POSITIONS HELD

Executive Director and Co-founder, 2nd Nature TREC (Training, Research, Education, Consulting)  (2018 - )

Part-time Faculty, Experiential and Outdoor Education Graduate Program, Western Carolina University (2020 -)

Faculty, North Carolina Arboretum (2019 -)

Professor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science, Montreat College (1984-2017)

Adjunct Faculty, Antioch University New England (1999-2007)

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BACKGROUND AND PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

I have been a college professor, wilderness trip leader, and field science instructor for over 30 years. My passion is using outdoor experiences to engage the heart, challenge the mind, and nurture the spirit. I believe teaching is the art and craft of engaging the heart and mind in order to encourage the realization of God-given potential. It extends beyond facts and figures. It involves more than mastery of content. It is the act of investing one’s life in others in order to encourage their mental, emotional, social, and spiritual growth.

 

EDUCATION AND DEGREES

      PhD - Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England, Keene, NH (2003)     

      MLAS - Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina-Asheville (2017)

      MS - Outdoor Teacher Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL (1993)

      MA - Biology/Ecology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC (1984)

      BA - Biology/Earth Studies, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC (1982)

      AA - Liberal Arts, Brevard College, Brevard, NC (1980)

 

CERTIFICATIONS

Outdoor Leadership (Wilderness Education Association, 1994) 

Environmental Educator (State of North Carolina, 1997)

Wilderness Box and Land Ethics Program Facilitator (1997)

Certified Interpretive Guide (National Association for Interpretation) (2012, 2016)

Certified Educator for: 

      Project WILD                                    Project Aquatic WILD                       ​Leave No Trace Master Educator

      Project Learning Tree                      Project Catch                                    Certified Outdoor Educator (WEA)

      Project WET                                     EM Power                                          Wilderness First Aid

 

AREAS OF INTEREST

Significant/Formative Life Experiences

Wilderness Learning

Experiential Education

Impact of Landscape on the Human Experience

Environmental Philosophy and Theology

Personal Growth and Human Development

Adventure Education

Environmental Education

Environmental Psychology

Religious Experiences in Nature

Brainwave Activity and Outdoor Experiences

 

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS 

Association for Experiential Education (AEE)       

National Association for Interpretation (NAI)

North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)

Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC)    

Wilderness Education Association (WEA)

Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE)

Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance (SEEA)

Children and Nature Network

 

LEADERSHIP

Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC)

    President-elect (2013)

    President (2014)

    Past President (2015)

    Western Section Coordinator (2016)

     Partnership Coordinator and SEEA representative (2017 - )

Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance (SEEA) 

    Advisory Committee (2023- )

    Treasurer, Leadership team (2017- 2018 )

    Chair (2018)

Reviewer (2017): Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership (JOREL)

    Journal of Applied Environmental Education and Communication 

Research Symposium Coordinator

    Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (OLRS) 2011- 2013

    Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) 2014 - 2016

    Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER) 2017- 2018

Association for Experiential Education (AEE) 

     Board of Directors (2023-2026)

   AEE Southeast Ambassador Coordinator (2020 -)

   AEE Southeast Council (2020-2024)

Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO) 

    Research Committee (2022-2026)

    Symposium Co-coordinator (2024 - ) 

Montreat College 

    Chair, Natural Science Department, Montreat College (2003-2008)       

    Co-Chair/Chair, Outdoor Education Department (1996-98, 2008-2017) 

    Chair, Executive Committee of the Faculty (2003, 2014) 

 

AWARDS AND HONORS

Environmental Educators of North Carolina Outstanding Service Award (2019)

Frank Lupton Service Award, Wilderness Education Association (2017)

Melva Fager Okun Award for Lifetime Achievement in Environmental Education, Environmental Educators of North Carolina (2016)

Professor of the Decade (2001-2010), Montreat College Alumni 

Montreat College Dean’s Award (2008)

Who’s Who Among America’s College Teachers (2004, 2006)

David L. Parks Distinguished Professor Award, Montreat College (2003)

Teacher of the Year Award - Montreat College (given by students) (1995)

Sears Outstanding Teaching Award (one of three awards granted to Montreat faculty) (1991)

Teacher of the Year Award - Montreat College (given by students) (1991)

Professor of the Year Award - Montreat College Faculty (1987)

Teacher of the Year Award - Montreat College (given by students) (1988)

Teacher of the Year Award - Montreat College (given by students) (1985)

Tri Beta Biological Honor Society (1982)

Alpha Chi Honor Society (1982)

Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society (1982)

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (1980)

 

RECENT PRESENTATIONS

 

Waddell, E., Bobilya, A. J., Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B. & Hoffman, A. (January, 2024). Barriers and strategies for utilizing school outdoor spaces: Exploring the experiences of high school teachers. Paper accepted for presentation at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 16th Biennial Research Symposium, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC.

