Feedback is a very delicate issue and may be the hardest skill to learn. While instructors and proctors model effective feedback, it can be difficult to understand what process they are using. Thus, you must experiment with ways to give feedback including moving beyond personal judgement and advice, crediting good performance, and constructive criticism. Natural History Environmental Stewardship and Natural History skills are developed to nurture a respect and feeling of responsibility for whatever environment you travel. Environmental Stewardship includes Leave No Trace skills for camping, hiking, backcountry hygiene, avoiding disruption of plant and animal habitats, and archaeological preservation.
Natural history is often the most fascinating part of each wilderness environment.
Instructors and proctors familiarize you with the flora and fauna, geology, weather systems and human history of the areas. At night you will be introduced to astronomy and basic constellations. The proctor also works to educationally tailor the WLS for each individual, so that you get what you need out of each section, including academic credit, when appropriate. Instructors are the Outward Bound staff who teach you skills for a particular section of the course. They are expert senior staff specifically chosen for the environments in which they teach.