By Jacob King, Environmental Education Fellow, Class of 2023-2024
Published March 15, 2024
My name is Jacob, and I’m one of the eight 2023-2024 Environmental Education Fellows here at Eagle Bluff. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2021 with a degree in Environmental Sciences, I found myself at a bit of a crossroads. I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do next, but I knew one thing for certain: I wanted to work outdoors. When I stumbled across the Eagle Bluff Fellowship, something clicked. It was the perfect opportunity to refresh my knowledge of environmental education while giving me the hands-on experience I needed to become a better educator.
Teaching That Makes a Difference
As a fellow at Eagle Bluff, no two days are alike. You’ll teach up to two classes a day on topics like environmental science, cultural history, and outdoor adventure. It’s all hands-on, so you’re learning by doing, right alongside your students.
Reaching New Heights Teaching High Ropes
One of my favorite parts of the fellowship is leading the ropes course. It’s not just about climbing or ziplining; it’s about kids pushing themselves, stepping outside their comfort zones, and realizing they’re capable of more than they thought.
I’ll never forget one student who froze at the top of the high log. They wanted to give up, but with a little coaching from me and a lot of encouragement and cheering from their friends, they made it across. Seeing their face light up with pride is something I’ll carry with me forever. That’s the magic of outdoor education.
Growing as a Leader
The fellowship isn’t just about teaching; it’s about building real-world skills that prepare you for a career in outdoor education. As a liaison for visiting school groups, you’re the go-to person for coordinating schedules, leading activities, and helping groups feel at home during their stay.
Why Liaising Matters
Being a liaison has taught me so much about communication and leadership. It’s more than just keeping things organized; it’s about building trust with students, teachers, and chaperones. Homeroom meetings cover important topics like food waste and respecting nature, but they also give us a chance to play games, share stories, and bond as a group.
Sure, it can get busy — sometimes downright chaotic — but the teamwork here is incredible. No one ever lets you struggle alone. Whether it’s helping set up classrooms or jumping in on a project, Eagle Bluff staff have each other’s backs, and that makes all the difference.
Naturalist Programs: Where Learning Comes to Life
Another unique part of the fellowship is leading Naturalist Programs in the evenings. These one-hour programs are your chance to dive into a specific topic, combining storytelling, science, and hands-on experiences.
Leading RaptorPhysics
I currently lead RaptorPhysics, a program that explores the science of bird flight and how it inspires human innovation. The star of the show? Our turkey vulture. During the program, I cue him to fly across the room or land on my glove, giving students an up-close look at one of nature’s most impressive creatures.
Working with the raptors has been an unexpected highlight of my time here. From food prep to training sessions, I’ve learned so much about caring for wildlife. It’s an experience I never thought I’d have, and I’ll carry it with me wherever I go.
(Note: Eagle Bluff operates under state and federal permits, and all animal handlers receive extensive training.)
Growth and Gratitude
Six months into my fellowship, I’ve grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’m more confident as a teacher, a leader, and a communicator. Eagle Bluff has provided not just training, but a supportive community that encourages me to take on new challenges.
During one of my recent liaison roles, I spent an evening playing games and sharing stories with a group of students. By the end of their stay, they were closer as a group, more confident in themselves, and excited about their experiences. Seeing that transformation reminded me why outdoor education matters so much.
As I look ahead to the second half of this journey, I’m excited to see what new opportunities and challenges await. For anyone passionate about the outdoors, teaching, and creating meaningful connections, the Eagle Bluff Fellowship isn’t just a program — it’s a transformative experience that will stay with you for life.
Join the Adventure
If you’re someone who feels at home in the outdoors and dreams of turning that passion into a career, the Eagle Bluff Fellowship Program might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a place where you get to teach, learn, and grow in a community that shares your love for the natural world.
Learn more about the Fellowship Program here.
