2004 Mid-Atlantic Region AEE Awards
Educator / Practitioner Award (Individual) - Elaine Hatala
Veteran / Statesman Award (someone with 12-15 years or more involvement in experiential education) - Philo Elmer
Organization Award - The Adventure Network — Dave Pastorok
Novice/Rising Star - Jake Sciammas
Educator / Practitioner Award (Individual) - Elaine Hatala
Elaine has been a long time AEE member who assisted in the organization of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Over the years she has worked for Project Use and Cradlerock. Elaine has been an avid proponent and practitioner of experiential education. She is currently an instructor at Lincoln University in PA, where she utilizes experiential education in the classroom setting at every opportunity. She is also working toward her PhD through Temple University. Elaine is a past regional chairperson, regional conference convener, a 2001 and current AEE Annual Conference host committee member, workshop presenter, AEE accreditation
evaluator and acts as the region s historian. Elaine's zeal for experiential education is contagious to all who come in contact with her.
Veteran / Statesman Award - Philo Elmer
Philo has been a member of AEE almost from the beginning of the organization s existence. He is the founder of Cradlerock and through the company helped develop and refine many aspects of high and low ropes courses. Philo helped found the Mid-Atlantic Region of AEE and for many years during the region s start-up and growth, also provided financial assistance through Cradlerock. He has been a regional conference convener, AEE Annual Conference convener and presenter of numerous workshops, past regional chairperson and has also been on AEE s board of directors. Philo helped organize and establish ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology), which helped standardize and professionalize the industry. Even though over the past few years he has stepped back from the region, Philo still remains a valuable member, resource and friend.
Organization Award - The Adventure Network — Dave Pastorok
The Adventure Network has been a long time presence in AEE and advocate of experiential education in the region.
The organization was founded and operated by Dave Pastorok and is supported by a dedicated and experienced staff. Included in the scope of their operation are ropes/challenge course building and training, indoor and outdoor climbing, along with initiative and facilitation training. The Adventure Network can always be counted on to support the Mid-Atlantic Region and exhibit at our conferences.
Novice/Rising Star - Jake Sciammas
Jake has been moving up through the field of experiential education and served as the coordinator of the Terrapin Adventure Challenge — Outdoor Recreation Programs at the University of Maryland — College Park. Jake stepped up to be a state representative (MD) on the region s council and has also held the region s most recent Play Day. Jake recently accepted a position with Campus Recreation at UCLA. He will be truly missed, but we know his talents will be an asset to the Western Region.
