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The Ripple Effect is published by the Health & Physical Education Department, in co-operation with the College of Education, Northeastern Illinois University. Dr. Maureen Gillette, Dean, College of Education. Teachers
of Experiential and Adventure Methodology (T.E.A.M.) is an organization
dedicated to promoting and supporting the process of experiential and adventure
based learning. Through the sharing of a progression of ideas, skills,
and curricula, TEAM provides individuals and organizations in the areas
of education and community service with professional, cross-cultural, and
personal growth opportunities.
Our mission is accomplished through an annual conference, The Ripple Effect Newsletter, and our web site (www.neiu.edu/~team). Newsletter
Committee (service years):
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Dear Friends and Colleagues, Hello! My name is Dave Cutton and I am a relatively new faculty member at Northeastern Illinois University. I attended my first T.E.A.M. Conference last year and fully enjoyed it. The energy and enthusiasm of the presenters and attendees was refreshing. When I started at NEIU two years ago I was not sure what to expect from the students, faculty, and staff. I could not have imagined how much I would gain from this enthusiastic team! My mentors are allowing me to find my role here at NEIU. Furthermore, when I attended my first T.E.A.M. Conference this past year, I again was surprised at the great enthusiasm, interest, and insightful information I was presented with. I could not have imagined it to be any better. Other conferences and conventions I have attended have been informative, but rarely provided the insight, enthusiasm, and caring shown to me at the T.E.A.M. Conference. Therefore, I would like to thank T.E.A.M. for allowing me to become involved in planning for next year’s conference. I believe that our undertaking is very much needed by our many great friends and colleagues from around the globe. I look forward to discovering my role(s) within the T.E.A.M. and learning what I can do to enhance The Ripple Effect. We all benefit from attending a T.E.A.M. Conference; it is a time to reflect, learn, and grow from others. It is a time to rejuvenate yourself and grow in the understanding of your role here on earth. Please share with us what you are doing at your locations. Allow us to grow from your experience and enthusiasm. Dave Cutton, Ph.D.
Award
Winning Speakers Presenting at T.E.A.M. Conference 2006
Deb Perryman: The 2004-2005 Illinois Teacher of the Year. Karl Rohnke: The author of over 30 books, he is “The Adventurer” and recognized around the world for teambuilding and adventure programs. This is his 12th year presenting at T.E.A.M. Ray Piagentini: Winner of the Illinois 2004 Education Association Human and Civic Rights Award for outstanding work with high school students. Momfeather Erickson: Cherokee elder who received the Kentucky Colonel Award for service to the State of Kentucky. She is the coordinator of the new Mantle Rock Native Education and Culture Center Lem Joyner: In 2002 was awarded the Anthony J. Lauck Alumni Award from the University of Notre Dame. “...for his service to integrate the heart, mind and soul to restore healing in people and the community.” Richard Rutschman: Winner of the 1999 Michael Stratton Practitioners Award from the Association of Experiential Education (A.E.E.). He coordinates the Play-For-Peace (PFP) programs in the Chicagoland area. Tony Calabrese: Finalist for National Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Over thirty years of experience sharing his passion for adventure with students. Mike Vondruska: Has taught over 1,000,000 people to juggle, and he can teach you, too! Laurie Frank: Winner of the 1997 Michael E. Stratton Practitioners Award from the Association of Experiential Education (A.E.E.). A dynamic national speaker, she has presented for over ten years at T.E.A.M. Jeff Schafermeyer: A North American Junior National Orienteering Champion. Marge Cline: Winner of the 1996 Legends of Paddling
Award and 2002 Presidents Award from the American Canoeing Association.
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I’ve found out that, while it’s almost impossible to succeed without enthusiasm (regardless of how smart or gifted you might be), it’s also quite difficult, with enough enthusiasm, to fail. It’s that important.
Some people understand life better, and they call some of these people “retarded”... At the Seattle Special Olympics nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back......every one of them. One girl with Down’s Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, “This will make it better.” Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood; the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story... Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course. What you get by reaching your destination isn’t nearly as important as what you become by reaching that destination. -- Zig Ziglar An American scholar and intellectual went to the East. He sought out a sage who was known as to be a truly wise man. When he found him, they sat down to tea. Explaining why he had come, the American told him of all the understanding he had, the books he had read, etc. Yet he heard of this wise man, so he had come to see if this man might have anything to teach him. “What can you tell me, old man?” The wise man happened to be pouring tea into the American’s cup. It was almost full, yet he kept pouring. Soon it overflowed and spilled onto the table... “What are you doing?” said the American. “I am answering
your question,” said the wise man. “You are the cup. You are
so full of your own ideas, learning, and opinions that anything I would
say would just spill over the side (in one ear and out the other).
You’re full-up. And until you empty yourself, you will not be able
to hear or listen.”
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