Terra Otium

Video Clips to Promote the Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Tue, 17 May 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Farm Pond Bass Flats in Spring from Kevin Root on Vimeo.

Multi-media has no doubt grown in amazing ways. Embracing the opportunity to create small clips of your experiences, is one sure way to entice the public to take part in your services.

Creating and editing clips is now easier than ever. Give it a try and see the immediate emotional impact these media experiences bring to your potential customers.
Cheers, Ken

The First Annual Ken & Chris Terra Otium Car Rally!

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:48:00 +0000

Saturday, October 23

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

CSU East Bay Parking Lot H
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward, CA

In cooperation with the CSUEB Department of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism and CPRS District 3

Calling all recreation/leisure students, professionals and enthusiasts– Grab your friends and come on out for the first ever Terra Otium (Latin for Earth Leisure) Car Rally. This rally is a hunt to find various park & recreation attractions and locations around the CSUEB Hayward Hills campus. Teams of up to three people must use clues to find the checkpoints within a specified time limit. Each team must have a digital camera or camera phone and vehicle to make their way around the Hayward area and document each checkpoint in the rally.

At the end of the rally, we’ll meet at Bronco Billy’s Pizza above campus to check team results and celebrate with prizes and pizza. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow students as well as network with outstanding recreation professionals.

Cost: $5 entry fee person for prizes and food.

Questions: call Dr. Chris Chamberlain at (510) 885-2101 or email at chris.chamberlain@csueastbay.edu.
The Planet is our Playground!

Built Environment with New Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Sun, 30 May 2010 00:29:00 +0000

It doesn’t take a journey around the world to open your eyes. It does however take a willingness to want to see the world through “different eyes.” Take a stroll outside and look at the neighborhood with a fresh intent; that intent being one of inquisitiveness. Look at the ordinary. Find the extraordinary. A simple discovery can stem from fences and their use of “line design.” Your neighborhood is a canvas and the artist’s tools of pattern, shape, size, texture, and color all play upon the senses. Here are a few illustrations from a recent walk…………

It's recreation. It's "re-creation." It's a walk with open eyes, different eyes.

Enjoy your neighborhood and see what you've been missing.
Cheers

Communication Packages

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:51:00 +0000

Are you looking for an exercise to help your staff become better communicators? We have a fun, creative, and introspective exercise that prompts participants to embrace communication. The experience builds upon written and verbal skills.

The Task: Sell yourself as a toy or a game

The Package: Create the word imagery that best describes your recreation & leisure lifestyle

Meet the Team: Collect all the descriptions. Redistribute them so everyone has someone else’s package. Have each team member share the package description with the group. Have the group try to identify the original author.

The exercise encourages each participant to recognize the following:

1. the power of “wordscapes”

2. a greater appreciation of projecting oneself

3. an understanding that communication often builds upon word imagery

4. the simple fact that “words count”

It also promotes the group to communicate as a team to analyze prospective choices.

Use this experience as a springboard. Create your own variations on the theme. It’s been a positive tool for us and hopefully you’ll find it to be the same.
Cheers!

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Chamberlain) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:17:00 +0000

My take on Jake (and Rocket)- Entry #2

A popular line of clothing has the slogan, “Life is good”. I have several of their hats and shirts and recently picked up their book, “Life is good: Simple words from Jake and Rocket”. Being a Jake and Rocket fan, I thought I’d share my thoughts on their simple words from time to time in an effort to further the quality use of our leisure time. So here is another…

Whatever you are, be a good one.

I once attended a private holiday party at the Blackhawk Auto Museum hosted by a house developer that my wife’s office worked with. It was a glitzy affair- lot’s of big wigs, attorney’s and their spouses. As a recreation guy, I clearly did not fit in. As my wife was swept away in some high end cocktail deal making meeting, I wandered the museum entertaining myself. Every so often, I’d be staring at a fancy car and a couple would ask who I worked for or what I did. My answer was always the same- “I work for the recreation department” and their response was always the same too, “Oh”, and they’d walk away. At first I was offended by their comments and thought that maybe I shouldn’t have come to the party in the first place. But after a few times, I learned to be okay with it as I knew I was being authentic and proud in who I was- the hell with them, I thought. But, later on I still thought twice about applying for law school so maybe I could drive that expensive car, wear the expensive clothes, or live in that mansion like many others attending the party. I even went so far as to take the law school entry exam but then thought about who I really was and what I really enjoy doing. What was I thinking? Thankfully I came back to my real self.

