David Boyle, MA
Field Manager
Joined Open Sky: September 2008
In Wilderness Therapy since: 2000
Interview with David Boyle
June 2009
Q: Why do you work in wilderness therapy?
A: I work in wilderness therapy because it is extremely challenging and extremely rewarding. I have the opportunity to serve others while continuing my own personal growth and journey. The people that work in wilderness therapy are the most genuine, fun, and thoughtful folks I have ever worked with. There are few things more powerful than an intense nature to human connection. Wilderness therapy creates the space to make those connections and offer hope to students and families.
Q: Why do you think wilderness therapy works?
A: I believe that wilderness therapy works because humans are inherently connected to the natural world. Humans throughout history have always looked to the natural world to answer to the deepest questions. When we remove the thin veil of modern society, we find that the natural world still holds a truth that is hard to deny. Author Terry Tempst Williams wrote about the natural world, "there is no place to hide and so we are found." I believe that is why wilderness therapy works, because in the natural world we cannot hide from ourselves and so our true self can be found.
Q: What do you think Open Sky students need?
A: I think many of our students simply need what we all need, time and space to clear our minds, exercise and clean food to clear our bodies, and the wisdom of elders and mentors to guide us on our journey. I also think our students need opportunities to lead, and to mentor their peers. Open Sky provides a safe place for students to step out of roles they might have played at home and encourages students to express themselves in authentic ways.
Q: If you were able to meet anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
A: Stalking Wolf from Tom Brown Jr.'s writings. I would love to meet and spend time wandering the landscape with Stalking Wolf asking him endless questions. His wilderness skills would be great to learn from but I think his storytelling and memory of his early days would be fascinating. He traveled all over the western hemisphere by foot, met many other native people, and was given a gift and duty to teach the best of the old ways. I would most like to learn to move through the "veils". Brown's writings make him a mystical character and a legend.
Q: What are a few of the defining moments in your life and why?
A: One of the most defining moments in my life was the first time I attended an Inipi (sweat lodge). During the sweat lodge, I knew that my life had opened up in ways I had never imagined. I realized that I could live a rich, full life regardless of education or material wealth. True wealth was being connected spiritually and emotionally to myself and others. I discovered a "new path" and have been actively following it ever since.
Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
A: My parents and grandparents are my greatest inspirations. I am gaining an appreciation for how much they sacrificed for their family and for future generations. Working in wilderness therapy has given a perspective and appreciation for the gifts my parents and grandparents have given me. The freedom and confidence to explore what is truly important to me and how I can be of service to others comes directly from the support I have from my family.
Q: What are your unique gifts and/or experiences that help our students?
A: Some of the unique gifts and experiences I bring to the students are based on experiences with the natural world, ceremony, and years spent in the field. I firmly believe that by creating a connection to the natural world we open up a doorway to connecting to a deeper part of ourselves. When we track an animal, climb a mountain, perform a ceremony, or slow down and raise our awareness we have a chance to witness our own tracks, strengths, and insights. These gifts have been given to me and I try to pass them on to our students.
Q: What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t working in the field?
A: When I am not in the field I try and spend as much time with my wife Caroilyn as possible. I also love working in our yard and gardening. This year we have tomatoes, bell peppers, chille peppers, squash, onions, mint, and thyme. I take long walks in the desert with my pack of wild dogs, all 5 of them! I love to mountain bike and ride the best trails in New Mexico. I also love naps, watching movies, and eating good food!
Professional Experience
Jicarilla Behavioral Health
Prevention Program
Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat, Teenage Rite of Passage
Facilitator/Guide
Lone Star Expeditions
Field Director
San Juan Youth Works
Field Guide
Rancho Del Oso Pardo
Ranch Hand
Stone Mountain School
Field Guide
SUWS Wilderness Program
Senior Field Guide
Education
BA, History
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California
MA, Adventure Education
Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona
