The Introduction...

I am new to the world of blogging but I figured I would give it a shot.  What could I possibly have to say that has not already been said by someone else?  Maybe nothing but possibly something.  I decided to to see what happens.  I will post and you can decide.

I have been working with children since I was 15 years old.  My mom insisted that I volunteer somewhere so I did.  I worked as a volunteer camp counselor in New Jersey.  The camp was located on many acres and the kids there were bused in from nearby towns.  Towns mostly made of concrete with not a tree in sight.  The job was not easy but I was hooked from day one. I could start a separate blog based only on the stories from that experience. Let me know if you want to hear a few. Audience participation in blog form.

 I worked there for almost seven years.  My goal was to try and teach kids about the outdoors. Went to college and all that jazz.  Graduated and worked here and there until I found a business partner and we started our own school in Maine.  The genesis of this school and its ensuing 8 years can also make for a great story but remember, this is my introduction. And currently I have been at my current teaching job for 5 years at a fantastic progressive school.  I do spend a great deal of time outdoors and I am working with children.  My original pre-college notion has come to fruition.

In that time I have accumulated many stories, experiences, triumphs and challenges both with children and adults that I thought I would like to write about.  What better way than to start a blog.  Why "applesmudbooksandsticks?"  Well those things play a huge role in my stories and life.  And that concludes a brief introduction.