We all have big dreams when we are young- to become an astronaut, own a company, make a million dollars, or even be the President. For some perhaps those dreams can come true. For others, reality is different and we end up doing something else- hopefully something you’d really enjoy, but whatever it is, Jake and Rocket have it right- be a good one. Excel in your chosen profession or job, regardless of what it is. Excel in your personal life and live with no regrets- be the best friend, spouse, parent and human being you can be.

I keep a book of notes and quotes I come across in my travels and found this one which seems appropriate for this discussion: Don’t worry about making a difference, just take responsibility for making a contribution. But I’d add, whatever it is, make it a good one!

Live Well- Chris

My take on Jake (and Rocket)- January 17, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Chamberlain) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:50:00 +0000

A popular line of clothing has the slogan, “Life is good”. I have several of their hats and shirts and recently picked up their book, “Life is good: Simple words from Jake and Rocket”. The artwork that adorns the clothing typically includes a stick figure guy, named Jake, and his faithful companion- a yellow labrador named Rocket, involved in a variety of activities that embody the “life is good” slogan. Being a Jake and Rocket fan, I thought I’d share my thoughts on their simple words from time to time in an effort to further the quality use of our leisure time. So here it goes…

Not all who wander are lost

Are you a wanderer? I am. There is nothing better than to grab my camera and maybe my dogs Duke and Ranger and head off on a hike. I usually know where I’m going but will sometimes let the dogs guide me on the adventure of the day. Probably one of my favorite activities is to find a rock, or a quiet meadow, pull up a stump to sit on and just be. I think we spend so much of our daily existence in the act of human doing that we forget to just sit and practice human being.

I have a colleague that I went through the doctoral program with-Vincent- he was a wanderer. He’d walk in circles during some of our work/study sessions, chewing on problems we were working on in his head. We learned to let Vincent go wander around for a while, knowing he’d come back when he’d figured out a solution to offer to the group. Vincent would also chew on his words when presenting his ideas, as if he mouth was out of sync with his brain that seemed to be working at light speed. We’d joke that Vincent was a professional wanderer but he was never lost. He wandered with a purpose and I think there’s something instructive about that.

We've all known or seen people that just seem to wander aimlessly, with no clear sense of direction about where they are going or what they're experiencing- they appear lost. That said, I think that’s the point- to be fully engaged in the activity, whatever it is, and let it take you for a ride wherever it goes. You’re not lost, you’re just present. Try it and let yourself go... wander on…

Live Well,

Chris

The Holidays: Celebration or perhaps Confrontation

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:53:00 +0000

We've entered The Season. You know -- big holidays, big fun, and big stress. Stress is the Grinch and your staff is vulnerable. Your guests and clients are vulnerable as well. It's not about competition. It's not about profits. It's about celebrating experiences and relationships. Every day offers a chance to make someone feel better about being with your organization. How about trying to create a "Holiday Stress-Free Zone."

No crushing lines. No 70% off at midnight. Become the alternative to seasonal mania. What's the alternative? It's another opportunity to celebrate life and our communities (rather than make a mockery of The Season).

Great smells. Great tastes. Great sounds. Great imagery. Great camraderie. Great experiences. Holidays have all the potential. Your organization has all the potential. Be the alternative. Everyone you touch will appreciate the effort made.

The Jar of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Chamberlain) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:27:00 +0000

I was asked the other day to explain what "recreation" and "leisure" is and this is what I came up with...

Think of life as a glass jar and in that jar you fill it with rocks. Each rock represents a aspect of your life- a "have to" thing such as a job or family, school or whatever. In no time at all you'd fill up your jar with rocks- geez- in some cases you'd over fill your jar. As you look at the rocks in your jar of life you'll see there are many nooks and crannies- spaces around the rocks in the jar. If you pour sand into the jar you'll see that those empty spaces, no matter how tiny, fill up to make the jar complete and full. Think of the sand as your recreational and leisure opportunities in life- those things that you don't have to do but help full up your jar of life and make you a more complete individual.

Got sand?

Sometimes You Need to Step Back

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:52:00 +0000

I’ve just returned from conducting my annual clinics in Southeast Alaska. It’s a special place to be sure. The wildlife is nothing short of breathtaking. Close encounters are both heart-thumping and mind-numbing all at once. I – love – this – place!

