DARE is an adventure intervention program designed for high school students who are at risk of disengaging from the school environment.
This program is ideally suited to students whose difficulties result primarily from a lack of intrapersonal (confidence, self concept, reflective thinking, reasoning) or interpersonal (cooperation, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving) skills development.
DARE works on the idea that experiential, risk-orientated, and challenging adventure activities are the conduit for personal transformation.
These experiences have even greater value when reflected upon in a group setting, a process which has been used effectively by outdoor organisations around the world.
This program involves a combination of in-school sessions, day trips and multi-day expeditions.
What makes DARE unique is its focus on relationships, personal change, exploration of beliefs and values and its developmental programming.
This program is suitable for most students at risk, but is not designed to address the specific needs of students who are currently dealing with complex mental health illnesses or highly dysfunctional living environments.
Through the Program students will:
• Develop resilience
• Explore personal values
• Enhance their social skills
• Develop greater self awareness
• Develop respect for the natural environment
CONTENT & ACTIVITIES
Community Building
• Trust and team building activities, non-competitive games, and group mixer activities.
Adventure Activities, Day Trips, and Expeditions
• Bush walking, canoeing, flat-water rafting, white-water rafting, high and low ropes courses, navigation and orienteering, group initiative activities, raft building, night hike, swift water rescue, and/or solo experiences.
Camp Craft
• Environmental awareness, gear organisation, tent set up and pack down, waterproofing, Trangia and camp fire cooking, and staying safe.
• Reflection Creative reflection processes, solo experiences, debriefing sessions, and pre and post self evaluation.
Graduation
• This is a time to evaluate the whole program, and a formal graduation ceremony is used to recognise the students achievements.
Please contact Will Veldman for a personalised program and quote at will.veldman@gmail.com
