2013 HONOREE
Hendricks Davis
"If asked I will say, "the "S" is important because it stands for "Sherard", my mother's maiden name. I consider her the "Mother of Experiential Education", at least in my life. My introduction to experiential education both in the formal and informal sense of the process came through Josephine Sherard Davis. Not only did she give me life but she gave me a hands-on and tactile understanding of the world and its beauty, pain, challenge and opportunity. She invited me to take the keys to discovery of my intellect and creativity; she exhorted me to "know thyself" and the world as I would make it."
Hendricks' first formal exposure to experiential educator was on a visit to his mother's classroom at Junior Village, a children's orphanage in Washington DC. Part of her classroom had desks, chairs, a chalk board, and books. A larger part of her classroom was outdoors on the hills surrounding the village in Southeast DC and in the Teaching Garden she used as a core site of her lessons of all subjects. Here he saw her work with the abused and abandoned children of JV and, through nature, her instruction and life-lessons, help them discover their giftedness and beauty. Hendricks received the gifts of care and teaching from his "mother of experiential education.
After receiving the MSW from Rutgers and the M.Div. from Princeton Seminary, Hendricks worked as a teacher/administrator/counselor at several organizations including the Newark Day Center (NDC), Princeton Theological Seminary and Princeton-Blairstown Center (PBC). At NDC he was responsible for the "spectrum of care" from infants to senior citizens and had a special focus on providing urban youth outdoor camping experiences through the Newark Fresh Air Fund which was part of the organization since 1886. As Director of Field Education at the Seminary he directed the experiential education of students preparing for ministry and engaged students in hands-on work in urban and specialized ministry settings.
While at PBC Hendricks was responsible for the growth and development of the organization and worked with the staff to implement outdoor-adventure and community-based learning programs primarily for "high-risk/untapped asset youth." Also while at PBC Hendricks was active in AEE and served at Chair of NAALA and co-convener of the gatherings of NAALA at Rosebud Reservation.
FUTURE HONOREES
Do you have a suggestion for a future honoree? The Northeast Region Advisory Council is interested in hearing from regional members about who they believe would be a good candidate for recognition as the Josh Minor dialogue series speaker. If you have a suggestion, please read and fill out this form and send it to the Northeast Region Chair .
ABOUT THE JOSH MINER DIALOGUE
In 2001 the Northeast Regional Conference hosted Josh Miner as one of the keynote speakers.
As a founding trustee of Outward Bound, Josh was instrumental in bringing the experiential philosophy of Kurt Hahn to the United States. Conference attendees were fortunate to hear Josh's vision and passion firsthand, as he shared stories, metaphors, and lessons of children, curiosity, and character. Josh passed away nine months later.
In an effort to capture the essence of the wisdom he shared, in 2003 the Northeast Region Advisory Council established the Josh Miner dialogue series. The series consists of a public dialogue or conversation between the years' honoree and another professional in the field. The "interview" traditionally takes place during the Northeast Regional Conference. This format gives conference attendees a chance to get to know the honoree in an informal setting that often reveals best practice advice and nuggets of wisdom, as well as personal stories and mistakes to avoid.
The Northeast Region Advisory Council in conjunction with the Regional Conference Host Committee selects the Josh Miner Dialogue Series honoree.
Past Recipients:
2012 Karen Warren, Ph.D
2011 Rob Rubendall
2010 Lance Lee
2009 Jim Schoel
2008 Pam McPhee
2007 Craig Dobkin
2006 Keith King
2005 Phil Costello
2004 Dan Garvey
2003 Karl Rohnke
A DVD of the past Josh Miner Keynote presetations can be purchased through Scott Cattucci - Member Services
The cost of the DVDs are $10.00 for the first and $5.00 for each additional copy.
