Where
I'm Comin' From...
If
you have been searching for practical woods skills,
for curriculum enrichment for your students, for a
level of confidence in self-reliance, self-preservation
and emergency preparedness skills, or for a deeper
understanding & experience of the Natural World,
I invite you to peruse the school’s diverse
offerings, to see if they speak to you.
I began teaching in the outdoors professionally in
1988, began working with youth at risk in 1998 and
I take pride in what I do. There is no greater joy
for me than to connect people with the natural world
& to share these vital, good things.
I strive to teach practical skills for realistic situations
from personal experience. Over the years I have been
blessed to survive a number of ordeals, at many levels.
A few years ago, one of my young but wise students
told me “What doesn’t kill us - makes
us stronger.” Right on! I sure do not “know
it all” and for nearly two decades now one of
my main messages - to young people especially –
continues to be that learning is a lifelong process.
And that life is a long learning process…
My bottom line is - this is not about learning a bunch
of things to go outside and do. It’s about who
we are, where we all come from, and how we choose
to live our lives each day - wherever we are.
So… instead of watching contrived challenges
and virtual stories that have little to do with “reality”
– why not head to the woods and learn empowering
ways to live the real adventure of your own natural
life?
There’s a whole ‘nother world waiting
for you…
Please contact me with questions you may have.
Life
is beautiful – LIVE IT.
Jay
Lomack, M.S. Ed.
Director, School of The Woods, LLC |
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Work
, Education and Training…
I am a largely self-taught naturalist who has learned
from roaming the woods, camping and canoeing across
North America over four decades, exploring the interface
of Nature and Culture in 35 states including Alaska.
20
years of performing arts experience infuse a vibrant
communication style with depth and HUMOR and allow
me to present effectively to diverse age groups. Professional
acting credits include network television.
Education
M.S. Ed. – Outdoor Education; BFA.
Related
Specialized Training
I have been fortunate to have studied with some of
the most highly respected, foremost practitioners
of wilderness survival, bushcraft and primitive skills
on the North American continent, including: John McPherson,
Mors Kochanksi and David Alloway*.
* May you walk in beauty always, David of the Desert
Wilderness First Responder Certification - Wilderness
Medical Associates
Multicultural Education - Sinte Gleska University,
Rosebud, SD
Wilderness Rites of Passage Guide Training - School
of Lost Borders & others
Teaching & Wilderness Leadership
Experience
Beginning in 1988, I have worked as outdoor skills
instructor, naturalist, experiential educator or wilderness
trip leader/guide for organizations including:
The Marsh Foundation School - Van Wert, OH
Alaska Center for the Environment - Anchorage, AK
Northern Tier National High Adventure - Ely, MN
New York State Department of Parks - Bear Mountain,
NY
Vermont Audubon Youth Camps - High Pond, VT
Clark State Community College - Springfield, OH
Nightingale Montessori School - Springfield, OH
Antioch College - Glen Helen Outdoor Education &
Raptor Center - Yellow Springs, OH
National Audubon Society - Aullwood Audubon Nature
Center - Dayton, OH
Northern Illinois University - Dekalb, IL
In the past 10 years, I have:
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Guided
weeklong outdoor skills & canoe trips in
Michigan, Ohio & Tennessee. |
| • |
Guided
9-day canoe trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe
Area Wilderness. |
| • |
Presented for and instructed at dozens of schools
and organizations including Ohio Council for the
Social Studies, Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts.
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