"Osprey" - Colin Gale

Core Contribution: "Steadfast Energy"

Osprey has contributed in so many roles for so long: from watching over kids on the waterfront, to entertaining all with zany Professor Know-It-Alls, to taking time with each child to help them learn at their own pace and in their own ways, to lugging props on many a hot day. Above all, for so many years, there has been his rock-solid commitment to excellence in each program highlighted by "Steadfast Energy."

Current Activities

Off on an adventure teaching English in Japan having finished his undergraduate degree at Saint Mary's University.

Leadership Contributions: 1995 - ongoing

Osprey attended Sunship, Mysterious Encounters Earth and Winter Treasures as a kid and went on to lead all of the above for at least five years each, plus three years of leadership at Vision 20/20, five years of leadership at day camps and a year of coordinating LEAD and Eco-Challenge.

Personal Reflection on the AEC

The Adventure Earth Centre experiences are completely magic - straight up magic. There may be some who say "mumble wumble" I don't believe in magic mumble wumble," but it's true. I present the following points as proof:

Point 1: There is a freakish, almost inhuman amount of stamina and patience that leaders and coordinators somehow conjure to keep the energy level up and stay positive for the entirety of each program.

Point 2: The bizarre and inexplicable coincidence of so many talented, cool, smart, and hilarious people, all being drawn to the same organization and all dedicating huge amounts of time, energy and ideas to provide a powerful and extremely worthwhile program over such a long period of time.

Point 3: Consider these moments...

  • Houdini
  • Chlorophyll Control
  • Wild campfires
  • Warm fuzzies
  • The Treader in full sail
  • Laughing hysterically - Fireflies
  • Rain chants
  • Echoes on the lake
  • Deep soft moss and Storytellers

Point 4: The magic of being able to actually see the moment when a kid begins to shift how she thinks about her actions and the choices she makes environmentally and socially. The AEC and Sunship especially allow everybody present to learn, teach and grow.

The AEC has shaped who I am. It makes me happy to know that the AEC and Sunship will continue to foster magical and potentially life changing experiences for everyone who is involved with them in the coming years.