Course Outcomes for Age Group (14-16 years old)

CHARACTER – Persevere, Take risks, Self-identify strengths, Self-Reliance, Sense of accomplishment through perseverance (grit), can identify positive traits, begin to trust themselves, take more risks and push themselves harder, own their choices, advancement of technical skills toward mastery is important

LEADERSHIP – Group Adversity, Critical Thinking, Collaborate, Decide Group gets through easy and tough things together, team and collaboration means caring for one another, individuals understand their role and influence within their crew, see the impact of their leadership in action when they observe groups potential become reality, creative problem solving supported by instructors (they don’t know what they don’t know, so supporting them through idea sharing will help them take ownership)

SERVICE – Identify needs (outside of self), Empathy Care, compassion for others, use diversity as strength, consider their impact in/on the world

TECHNICAL SKILLS Expect real gain, push for mastery, teach, mistakes, re-teach, let peers teach each other

Course Outcomes for Teens (16-18 years old)

CHARACTER – Mastery/Excellence, Competence, Leadership of Self Face individual adversity and move through it, understand/feel ripple effect of choices, understand delayed gratification and the importance of working hard for something - perseverance and self-reliance pays off, understand application/transference of course to life.

LEADERSHIP – Communication, Awareness of Others, Own Crew Experience Demonstrate understanding of relationships between goals and choices, set, meet and re-set goals, find real solutions to real problems (creative problem-solving), assessment used in considering decisions. Responsibility gain to crew should be obvious, rites of passage implies growth independence and responsibility,

SERVICE – Others before self, Noticeable Impact/Difference Care for brigade, family, environment, community world. Make sure to never make it feel punitive, but instead it should stem from their values/- beliefs… this helps them acknowledge how they want to make and impact. Service can’t be menial, must have meaning.

TECHNICAL - Mastery, teach, assess, own skills, ask for what they need, re-teach or peer teach.

Course Activity

Available options for this age group comprise of a single element activity (listed in the course title) or a multi-element activity course.  There are benefits for both styles of courses. The student service team is willing to assist you in choosing the type of course and length that would benefit you the most. A single element course offers time for students to master an expedition style and gain more independence and group-living skills.  A multi-element course requires learning two different skill sets, which can both inspire and challenge students, but has also less opportunity for autonomy and independence from instructors.

Course Length

On longer courses, students have had ample time to practice technical skills – which means that when it comes time for their Final Expedition, they can often have a more autonomous experience. On a 22-day canoeing course, for example, students have had lots of time on the water – and have probably encountered a variety of conditions. By the end of the 22 days, they have skills and confidence to overcome a variety of natural obstacles. A twelve-day or fifteen-day course, by comparison, is more compressed, but might fit a busy summer schedule or a student who is hesitant or concerned about going on course.  All courses have the same focus, but the degree of challenge and independence varies.