 

Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2023, November). The psychology of risk and 21st century outdoor adventure program participants. Session presented at the Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Madison, WI. 

 

Waddell, E., Bobilya, A. J., Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B. & Hoffman, A. (September, 2023). Benefits, Barriers, & Strategies: Utilizing School Outdoor Learning Spaces. Paper presented at the 11th Annual Southeastern Environmental Education Association (SEEA) Conference and Research Symposium, Spencer, TN. 

 

Waddell, E., Bobilya, A. J., Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B. & Hoffman, A. (October, 2023). Benefits, Barriers, & Strategies: Utilizing School Outdoor Learning Spaces. Paper presented at the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference and Research Symposium, Virtual

 

Bobilya, A. J., Faircloth, W. B. & Daniel, B. (2023, March). The psychology of risk and 21st century wilderness therapy program participants. Session presented at the Wilderness Therapy Symposium, Asheville, NC.

 

Daniel, B., Bobilya, A. J. & Faircloth, W. B. (2022, November). The life significance of Outward Bound course components: 50 years later. Paper presented at the 50th Anniversary Association for Experiential Education International Conference: Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER), YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC. 

 

Faircloth, W. B., Bobilya, A. J. & Daniel, B., Cox-King, A. & Talaber, J. (2022, November). Social and emotional learning through community-based outdoor and adventure programming. Paper presented at the 50th Anniversary Association for Experiential Education International Conference: Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER), YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC. 

 

Daniel, B., Bobilya, A. J. & Faircloth, W. B. (2022, February). The life significance of an Outward Bound expedition: 50 years later. Paper presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 15th Biennial Research Symposium, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC. 

 

Bobilya, A. J., Faircloth, W. B. & Daniel, B. (2022, October). The psychology of risk and 21st century wilderness program participants. Session presented at the Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC. 

 

Kinch, R., Bobilya, A. J., Duncan, S., Daniel, B. & Brannon, J. (2022, February). Indigenous storytelling, Cherokee traditional ecological knowledge, and place-based education. Paper presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 15th Biennial Research Symposium, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC

 

Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B., Bobilya, A. J., Cox-King, A. & Talaber, J. (2021, November). Impact of community-based outdoor and adventure programming on participant social and emotional learning. Paper presented at the Association for Experiential Education International (virtual) Conference: Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER).

 

Carlson, R., Bobilya, A. J. & Daniel, B. (2021, November). The Wilderness Education Association credentialing program: An overview of the benefits and process. Session presented at the Association for Experiential Education International (virtual) Conference. 

 

Bobilya, A. J., Faircloth, W. B. & Daniel, B. (2021, February). The psychology of risk and 21st century wilderness program participants. Session presented at the International (virtual) Conference on Outdoor Leadership. 

 

Bobilya, A. J., Daniel, B., & Faircloth, W. B. (2020, February). The psychology of risk and 21st century wilderness program participants. Session presented at the International Conference on Outdoor Leadership, Three Lakes, Wisconsin

Bobilya, A. J., Daniel, B., & Faircloth, W.B. (2020, February). The Psychology of Risk and 21st Century Wilderness Program Participants. Session presented at the International Conference on Outdoor Leadership, Three Lakes, Wisconsin.

 

Daniel, B. (2020, February). Panel discussion: WEA traditional practices.  Session presented at the International Conference on Outdoor Leadership, Three Lakes, Wisconsin.

 

Daniel, B. (2020, January). Leading successful interpretive hikes. Session presented at the 2020 Park Ranger Institute. Chimney Rock State Park, NC.

 

Daniel, B. (2020, January). Interpreting the night: Planning and leading sensory night walks. Session presented at the 2020 Park Ranger Institute. Chimney Rock State Park, NC.

 

Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2018, October). Exploring perspectives on optimal challenge and risk. Session presented at the Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education Conference, Snowbird, Utah.

 

Daniel, B. (February, 2020). Worldview filters and experiential education. Session presented at the Association for Experiential Education's SE Regional Conference, Hendersonville, NC.

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Daniel, B, Shores, J. & Faircloth, B. (2018, January). Effects of National Park Landscapes on Inspiration: An Exploratory Study. Session presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium, Bradford Woods, IN.

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Daniel, B. & Faircloth, B. (2018). The Impact of an Organized Night Walk on Brain Wave Activity and State-Trait Anxiety. Session presented at the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium, Bradford Woods, IN.

