Minnesota Bound feat. Face to Face Academy (and our own Paul Gerten)
In 2017, Face to Face Academy was featured on episode #820 of Minnesota’s local and beloved outdoor lifestyle show Minnesota Bound. In the episode, Lakes and Prairie’s own Paul Gerten is featured as a dedicated teacher at Face to Face Academy, a public charter school in St. Paul focused on serving students at risk of dropping out. The show highlights Gerten’s pivotal role in launching and leading the school’s outdoor education program. Inspired by the idea that students could benefit from experiences beyond the classroom, Gerten organized immersive wilderness trips that quickly became a core part of the school’s approach:
Under his guidance, these outdoor adventures grew from a single trip to a regular part of the curriculum, fostering stronger bonds between students and teachers and significantly boosting student engagement and attendance. The episode emphasizes how his leadership has helped students build life skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to learning, ultimately contributing to the school’s recognition for academic success and its reputation for helping students “beat the odds.” In our humble opinion, it makes for a great watch.
About the show: Minnesota Bound is a long-running television series dedicated to sharing stories of the great outdoors in Minnesota. Launched in 1995 by outdoor writer Ron Schara and his beloved black lab, Raven, the show quickly became a staple for viewers interested in nature, adventure, and the unique characters who call Minnesota home.
The program goes beyond traditional hunting and fishing coverage. While those activities are featured, Minnesota Bound also explores camping, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, ice climbing, and many other outdoor pursuits. Episodes often highlight interesting people, local traditions, and hidden gems across the state, blending storytelling with a genuine appreciation for Minnesota’s natural beauty and outdoor culture.
Paul was, and still is, thrilled to have taken part and continues to wait by the phone in case Tom Cruise needs him for the next installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