The biggest challenge for me was handling a few guests who seemingly didn’t value the uniqueness of wildlife viewing in this ancient arena. How is it that I can have the back of my neck tingling just from the prospect of another whale encounter, while these very same guests “couldn’t care less if we ever saw another whale.” I mean, can you fathom what I’m saying here? They couldn’t care less!

I had to step back. I had to take a long deep breath and basically meditate for the moment. As a recreation leader, a guide, a mentor, all I can do is try to facilitate opportunities and run a safe program. So with that in mind, I had to adjust my approach to provide what these guests wanted and not fixate on what they were missing. It was a challenge. I was again reminded that being a professional in this field often requires that “ego be set aside.”

Each guest got what they wanted. They were all smiles and compliments. They couldn’t wait to put down a deposit for next year. In fact they did just that.

I have mixed emotions about the outcome. I need to take “another step back” and accept that the choices my guests made were the choices they valued.
Cheers, Ken

Dog Loyal or Cat Loyal?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Chamberlain) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:02:00 +0000

An instructor once asked the following question to his students: In your job, are you dog loyal or cat loyal? The students looked puzzled.

"Think about it," the instructor said. "Are you loyal to the boss (dog loyal) or are you loyal to the company (cat loyal)?"

Often times as we journey through jobs and careers, the answer to that question varies but remains very telling. Dog loyal employees will follow the boss- to them what the boss says is golden, much like man's best friend. These bosses are often the leaders in an organization- those transformational people who gain more by giving others the training, ability and know-how to be leaders in their own right. Such folks know how to get the best out of others and value teamwork. In general, employees like going to work because they feel they are contributing to something greater than themselves.

Cat loyal people are loyal to the organization and its ideals. Much like a cat, they'll always come back to the house for a meal, but don't necessarily care much for the boss. Such people are typically not as emotionally invested in the journey that dog loyal people are. For them, the meal is the paycheck.

So ask yourself this: Are you Dog Loyal or Cat Loyal? Which do you feel fills up your cup the most, and if you're not where you'd like to be, endeavor to be the master of your own destiny and set goals toward achieving that perfect place- where work doesn't feel like work.

Carpe Diem- Sieze the day!

Journeys Renewed

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:19:00 +0000

I could see every star in the universe. At least that’s the way it felt to me. There could have been more diamonds in the heavens than darkness for all I knew. The moon itself was an ink black orb. The celestial canvas was an infinite study in brilliance, darkness, and depth all presented by an artist’s sensibility; known only to those who take time to explore.

I traveled that night; through place, space, and time. It seemed like the thing to do. At first there were questions. Then there were fantasies. Ultimately memories came onto the scene and claimed my conscience. Memories; they’re perfect moments of a personal universe. Family, friends, adventures shared and lessons learned all experienced again under a sea of diamonds and infinite worlds.

(Excerpt from my latest book)

(NASA photo, The Whale Galaxy)
....................................................................
What are you waiting for? Now's the perfect time to get out and "make some memories." Embrace the journey!
Cheers, Ken

Leisure and Human Development

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:33:00 +0000

There’s been an interesting discussion recently taking place throughout the country. Many of our colleagues are exploring the following question; “In twenty words or less, tell what the value of leisure is to human development.”

The question would appear to be set-up for a straight forward response. On the contrary, the further we delve into the process the more diverse the answers become. Here’s just a few we’d like to share –

From Shaun Cavanagh

“The value of leisure to human development can be expressed by considering what life would be like without it.”

From Thom Anderson… Lyndon State College, VT

"Freedom isn’t won on a battlefield or found in a bank account. It resides in playfulness. Play and be free."

From Bruce Larson… Western Kentucky University

"Most of what I need to know in life I learned by 5 while playing. The rest I learned while jogging." (Sorry for being so verbose. That was 21 words.)

From Chris McCutcheon (haiku version)

Work: Done to survive
Play: Creates social people
No one is an isle

Here’s our response (Chris & Ken)

"As essential as water and air -- leisure is elemental for complete human development."

Take a moment or two and give the original question some thought. What would your answer look like?
Cheers, Ken

POTATO LOGIC

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 18:22:00 +0000

REC Programmers this one’s for you...

Potatoes are thick-skinned, thin-skinned, multi-eyed or one-eyed wonders; they are white, yellow, tan, brown, red, purple and black, super-sized jumbo to tiny and all sizes in between...

(Take a deep breath)

You can bake them, fry them, boil or broil, barbeque them, mash, chip, slice, dice, wedge, puree, even stuff them...

