AORE Association News June 2015 | Page 7

MOU Partner Corner The National Outdoor Book Awards (NOBA) is the outdoor world's largest and most prestigious book award program. It is a non-profit, educational program, sponsored by the NOBA Foundation and Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education. It’s office is based at Idaho State University. The purpose of the Awards is to recognize and encourage outstanding writing and publishing. Each fall in early November, the NOBA Foundation announces the winners of the nine categories making up the program, including History, Literature, Children, Nature, Instructional, Adventure Guidebook, Nature Guidebook, Design, and Outdoor Classic. The program has very high standards of fairness and objectivity and has no connection whatsoever to any publisher or publishing business interest. The winners are chosen by a panel of judges consisting of educators, academics, book reviewers, authors, editors, and outdoor columnists from throughout the country. Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) is a national strategic partnership of organizations from diverse sectors with a common interest in connecting children, youth and families with the outdoors. OAK’s members are brought together by the belief that the wellness of current and future generations, the health of our planet and communities and the economy of the future depend on humans having a personal, direct and life-long relationship with nature and the outdoors. Outdoor Orientation Program Symposium (OOPS) brings program directors, school administrators, student leaders, researchers, and land managers in one place to discuss strategies for supporting students in wilderness preorientation programs. OOPS provides context for program development and growth, best practices, new program techniques, and nuts and bolts information that will help established and aspiring programs. The School for International Expedition Training (SIET) is a nonprofit institution that is dedicated to providing risk management, technical, and leadership training to aspiring mountain guides, outdoor educators, and mountaineers. We provide unparalleled, cutting-edge training at an affordable tuition with a robust scholarship program. SIET is putting as many resources as possible into providing accessible education for the mountain community. Please help us spread the word so your students and colleagu es don't miss out! 7