Superlative Leaders
Meet some of our spectacular returning leaders.
Overland Leaders
Far more than counselors or guides, Overland’s leaders are wonderful role models for our students. Bright, charismatic and accomplished, our leaders ensure the safety and well-being of every Overland student, and then they provide much, much more, inspiring our students to reach for their potential in every way.
We recruit our leaders from America’s finest colleges and universities, spending eight months a year meeting with hundreds of campus leaders across the country—an effort that generates over 600 applications for just 60 leadership positions. Our screening and selection process is rigorous and thorough: we require a lengthy application, written references, four background checks (driving record, police record, CORI and SORI) and an in-person, face-to-face interview. No other organization of our kind invests the resources that we do to put together the finest summer leadership staff possible. For over two decades, the quality of our leaders has made the difference for us as an organization—and for the 10,000+ students who have joined us.
Dynamic & Talented
You won’t find a more dynamic and talented group of people than Overland’s leaders. Most Overland leaders have played varsity sports and many have captained their teams; they have served as student government officers, volunteered as peer counselors and directed campus organizations. Many have graduated with honors, and a good number over the years have been valedictorians. Their career plans typically involve graduate school in medicine, law, teaching or business. They are high achievers who come to Overland with a lifetime of leadership experience—but just as importantly, they are warm, wonderful people who are eager to work with Overland’s students.
Prepared & Focused
Overland’s leaders prepare carefully for the summer. We know of no other program that requires certification in First Aid, CPR and lifesaving—every Overland leader has all of these plus our own 10-day training program that focuses on safety, supervision and leadership. All of our efforts prepare Overland’s caring and committed leaders to create safe, supportive and valuable programs where each of our students can flourish.
In recent years the Overland staff has counted among its accomplishments and accolades:
• 100% have led one or more school or college organizations
• Over 90% have been varsity athletes
• Over 80% have graduated with honors
• Over 60% have served as peer counselors
• Over 70% have been varsity captains
• But most importantly, every year over 95% have been rated excellent by their Overland students.
In a world where strong leadership skills make the difference between the average and the exceptional, Overland recruits and trains only the best to be our leaders. Not only do these remarkable people capably lead our groups, they also offer our students the kind of role modeling for which Overland has long been recognized.
Leader Comments on Leading for Overland
“Overland taught me to lead through inspiration. As leaders, Jack and I encouraged our students’ participation, guided their decision-making and imparted knowledge and respect for wilderness travel. But as leaders we also felt we should support their efforts to become leaders themselves. Jack and I worked to build groups that aspired to take responsibility for their own Overland experience.”
Bridget Igoe, Northwestern University ’03
“At Overland, I met the most inspiring people I have ever encountered. I was re-energized each summer by my co-leaders, by how hard they were willing to work and how much they were willing to give. I was constantly amazed and motivated by how much faith the staff had in us, and the last thing I was going to do was let them down. Because of Overland, I am confident in my leadership abilities.”
Molly O’Connor, Amherst College ’03
“Overland taught me that a great leader never gives up; the group is relying on him to persevere and succeed. When others put their faith in me to do something, I know that I cannot and will not let them down.”
Robbie Cowden, Dartmouth College ’06
“Overland shows its leaders and students alike the tremendous potential of a single day. Overland trips are essentially experiments in possibility; leaders and students emerge from the summer with the understanding that they can do anything. Really: anything. This changed my life, and I know it has changed the lives of many of the students that I have led.”
Elizabeth Turnbull, Colby College ’04