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Bobilya, A. J., Daniel, B. & Middleton, G. (2017, November). Nurturing the Spirit in Our Staff and Participants: Spirituality and Experiential Education. Session presented at the Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Bobilya, A. J., Holman, T. H., Lindley, B., Daniel, B., Faircloth, B., Shirilla, P., Coulson, E., Frazer, L. (2016, October). 8th annual trends and issues in outdoor education programs panel discussion. Session presented at the Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

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Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2017, November). 21st Century Program Participants: Can We Achieve the Same Outcomes with Different Levels of Risk? Session presented at the Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Daniel, B. (2017, October). Learn from My Mistakes: Using a Dialectical Approach for Training Outdoor Educators. Session presented at the Wilderness Education Association’s International Conference on Outdoor Leadership (40th Anniversary), Jackson Hole, WY.

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Daniel, B. (2017, October). Outdoor Education as a Countercultural Movement? Conference address presented at the Wilderness Education Association’s International Conference on Outdoor Leadership (40th Anniversary), Jackson Hole, WY.

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Daniel, B. (2017, September). Canoeing the Cape Fear's Story. Environmental expedition facilitated at the Environmental Educators of North Carolina’s Annual Conference, Agapé Camp and Conference Center, Fuquay-Varina, NC.

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Daniel, B. (2017, September). Planning and Facilitating an Organized Night Walk. Training Session at the Environmental Educators of North Carolina’s Annual Conference, Agapé Camp and Conference Center, Fuquay-Varina, NC

 

PUBLICATIONS 

Shores, J., Daniel, B., & Faircloth, W. B. (2023). The Experience of Inspiration in Natural Landscapes: Awe, Wonder, Sublimity, and Bergson's Qualitative Multiplicity. Journal of Experiential Education, 10538259231205291.

 

Kinch, R., Bobilya, A. J., Daniel, B. & Duncan, S. (2022). Indigenous storytelling, Cherokee traditional ecological knowledge, and place-based education. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 14(4). 55-70. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2022-11601

 

Hines, E., Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2020). Environmental views of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Ecopsychology, 12(2), 118-127. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2019.0051

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Daniel, B., Bobilya, A. J., & Faircloth, B. (2022). The Life Significance of an Outward Bound Expedition: A Retrospective Study Up to 50 Years Later. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 14(4).

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Daniel, B., Shores, J., & Faircloth, W. B. (2021). The Effects of Natural Landscapes on Inspiration: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, 13(4), 30-45. 

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Faircloth, W. B., Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2021, November). Impact of Community-Based Outdoor and Adventure Programming on Participant Social and Emotional Learning. In 2021 Symposium on Experiential Education Research (p. 32).

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Hines, E., Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2020). Environmental views of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Ecopsychology, 12(2), 118-127. 

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Daniel, B., Shores, J., & Faircloth, B. (2019). The Impact of Natural Landscapes on Inspiration: A Topophilic Study. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 11(3).

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Daniel, B. (2020). Linville Caverns: An Underground Wonderland. In Smith, A .C. & Carrier, S. J. (Eds.) 30 Great North Carolina Science Adventures. Chapel Hill, NC: UNC Press.

 

Daniel, B. (2020). Mt. Mitchell: An Ecological Island in the Sky. In Smith, A .C. & Carrier, S. J. (Eds.) 30 Great North Carolina Science Adventures. Chapel Hill, NC: UNC Press.

 

Daniel, B. (2020). Linville Gorge Wilderness Area: North Carolina’s Grand Canyon. In Smith, A. C. & Carrier, S. J. (Eds.) 30 Great North Carolina Science Adventures. Chapel Hill, NC: UNC Press.

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Daniel, B. & Knapp, C.E. (2015). Nighttime Adventures: Exploring and Appreciating the Mysteries of the Night by Leading Walks after Dark, in Grant, T., & Littlejohn, G. (Eds.) Teaching in the Outdoors. Green Teacher.

 

Bobilya, A.J., Kalisch, K., Daniel, B. & Coulson, E.R. (2015). An Investigation of Participants’ Intended and Actual Transfer of Learning Following an Outward Bound Wilderness Experience.  Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership 7 (2), 93–110.

 

Bobilya, A. J., Daniel, B., & Kalisch, K. (2015). Case 12–3 Autonomous Student Experiences: Are They Too Risky for Today’s Outdoor Adventure Program? In Black, R. & Bricker, K. (Eds.) Adventure Programming and Travel for the 21st Century. State College, PA: Venture.

 

Daniel, B. Bobilya, A.J., Kalisch, K. R. & McAvoy, L. H. (2014). Autonomous Student Experiences in Outdoor and Adventure Education. Journal of Experiential Education 37 (1), 4-17.

