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Experiential Learning
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Experiential Learning
The nature of experiential learning is fairly well understood and agreed upon. J. J. Stehno (1986), in reviewing seven models of experiential learning, indicated that each includes: 1) action that creates an experience, 2) reflection on the action and experience, 3) abstractions drawn from the reflection, and 4) application of the abstraction to a new experience or action.
At Our School we incorporate this learning model into everything we do. Utilizing the basic elements of relationship building with coordinated activities, we expose faulty belief systems and then use the opportunity to introduce new skills and experiment within a safe, supportive environment. As your child attempts new approaches to a particular challenge we reinforce successful experiences. Your child will be guided through a series of related interactions during ropes course initiatives, work projects, therapeutic groups and education workshops designed to increase awareness in each individual.
We have a dedicated team of professionals working within the treatment team. These individuals are specifically trained to work with our state of the art equipment to facilitate powerful coordinated experiences for your child. The Experiential Learning Counselors begin working with your child at base camp building rapport and teaching. This learning builds on success as your child progresses into opportunities for maximum learning and trust building during Course preparation and participation. We use practical experiences to demonstrate the immediate benefits of learning new skills and relate this to basic needs for warmth, food and shelter. The process also allows your child to work through frustration to achieve success.
The Course phase of treatment incorporates all this learning into action and experimentation with new behaviors. This phase encourages your child to ask the question, "What new tools can I experiment with to achieve better results?" Your child will use the secure relationships within their “course group” as a mirror to see their own behaviors. These relationships allow for a safe predictable environment for taking personal risks by experimenting with new tools such as self-reliance. Your child will naturally learn the value of self-reliance as they perform tasks like cooking their own food at the campfire, planning and preparing a campsite shelter. Course includes:
· Two-week backpacking experience
· Working with the therapist in the field setting
· Wilderness skill building and preparation
· Interacting within a small group
· Moving from staff direction to group direction
· Using new skills to solve old problems
· Pushing past self-imposed limits
· Understanding group interdependence
· Achieving and experiencing success
· Climbing the Alpine Tower™
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Effectiveness of Wilderness Therapy Programs
By changing the children’s environment alone, the wilderness setting moves children from their "emotional comfort zone" by shifting them to new and challenging opportunities. The demands of mastering their new setting stimulates students to engage in their natural behavioral habits, allowing our therapists and highly trained counselors to positively engage them using traditional therapeutic methods.
Our outdoor experience is designed to engage the deeply held passions and desire for purpose that characterize adolescence. Students are expertly guided through our experiential activities allowing them to discover for themselves their inner strengths while increasing self-awareness and self-esteem. We call this “Self Discovery in Nature”. The program uses a Medicine Wheel metaphor to teach students character development, as well as to assist in the identification of core values and guiding principles.
Students are personally challenged as they proceed to the course experience. And in the midst of giving of themselves, they find themselves. It is not our intent to train students in survival skills, but rather to allow them to discover their inner value and strengths by becoming essential, functioning members of a team. The individual reflection time also strengthens within to commit to the goals they have set for themselves.
Living this metaphor throughout the program facilitates the process of searching for one's true self, and illuminates how best to stay true to this self-discovery upon completion of the program.
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