(Whew! Hang in there I’m trying to make a point)

Programs are like potatoes! Feed on the potential and embrace exploration.

Exploration=Variety
Variety=Interest
Interest=Appreciation

Appreciation will breed loyalty and participation. Now that’s using “Potato Logic” to boost your program’s potential.

Cheers, Ken

Love what you do, do what you love

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Chamberlain) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:45:00 +0000

Often times we struggle to find our true, authentic self- who we are and what we're meant to do- our passion. We often trudge through life day to day, collecting a pay check, working for the weekend and are rarely inspired in what we do. We dream of greener pastures, a better job, and easier life and what's stopping us? Most often, it's us. Period.

So try this one on for size...Spend an hour or two reflecting on the things you truly enjoy doing- that thing you do, that when you're doing it, it doesn't feel like work. When you've narrowed it down to one or two things, critically think of how you can turn that thing you love into a vocation and take a step toward that passion.

On a recent weekly jaunt to the Sierra, I passed a car advertising an eco-photography company. I remembered the name and later looked up the guy's website and read his bio. He loved the outdoors and shooting photo's- that was his "thing". He also felt unfulfilled in the suit & tie corporate world, so armed with a VW bus, a mountain bike, and his camera equipment- he pursued his passion throughout the parks and wildlands of the West. He also made a living doing it.

That's part of the message through our blog. Both Ken and I love what we do and do what we love and encourage others to pursue the same by exploring the planet that is our playground.

Live Well- Chris

The Legacy of Sunrises & Sunsets

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:14:00 +0000

One of the gifts of legacy I’d like to continue to provide involves introspective time. In particular, I wish to share the experience of appreciating sunrises and sunsets. Both of those magical moments offer the perfect opportunity to discover the wonder of “time, place, and inner space.” It’s a grand pleasure. Sunrises and sunsets are catalysts for focus and reflection.

I was given this gift about 40 years ago. An art & photography instructor inspired me to “slow down and see the changes…see the possibilities.” I adopted the experience and continue to do it almost daily.

I am also motivated by John Muir’s work. Here’s an excerpt from “The Wilderness World of John Muir”, from his observations of Illilouette Falls in Yosemite. It focuses on the soulful experience of enjoying “pure light.”

…………….“ When I reached the foot of the fall sunbeams were glinting across its head, leaving the rest of it in shadow; and on its illumined brow a group of yellow spangles of singular form and beauty were playing; flashing up and dancing in large flame-shaped masses, wavering at times, then steadying, rising and falling in accord with the shifting forms of water. Nothing in the clouds or flowers, on bird wings or the lip of shells, could rival it in fairness. It was the most divinely beautiful mass of rejoicing yellow light I ever beheld – one of Nature’s precious gifts that perchance may come to us but once in a lifetime.”

Cheers, Ken

Welcome to our podium for Terra Otium

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:56:00 +0000

We hope to inspire each of you to explore your world through recreation & leisure. We're honored to have the opportunity to share our careers with you in the recreation/education industry. Stay tuned -- it's a journey -- one worth experiencing!
Best Wishes, Ken & Chris

Contact Info for Ken and Chris

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Thu, 26 Oct 2000 21:31:00 +0000

Chris Chamberlain
leadingedgetd@aol.com
(925) 570-9854

Ken Hanley
kenpacx@yahoo.com
(510) 657-4847

Trends & Events

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Thu, 26 Oct 2000 21:15:00 +0000

Coming soon.............

Training Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Thu, 26 Oct 2000 21:14:00 +0000

We customize all of our training experiences to best suit your needs.

Samples may include:
Program Design
Program Implementation
Staff Development
Staff Assessment
Marketing Strategies
Effective Communications Techniques
Team Building
Leadership Strategies
Putting Fun Back Into Your Work Place (Stress Reduction)
Risk Management
Professional Networking

Please contact us to discuss your organization's needs. We look forward to working with you and your team!

Testimonials

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Thu, 26 Oct 2000 21:12:00 +0000

“From planning to strategizing; from execution to evaluation; from fund-raising to marketing…Ken has done it all masterfully well.”

Paul Ferreira (Supervising Naturalist)

Coyote Hills Regional Park

“Ken happened to be one of the first outdoor industry professionals I sought council from. He provided me with sound business advice and mentorship. In 2006, we entered into a five year commitment to work together to explore, develop, and promote unique fishing destinations around the world.”