 

Bobilya, A. J., Kalisch, K., & Daniel, B. (2014). Participants’ perceptions of their Outward Bound final expedition and the relationship to instructor supervisory position. Journal of Experiential Education. first published on January 3, 2014 as doi:10.1177/1053825913510693.

 

Daniel, B. & Bobilya, A. J. (2012).  Guarding Safety Without Compromising Learning: The Value of Unaccompanied Components.  In Martin, B. & Wagstaff, M.  (Eds.), Controversial Issues in Adventure Programming.  Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 

 

Daniel, B. and Knapp, C.E. (2011) Nighttime Adventures: Exploring and appreciating the mysteries of the night by leading walks after dark. Green Teacher Issue 93 (Summer, 2011).

 

Daniel, B. (Winter, 2011) Learn from My Mistakes; Using a Dialectical Approach for Training Outdoor Educators. Green Teacher Issue 91.

 

Kalisch, K. R., Bobilya, A. J. & Daniel, B. (2011) The Outward Bound solo: A study of participants’ perceptions. Journal of Experiential Education. 34 (1), 1-18.

  

Bobilya, A. J., Kalisch, K., & Daniel, B. (2011).  The Outward Bound Final Expedition: Exploring the Effect of Instructor Positioning on the Student Experience. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. 3, (2), 80-83.

 

Bobilya, A. J., Kalisch, K., & Daniel, B. (2011). An investigation of the Outward Bound final expedition. [Abstract]. Journal of Experiential Education, 33 (4), 356-359.

 

Daniel, B. (2010). Alexander Humboldt: Experiential Expeditionary Scientist. In Sourcebook of Experiential Education: Key Thinkers and Their Contribution. T.E Smith and C.E. Knapp (eds.) New York, NY: Routledge.

 

Bobilya, A.J. & Daniel, B. (2010). Eleanor Duckworth: The Teacher’s Teacher. Sourcebook of Experiential Education: Key Thinkers and Their Contributions. T.E Smith and C.E. Knapp (eds.) New York, NY: Routledge.

 

Daniel, B. & Shuman, D. K. (2009). Methods of Teaching Environmental Education: Participant’s Guide. Office of Environmental Resources, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Raleigh, NC.

 

Daniel, B. & Shuman, D. K. (2009). Methods of Teaching Environmental Education: Facilitator’s Guide. Office of Environmental Resources, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Raleigh, NC.

 

Daniel, B. (2009). Alexander Humboldt: Experiential Expeditionary Scientist. In Beyond Dewey and Hahn: Foundations for Experiential Education (V1) pp. 141-150. T.E Smith and C.E. Knapp (eds.) Lake Geneva, WI: Raccoon Institute.

 

Bobilya, A.J. & Daniel, B. (2009). Eleanor Duckworth: The Teacher’s Teacher. In Beyond Dewey and Hahn: Foundations for Experiential Education (V1) pp. 113-121. T.E Smith and C.E. Knapp (eds.) Lake Geneva, WI: Raccoon Institute.

 

Daniel, B. (2009). Adventure Education History Roundtable. In B. Stremba & C. A. Bisson (eds.) Teaching Adventure Education Theory: Best Practices pp. 87-96. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

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Daniel, B. (2007). The Life Significance of a Spiritually Oriented, Outward Bound-Type Wilderness Expedition. Journal of Experiential Education 29, (3), pp. 386 – 389.

 

Daniel, B. (2005). The Life Significance of a Wilderness Solo Experience. In T.E Smith & C.E. Knapp (eds.) Exploring the Power of Solo, Silence, and Solitude. Denver, CO: AEE.

 

INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

Hiking, canoeing, photography, rescuing dogs, drinking coffee, and traveling to beautiful new places.

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COURSES DEVELOPED AND TAUGHT:

Graduate

Environmental Education Methods: Non-Formal Settings 

Environmental Education Methods: Teaching in the Outdoors

Experiential Education: Learning in Meaningful Contexts 

Teaching Methods for Outdoor Settings

Field Meteorology

Environmental History and Philosophy

Research Methods

Thesis/project

Earth Systems Science

Science Seminar

Interpreting the Natural World

Field Natural History of Western North Carolina

Group Facilitation and Teaching Methods

 

Undergraduate

American Ecosystems (Traveling Field Course to 19 National Parks)

Field Natural History

Natural History of Mt. Mitchell

Natural History of Grandfather Mountain

Environmental Perspectives and Cultural History of the Eastern Band of Cherokee

Physical and Environmental Geography

Survey of Outdoor Education