YOUTH ADVENTURE PROGRAM

The Youth Adventure Program is a five-day adventure based program followed by an in-school or community service learning project.
The program is directed at youth ages 14 to 17 who are having difficulties coping in the home or school setting, and are considered at risk of needing the services of the correctional or mental health systems.
Through challenge and group work the program helps individuals to recognize their strengths and find a place in the school setting or community.
A local teacher or leader and an adventure program staff screen and carefully select a group of youth who will benefit from this type of program and will be committed to seeing it through. Each participant needs to understand their importance in the group and that they are responsible for their own learning. A forming and planning meeting takes place one week prior to the KOC visit.

OUTDOOR CENTRE COMPONENT

Participants are engaged both as individuals and as a group in a five-day customized visit to the KOC. The program experience is based on the Adventure Program Activity Sequence (Radcliffe & Cuff, 1988).

Activities include:

Ice Breaker/Acquaintance games and activities

De-Inhibitizer activities encourage participants to take some risks and increase their commitment. Emphasis is placed on a cooperative environment.

Trust activities are used as opportunities for individuals to establish a sense of belonging within the group and to affirm emotional safety levels.

Communication activities encourage group members to develop their ability to convey thoughts and feelings effectively and positively.

Group Problem Solving activities present opportunities for participants to develop effective problem solving skills, and to recognize and capitalize on individual strengths. Participants experience a range of problem solving approaches that encourage creative thinking, proper planning, and awareness.

Personal Challenge activities provide opportunities for individuals to set personal goals. These activities promote the development of self confidence and greater feeling of self worth. Individual challenges and effort are supported by active group participation through spotting and encouragement.

The identification and planning of the community component takes place as a part of the KOC piece so that the learning and growth can be transferred.

COMMUNITY PROJECT

Social responsibility activities provide participants with a task or activity within their community. The activities are used to build upon and utilize previous group development and growth. Activities help the group members to work effectively with the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals in their group. The activities also support the development of a broader awareness of social responsibility with respect to family, school and peers. It is important that these activities take place in the context of a school or community recreation setting, and that there is an opportunity for the group or individuals to continue participation.

A community project has been used a number of times in this program model as a valuable tool for reinforcing the gains of an adventure experience, developing a support network for participants, and for helping individuals view school and community positively.