoy challenging students with brain teasers while they hike.

And there are some, like instructor Shane Stump, who are masters of ceremony on course. Stump is an inspiring poet who has a gift for making every group circle into a memorable chance to reflect and inspire. This summer, Stump gathered his crew for their last circle before everyone dispersed back to their hometowns, reciting the original piece below:

You are in this circle and that is Significant!
You chose to live deliberately, to live simply-
To be Nomadic, to take one step at a time-
You slept upon the firm skin of the Earth-
And under the Ancient Mysterious Sky:
You were young Pilgrims under the Arc of the Golden Sun-
You labored, you cooked, you cleaned, you led, you followed-
You shared and you listened.
You struggled in some manner- alone and collectively
You Overcame!
You climbed peaks and perhaps peered into the mountains of your soul.
You sweated and ached and laughed
And then packed your bags again and again and again…
You swam and drank from the free flowing, life giving waters of the Sierra Nevada
There were moments when you felt oh so Alive!
And still you had to wrestle with the Naysayer that lives within.
You had to sit alone and embrace the whirlwind that solitude has to offer.
What you have accomplished is no small feat!
It is beautiful, inspiring and meaningful.
It took follow through and grit, vulnerability and humility.
This experience hopefully is a large branch on your individual Tree of Life,
One that will help nourish and strengthen you through time-
You may know it now or it may take time to compost
But please, either way, celebrate yourself and one another.
As each journey ends, A new one commences
Please, as you sally forth back into the lives that await you
Remember     “You Can”
No mountain is too big–No Peak too high–No distance too great
Every Obstacle, Every Challenge, offers us–if we choose to seek it out
An opportunity to grow, to become more whole–
Remember    “You Can.”    “You Can.”
And finally please remember that the Nature is Everywhere–
At the beginning and at the end, it is the source of all things.
It is the great teacher, the greatest medicine, if you pay attention.
May you walk with light steps and tranquil hearts.

Shane Stump and all of our other talented instructors are a vital part of each student’s course experience. If you think you have something special to share with students as an Outward Bound California instructor, we have trainings and begin hiring in October for the following summer season. Go to our jobs page to find out more!