1. Derek Barkeim
Seekers Wild
507-272-5320
October 30, 2016
Dear MRPF Student Scholarship Selection Committee,
It is my pleasure to write this letter to recommend Emily Jensrud for the MRPF
Student Scholarship. This past summer I had the benefit of supervising Emily as a
practicum student during our summer camp season where she showed her innate
abilities to thrive in the recreation field.
It’s hard to know where to start in terms of where Emily strived as she shined in
so many moments. At Seekers Wild we teach outdoor education with a focus on
Wilderness Survival Skills which means our summer camp schedules are ever changing
and fluid. Emily showed amazing flexibility with our dynamic day-to-day happenings
which allowed the rest of her training and skills to shine through. Without this flexibility in
an ever changing day, all the skills and talent can go to waste.
This was not the case with Emily. Her ability to learn new skills on the fly and then
turn around and teach them to a wide ranging demographic was great. A catalyst to this
was her eagerness to learn. She was sponge for the particular skills we teach as well as
tactics and means of using recreation as a tool for outdoor education. Her ability to ask
the right questions showcased this ability of hers.
A major indicator of a strong willed person is their natural ability to work with
youth. Emily’s ability to step in and teach what she has learned as well use positive
redirection as a tool to keep the group focused was impressive. These are skills that can
be learned over time, but it is apparent that she has a talent for outdoor education.
It is my hope that you will select Emily for the MRPF Student Scholarship as I
have seen in my time working with her in the field that she embodies the qualities of an
ideal candidate.
Thank you for your time and dedication to the recreation field.
Sincerely,
Derek Barkeim
Seekers Wild
507-272-5320