STANDARD PROGRAM OUTLINE
The program is made up of four self-contained units. Each unit in the program is a 4 week long workshop, which contains a total of 8 lessons. Each unit also culminates in an additional week for an optional day or overnight trip depending on the unit and the clients. In total, this creates a five week unit resulting in a 5 month, semester long program.
Each of the 4 units are designed to teach students a component of outdoor recreation and is paired with a character quality meant to grow within the individual student.
Leadership
backpacking
Backpacking teaches how to care for each other in harsh circumstances. You learn how to be mindful of everyones wellbeing and not just the goal of getting to a destination.
teamwork
canoeing
Canoeing is a skill that forces you to rely on another person or you'll be spinning in circles. You learn to communicate in the chaos. Students practice communication skills and discover how to function in crisis.
courage
Rock climbing
Rock climbing can bring fear as well as humility. Climbing teaches technique over strength and how that is utilized in day to day life.
responsibility
environmental protection & Caving
Caving can teach the amazing history of the earth and how to take care of it. The caves can be dark and require all of your attention. You see the beauty of the earth and grow closer to those around you.
Generally, the program will follow a schedule of two lessons per week for four weeks and then two days of trip preparation. The lessons will be taught on separate days afterschool for an hour and a half to two-hour period depending on the school and clients. The program is flexible and can be altered depending on the client but it is recommended that it remain in a two hours a day, two days a week format.
WHAT MOTIVATES THIS PROGRAM?
CHARACTER BUILDING
& RECREATIONAL SKILLS
Character building is the true purpose of the Student Adventure Program. The lessons are designed to grow a students character through the study of outdoor recreational skills. Character building is built into each lesson in several ways. Primarily character quality will be taught through the teaching of different strategies and habits that will foster the desired qualities in each student.
These strategies will then be put into direct practice through rigorous small group activities and challenges that incorporate an outdoor skill. The activities will challenge students to work together, communicate, lead, and problem solve in both low and high stress environments. After students have finished the activity there will be a period of debrief time. This time is instructor led. Students will debrief the activity and unpack their experience and performance. Students will be given constructive criticism and will be encouraged to self evaluate after each activity. As students continue in the program they will learn to use strategies that assist the whole group and will put into practice the items discussed in previous debriefs. Through small group work, challenging activities, critical discussion, and the mentoring of the instructors students will learn what it means to be an individual of character and a leader among their peers.