Keith Kaneko (Owner)

Angling On The Fly

“Our staff learned a great deal about teamwork, trust, and initiative. Ken your training has enhanced our staff’s ability to continue providing excellent service to our community through our recreational programs.”

P.J. Mellana (Recreation Technician)

City of San Ramon Parks and Community Services Dept.

“When I decided to move from being a consumer of the industry, to being an industry provider, Ken was able to help me make that transition as smooth as possible. I was able to launch my guide business on a level that without his consultation and support would have taken years to achieve.”

Kevin Doran (Owner)

Delta Adventures

Biographies

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Thu, 26 Oct 2000 21:10:00 +0000

Chris Chamberlain BIO Sheet
recreationchris@gmail.com

Doctor of Management (D.M.) - Organizational Leadership (University of Phoenix, 2003)

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) - Public Management option (CSUH, 1989)

Recreation Administration (B.S.) - Municipal Recreation option (CSUH, 1988)

Liberal Studies (B.A.) - Liberal Arts option, (CSUH, 1988)

California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA

Department of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism

• Assistant Professor (Tenure Track), September, 2007-Present

• Program Coordinator- Recreation Management Option

• Lecturer, 2005-2007

• Curriculum Advisory Committee Member, 1999-present, Leisure Services Committee Chair 2003-2007

• University Academic Senator

Leading Edge Training & Development, San Ramon, CA

• Owner, Trainer, 2008-present

• Provide client based training on Teambuilding, Coaching, Communication, Strategic Leadership and Operational Planning

Memberships & Affiliations:

• Harvard Business Review Advisory Council- Member, 2008-present

• American Society of Training and Development (ASTD)- Member, 2008-present

• California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS)- Member, 1988-present

• National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA)- Member, 1998-present

• National Eagle Scout Association, 1980-present

Photographer, Skier, Backpacker & Outdoor Enthusiast

Chris has over 20 years experience in municipal recreation before entering academia. He teaches primarily in the area of recreation program development, administration, budgeting, and leadership development. Chris also teaches in the department's online masters program.

Chris is a recognized speaker on the topics of leadership, team building and social capital development and was recently published in the Revised 3rd edition of NRPA’s Management of Park and Recreation Agencies, with a chapter titled “Organization Structure and Administrative Operations”. He is a former state board member for the California Park and Recreation Society and currently serves on the local district board representing the educators section.

----------------------------------
Ken Hanley BIO Sheet
kenpacx@yahoo.com
Masters Degree: Environmental Recreation Mgt. (CSUH, 1984/ Phi Delta Kappa)

BA Degree: Fine Art and Recreation Management (CSUH, 1982)

Instructor, California State University East Bay (formerly CSU Hayward)

…Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Department / 1995 to present.

…Business Management and Marketing Department / 1998 to 2006

Founding Board Member/Certificate Program

Outdoor Education Programs at DeAnza College and College of San Mateo

(Program instructor 1976 to 1995).

Coordinator of “The B.A.E.E.R. Fair”

(The Bay Area Environmental Education Resource Fair)

The largest environmental education fair in the western U.S., targeted toward the professional teaching community. (1985 to present)

Owner of Adventures Beyond / Pacific Extremes

(Established 1977 – programs conducted with over 14,000 students)

Adventure travel business and field seminar/workshops.

Member of the adventure recreation & environmental education industry since 1970

Hall of Fame Inductee, Federation of Fly Fishers (California Chapter), 2005

Author of Seven Books
Most recent publication… Tying Furled Flies for Trout, Bass, and Steelhead (2008, Headwater Books)…Book of the Year Award 2008…Outdoor Writer’s Association of California
Freelance writer and photographer

Columns and articles appear in numerous national and international publications.
Public Speaker, Seminar Presentations, and Video Personality

Public education outreach programs in venues around the US, Europe, and Mexico.

Pro Staff and Sponsors: SAGE Instructor, SIMMS, Bauer Reels, RIO Products Intl, Daiichi, Renzetti, Umpqua, and Patagonia
Ken’s extensive field experience spans the globe; from the highest peaks in Tibet and the Himalaya, to the remote wilderness regions of Asia, New Zealand, Mexico, Europe, and North America.

Ken’s website: www.pacificextremes.com

Affiliations

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Hanley) — Thu, 26 Oct 2000 21:01:00 +0000

California State University, East Bay
Outdoor Writers Association of California
California Park & Recreation Society
National Recreation and Park Association
American Society for Training and Development