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Who, What, When, Where, Why for Mountain Spirit Institute
Who
Mountain Spirit Institute currently consists of five diverse board of directors, program directors and an executive director who is also the founder. Board members not only guide the organization but run programs, and help in fundraising and development. MSI is based on a circular organzational chart rather than a pyramid. Individuals step into the organization wheel and participate for a day or a lifetime.
What
MSI is dedicated to empowering and impelling a diverse range of participants into value forming experiences by facilitating one's connection to self, each other and the enviroment. We're a hybrid, a cross between an experiential wilderness program, and a holistic learning center, with a continuum of elements from both experiential education and spiritual development. Some programs are solely wilderness or foreign based, while others are workshop based, but both have their roots in our unique mission.
When
Programs under Mountain Spirit Insitute's name were first introduced and run in 1998 immediately after the founder finished guiding for Alpine Ascents International and Outward Bound. MSI was incorporated and insured in 1995 as a 501-c-3 under IRS code, and as a Charitable educational organization under New Hampshire's Charitable Trust Division.
Where
MSI is based in Sunapee, New Hampshire and Park City Utah. We are a "mobile concept organization" rather than facility based. In other words, participants arrive at a trailhead, in the Cusco airport, or at a leased facility such as the Blue Water Farm in Andover NH, or the Homestead in Midway, Utah. We are incorporated in New Hampshire but have board members from Utah, Colorado and New Hampshire. At various times we run programs in the Alps, Utah, Peru and New Hampshire.
Why
The founder of Mountain Spirit Institute is a product of two things: Many years living and working in the mountains and alpine backcountry. He is also a product of instructor training and leadership in experiential edcucation inspired by Kurt Hahn, the founder of Outward Bound.
Last Child in the Woods author Richard Louv states that recent generations suffer from Nature Deficit Disorder, a term he coined in his book. MSI addresses this and other important issues of our time by getting people outside, away from technology and/or in touch with themselves, others and the environment.
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Story Tips and Ideas
- Nature Deficit Disorder and MSI's mission in experiential education
- Sustainable Communities Program; communication skills vital to sustainability
- Spirit and a Sense of Place in the Wilderness
- A Cutting Edge Hybrid Organization blending Experiential Ed and Holistic Learning
- The Sunapee SunFest Event: Holistic Health and Sustainability Festival
- Shamanism with Theo Paredes, PhD
- Peruvian Music in the USA, why this music reaches the soul
- Peruvian Band Chimu's to visit USA from Cusco, Fall 2008
- American Culture and Its Discontents
- Sustainabile Tourism
- MSI's Founder, A Journey through the Mountains
Interview List
- Randy Richards, Founder: MSI History and Philosophy
- Elizabeth Sofish, PhD: President of MSI, Board Governance and Organization Direction
- Bob Stremba, PhD: Vice President, and Chair of Adventure Education Fort Lewis College, Colorado: Nature Deficit Disorder and Outdoor Education
- Criag Cimmons, Board member: Natural History, A sense of place, and adventure.
- Jessica Hunter: Co-Chair Sunapee SunFest Holistic Health and Sustainability Festival
- Brenda Dowst, Board Member: Sustainable Communities Program Director
Media Contact :
Dexter "Randy" Richards, Founder
Executive Director
PHONE: 603.763.2668 (East & West)
EMAIL: info@mtnspirit.org
WEB: www.mtnspirit.org
FAX: 206.984.0962
Mountain Spirit Institute (EAST)
Post Office Box 626
26 Fernwood Point South
Sunapee, NH 03782, USA
Mountain Spirit Institute (WEST)
2424 Doc Holladay Dr.
Park City Utah, 84060 USA
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About MSI
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