On May 11th and 12th, the Accreditation Council of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) approved Gray Wolf Ranch for a three-year accreditation. The AEE is a national association of programs that utilize experiential methods in their curriculum. Member organizations must provide activities that are, at least in part, hands-on, learn-by-doing experiences. Tell me and I will forget, show me and I might remember, but let me do something and I will know it, is one motto of experiential education. Other organizations that are accredited through the AEE include the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound, Prescott College, and the Wilderness Treatment Center.

The AEE credential attests that GWR's Trek Program meets national standards in outdoor programming. "This is a major accomplishment," says Alex Borton, Gray Wolf's Trek Coordinator. "I have been working on this project for over a year. There were over 200 standards we had to meet, and all had to be documented."

In addition to the large amount of paperwork required, the process included an external review by AEE personnel. Three program administrators visited the Ranch to observe as preparations were made for the March Trek. The reviewers interviewed several staff members and residents, and two reviewers accompanied a trek group up the Elwha River to observe Gray Wolf's program in the field.

"We were all impressed with the thoroughness and professionalism of the AEE reviewers," commented David Lewis, Gray Wolf's Executive Director. Gray Wolf owner Peter Boeschenstein added, "We all learned a lot from each other. The process was worthwhile and enjoyable."

The reviewers were equally impressed with Gray Wolf and found no areas of primary concern. In the exit interview, Bill Zimmermann, AEE's Accreditation Coordinator said of programs he has reviewed, "There are three general categories: the nightmares, most of them, and the easy ones. This was an easy one."