International staff training camp – Rangers of the Oak Leaf

420 EUR

Age 18+

Dates

26.7.–3.8.

Duration 7 days

Location Žďárské Vrchy - Pustá Kamenice

Main topics Self-experience, methodological workshops, reflection tools and methods, easy crafts, games, OB values development

Activities

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Have a question? Let us know at lucie.smolkova@outwardbound.cz

Become a Ranger of the Oak Leaf instructor

Character development and Outward Bound values development through unique Czech methodology of experiential learning in nature. Easy to replicate summer camp program and highly effective program tools, sufficient for nature-based programs without the need for a challenging environment and wilderness.

After a great success with the Rangers of the Oak Leaf summer camps, which were honored by a visit and patronage from First Lady Eva Pavlová, we invite Outward Bound Instructors to experience and learn the methodology and connect for future cooperation. Capacity is limited to 20-25 participants.

WHAT WILL YOU GAIN

first-hand experience of the program as a participant (5 days)
methodological workshops on the unique way of Czech dramaturgy, used program tools and methods (2 days)
experience and good practice with the production of open enrollment summer courses
international exchange and bonding among instructors

About the original camps and program

Target age group 7- 15 years
Last year, 80 participants in 3 groups, including 32 sponsored children from single-parent families.
The camps are guided by the “eyes open and hands prepared” motto
Use of a connecting story theme „rangers of the oak leaf“
Using program tools like: personal “tree of life” self-discovering shield, group outdoor cooking, archery, individual and group challenges, solos, short expeditions, evening rituals and campfires, community service in neighboring villages, easy crafts, and more. But what makes it effective is the connecting dramaturgy, reflections and focused attention on values development.

Why do we organize the staff training camp

- to share a successful and easily replicable dramaturgy of a summer open enrolment program
- renew international connections for further cooperation
- follow up on the previous successful inter-touch projects organized in the Czech Republic

We have 30+ years of experience in experiential learning methodology and open courses through the Summer School Lipnice. From 2025, we are starting as an independent branch and strive to build our school programs and other types of programs. For this training, we especially welcome the participation of Outward Bound schools interested in mutual exchange – you send a staff member/instructor to learn with us and commit to host our staff member and share good practices in your core products. For this collaboration, we offer a participation fee discount.

Course team

PRICE

The price of the Summer Camp Outward Bound is 420 EUR for one participant. We offer some scholarship spots. For more information, contact us at lucie.smolkova@outwardbound.cz

PRICE INCLUDES

Meals: 5 times a day. We eat experientially and prepare delicious meals ourselves.
Accommodation: in teepees
Equipment: rental of materials for border guards training (bows, arrows, mace, maps, kettles, tarps), consumables for creative activities, and a souvenir T-shirt – guardians of the oak leaf
Educational full-day thematic program. Medical staff and insurance.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Transportation to and from the site.
Travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation fees of the total price:

0 to 30 days before the event – 100% of the price.
31 to 40 days before the event – 50% of the price.
41 to 60 days before the event – 30% of the price
61 days or more before the event – 20% of the price

No special consideration is given to non-participation for medical reasons. It is considered as a standard non-attendance according to the conditions mentioned above.

What children and parents said after the camp last year

I enjoyed archery and got a lot better at it. I've learned to cook other meals and that's useful because I can help my mom with that.
- Olík, 9 years

I think the great experience was sleeping alone in the woods, cooking, campfires, singing your songbook all the way back with my friend. I feel like she was almost never so outgoing and talked about everything with great respect, the kids, the activities and the counselors.
- Jitka, mother

The older son is more of a "man". I'm alone with them and he's suddenly more concerned with money, making sure we have it, and what he can do for it.. and somehow I feel more of a caring and nurturing home from him. And he seems more confident too! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
- Vlasta, mother

I found Tobias more joyful and less afraid. I also notice a slight increase in his independence and willingness to do his chores.
- Karin, mother

My son arrived with more self-confidence, empowered by the fact that he had mastered things he had never tried. That you gave him confidence in things he hadn't experienced and he did. Definitely happy and determined to experience such things again. Thank you
- Pavla, mother

My son was very satisfied. They often talk about how they went to help in a nearby village and what they experienced with the ladies they helped. Also about making a fire with flint and sleeping under a tarp and a shirt. He also brought back some contacts of new friends and seems to be in touch with them. He also goes to school with a t-shirt and an oak leaf around his neck.
- Julie, mother

Certainly the camp led him to greater independence. On Sunday he caught a carp in the pond with a bow and arrow.
- Kamil, father

More about Rangers of the Oak Leaf

We base the program on inspiration from the story of the Ranger's Apprentice

They had breakfast before sunrise and Will followed Halt into the woods. They walked for about half an hour, the frontiersman showing Will how to creep as quietly as possible from one shadow to another. The boy was eager to learn, especially when it was something practical like this.
- John Flanagan from the book Ranger's Apprentice

33 years, we have been part of the Outward Bound International community of educational organizations that focus on personal development through outdoor adventure

150 000 young people on 6 continents will go through Outward Bound programmes in a year. Your children will be guided and developed by a team of experienced instructors.

experiential pedagogy We are part of the Lipnice Holiday School, which has been one of the pioneers of experiential pedagogy in our country for decades.