David Delafield – Co-Chair

David DelafieldDavid has been involved with outdoor education since last century. Sounds like a very long time, but in reality he has only been working in the field for 20 years. His experience includes camp administration, operating outdoor education programs for K-12, lead instructor for Mammut Bushcraft, and for the past 16 years as Assistant Professor of Outward Pursuits at Burman University in Lacombe, AB.

In addition to formal education that added some letters after his name, David maintains active qualifications in wilderness medicine, is a Canoe & Kayak instructor through Paddle Canada, and facilitates programs for Outdoor Council Canada. But the certificate that he appreciates the most was recognition by Mors Kochanski as a Survival & Wilderness Living Skills Instructor.

Joining the remarkable staff of instructors at Karamat is always a privilege and a little like coming home. Since joining his first summer course in 2002, he has constantly learned from the staff and students that filter through the little camp under the parachute. The calibre of instruction, the students that bring their own experiences and knowledge and the opportunity to work alongside his mentors, Kelly Harlton and Mors Kochanski, make every experience at Karamat something to be treasured.

Joining David on his adventure through life is the most patient, and remarkable musician, Naomi Burns Delafield and their three miniature humans. One of their adventures involved 84 days, 3,038km, 60+ portages, and carried them from the Canadian Rockies to the Hudson Bay in their trusty canoe. Together they tilt their hands towards organic agriculture, humanitarian efforts, and spending every possible moment exploring nature and paddling a growing stable of thoroughbred canoes.