The YMCA offers adventure learning courses for youths and adults. The program teaches groups of from 25 to 150 people skills like cooperation and trust, effective communication and risk-taking. Different obstacles are presented to the group members, who then rely upon each other to overcome the challenge. Counselors with experience in adventure programs, and the space for adventure learning are essential. Look for camps that are certified in adventure learning with educated staff and adequate facilities. The duration of the program depends on individual summer camps, but several last from one day to one week. Spaces are limited in some situations, and others require groups of at least 25 people.
Extended stay programs usually last for seven days in a camping-style environment. During this time, students are challenged in a variety of natural settings. The program aims to teach children social responsibility by caring for the environment, self care by maintaining beds and clothing, and teamwork by working with one another on different projects. Each school district makes the arrangements for travel and lodging and is responsible for informing parents of the cost. This program is usually offered in fifth and sixth grade only. Children do not have access to pay phones and may not bring cell phones, so you have no contact with your child for the week he is gone.
Extreme environment living takes the student to a completely new environment like Antarctica or an ocean voyage. Submerging a child into an unfamiliar environment creates self-sufficiency and encourages youths to look at old patterns in new ways. The child is encouraged to learn about himself and gain new skills by "trying on" a new way of doing things in a new setting. The cost is extremely high, and you do not accompany your child to this location. Groups are much smaller, so there is not as much peer interaction and group dynamic. The duration of the program varies by provider, and different locations vary in physical safety.
Expeditionary learning integrates a school curriculum with adventure learning practices. Teachers and staff are trained in adventure learning and incorporate adventure challenges into the classroom by selecting a theme for exploration. Students answer guided questions from the teacher, but final evaluations take place during the actual group expedition. Expeditionary learning focuses on promoting critical thinking skills, personal development and leadership in the community. The program is limited to schools that offer it and finding a school requires a lot of research. Schools often need financial contributions for expeditions and require parents to attend group events.