The MAEOE Robert Finton Outdoor Educator of the Year Award program will recognize an individual who demonstrates leadership and innovation in environmental and outdoor education. Bob Finton personified enthusiasm, innovation, and excellence in the field of environmental education, and this award will honor his memory by rewarding efforts to strive for these qualities. More info about the award can be found here.

Criteria:

• Recognition should be given to an individual who is a non-formal practitioner of outdoor education and works “in the trenches” as Bob did.
• The nominee can be a representative, either paid or unpaid, of a Maryland outdoor education center, non-profit organization, service organization, resource agency, education-related business, or other organization whose mission is environmental education. (Classroom teachers are not eligible for this award.)
• The nominee should demonstrate innovation and excellence in environmental education programming. Examples could include:

                  - A highly successful ground-breaking environmental education effort