Court Rustemeyer is an award-winning outdoor educator, writer, and leader based in Calgary, Alberta. For over two decades, he has inspired students and educators through programs that connect people with nature, build resilience, and foster environmental stewardship. Court is the founder of the Outdoor Leadership program at Vincent Massey School and serves on provincial and national boards that champion outdoor and environmental education. Selected as a 2025 National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, he continues to explore and share the power of mentorship, storytelling, and adventure in shaping future leaders. Mentorship in the Wild reflects his belief that the trails we walk together-both literal and metaphorical-become the paths that shape who we are.
""This book is going to become your Bible for crafting and delivering outstanding education experiences. Just as Court shares how you can support your students in their growth and development, in these pages you too will find your best self, educator and experiential leader. Every page delivers a must-have take-away, whether it's evidence of the benefits or best practice, a check-list or a handy tool for planning and reflecting to keep you and your group safe."" - Jade Berrill, Director of Learning, Outdoor Learning Store ""'Mentorship in the Wild' is a thought-provoking accumulation of anecdotes, wisdom, and experience from one of Alberta's leaders in outdoor education. The value of such a text is immeasurable for any novice to experienced outdoor educator working with students in schools today. The author weaves in numerous practical ideas seamlessly with his pedagogically sound advice. A definite must-have book for any educator who wants to expand their knowledge for planning to take students outdoors to experience what nature can truly offer anyone."" - Dr. David W. Chorney, University of Edmonton ""Filled with relatable stories and compelling metaphors, this accessible and practical book is inspired and inspiring. Whether you are a novice or an experienced outdoor educator, this book will leave you feeling excited and hopeful for what outdoor education can offer you and your students."" - Gillian Judson, PhD, Assistant Professor, Simon Fraser University ""Mentorship in the Wild is an inspiring, deeply practical guide for educators who lead with heart, outside. This book reminds us that leadership and teaching isn't about perfection-it's about presence and purpose. I love that Court talks about real safety being built through culture and shared responsibility and that every packed bag and muddy misstep holds the potential for leadership, growth, and joy. This book is equal parts compass and campfire-grounding, illuminating, and sure to leave a lasting mark on any outdoor leader. A must-read!"" - Ryan Fahey, Two-Time Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Educator ""Mentorship in the Wild speaks directly to the heart of outdoor education by giving helpful tools to unlock its potential opportunities, and, perhaps, most importantly, reminding us all that providing children safe and intensional outdoor experiences is a gift worth giving and working for. Mentorship in the Wild stands to become a mainstay companion for outdoor educators across the country and beyond."" - Ian Sherrington, Associate Professor & Program Coordinator, Mount Royal University