In 2000, I experienced a trial of thirst and pain blazing a trail on the Mountain of Death... which led to a vision and a divine opportunity that I want to share with you.

Contemplating death by dehydration on a pathless mountainous mess of thorn bushes, I bargained with the universe to let me live, promising to devote my life to creating a learning center that would teach appreciation for the simplest of things, such as clean drinking water, peace, freedom and friendship.

In 2002, I made a trail up the mountain of Death, lead five boys from the village of Roblito to the top and made a video doc of the adventure for them to enjoy. They lived close to the mountain, but nobody from the village had ever climbed it.

Seed, an art teacher from Louisiana, joined me and we taught art classes in Roblito. We picked up litter scattered around the village, juggled, walked tight rope, caught fish, took pictures and visited the beach. This was the first Action Hero Training Camp.

The next three steps:

#1. The Action Hero Network is a catalyst connecting people and resources for forming collective efforts to create community centers and common spaces.

#2. Action Hero Training Camp brings together talented and inspiring individuals to teach skills and get stoked on mission-focused educational adventures and environmental awareness.

#3. The Roblito Community Center for Cultural Exchange becomes a seasonal eco-village/retreat providing learning and leisure opportunities people of all income levels.

Until recently, I’ve called this project The FAR OUT School. Now I realize this title is too narrow. The FAR OUT School is a journey I’ve created for myself, where I am the principal and the student. I think of being in school as a state of mind, one of openness, curiosity, and exploration, so as long as I am seeking, I am in school. This is the quest I am on…. this is my question. I want to learn how do we make education more fun and purposeful.

The Action Hero Network vision is to promote self-directed learning through action and community involvement. It is the U of You. You get out of it… whatever you put into it. What’s the quest ya on …your question ...your mission?

I invite you to join me and other fun loving friends in Roblito this winter, between New Years and March break… to create your school! We’ll work on our Action Hero-self, wear capes and fuzzy clothes, develop our powers, meet peaceful people, play with kids, make art from trash, sleep in tree house hammocks like monkeys, spend very little money, find quiet places, sing and dance around a fire, swim in waves and water ski, and through all this… create at curriculum connecting natural cycles and community needs. This is the vision that gives me purpose.

I'll be leaving LA around Christmas, driving down to Roblito via Tucson. There is room in my car. Meggio will also drive her van down from San Francisco if there are enough passengers to pay for gas. Taking the bus to Roblito from Tucson costs $70. You can also fly into Mazatlan, and bus south for $10.

Details will continue to be posted at actionhero.tribe.net …. Please add to the thread if you are interested in joining us. Also see www.solomax.com/farout.html for past stories and photos from Roblito.

Please pass this on to others who may be interested.

Have fun and shine on!
-Cory Richardson
818-331-9707
www.solomax.com