About Black Hound
Ba
Meet Gabe
Director
Since Gabe was young he has felt a deep connection with nature. Growing up in Virginia you could always find Gabe outside, likely whittling, building forts, or just exploring.
As Gabe got older he applied his interest in our natural world at the University of Vermont where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Natural Resources. Eager to continue learning, Gabe has also earned certifications in Wilderness First Responder, American Red Cross First Aid/CPR, PetSaver First Aid/CPR, USA Archery Instructor, and Cybertracker USA/Africa (level 2).
Gabe has taught a range of outdoor education programs in Vermont, Virginia and Ohio. Currently, he teaches physical education and runs a naturalist club for The Hudson Montessori School in Hudson, OH.
Gabe attributes his passion for our natural world to the many devoted mentors he had guiding him to create and explore. He strives to be a mentor to others to foster this same curiosity and excitement that shaped his development.
Black Hound Outdoor Education
Black Hound Outdoor Education offers youth programs with the ultimate goal of connecting children of all ages with their natural surroundings. Black Hound provides an opportunity to expand children's traditional education through a supportive, fun and hands-on approach. Programs focus on a range of topics including tool construction, fire building, carving, purpose-driven awareness (i.e., tracking, sensory games) storytelling, foraging, learning about Ohio natural history, and identifying animal/plants. While these skills are useful in themselves they are also designed to teach other lessons like respect for one another and the earth, how to be a part of a community, teamwork, leadership and confidence.
*Currently programs are offered in Wooster, Ohio during school breaks, weekends, and summers. Please contact Gabe if there is interest in programs at other locations*
Who is the Black Hound?
Meet Odin... the OG black hound dog. Gabe rescued Odin in Vermont when he was just 5 months old. Eight years later you would be hard-pressed to find Gabe without his trusty hound by his side. Odin is a certified therapy dog, a member of the Akron Children's Hospital Doggie Brigade, and absolutely loves adventuring and playing with kids. You will often find Odin attending programs with Gabe.
FAQ
What ages can attend your programs?
Youth programs are generally designed for children ages 7-13. Programs can be designed for younger or older children, depending on interest. We are currently working on an apprenticeship program for older youth.
How do you maintain a safe environment when using knives and other tools?
Tools, including knives, provide a wonderful opportunity for children to create! However, tools also come with an inherent risk. At Black Hound every child first learns how to safely use tools. Each child then must be able to recite and demonstrate the safety rules. Children are never left unattended when using tools and children understand that using tools is a privilege that may be removed if safety rules are not followed.
Are there bathrooms?
Do not plan on having bathrooms available. We are careful to make sure everyone understands how to be a good steward and use the bathroom in the woods. Occasionally there will be porta potties/outhouses we can use but we are usually too far away. Eventually, everyone poops in the woods!