Outdoor Education - Adventure Based Education

Archery

Overview: In prehistoric times, the bow was an important weapon of war and of hunt throughout the world.  Throughout time, activities with the bow evolved into the modern sport of archery.  In this class, students will become more aware and appreciative of archery as a safe sport.

Principles:

• Introduce students to shooting sports through archery
• Identify the safe use and handling of bows and arrows
• Understand proper stance, aiming , release, and scoring
• Promote feelings of accomplishment and self-worth
• Develop responsibility, discipline, concentration and sportsmanship

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):

• 6th-8th Grade Physical Education SOLs
  • 6.4a/c, 6.5, 7.1c, 7.2b, 7.4a, 8.2b, 8.3e, 8.5a/b/c

Canoeing

Overview: Students canoe in pairs or groups of three on Smith Mountain Lake.  The Canoeing class allows for the introduction of basic paddling instruction and is a great activity for demonstrating the need for teamwork.  Instructors are encouraged to promote students exploration of the natural world within Smith Mountain Lake coves.  

Principles:

• Learn and follow the basics of water safety
• Learn about the equipment, names, functions and proper care
• Learn and practice basic strokes

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):

• 5th-8th Grade Virginia Physical Education SOLs
  • 5.5, 6.2d, 6.4a/c/d, 7.1a, 7.4a, 8.2b, 8.3d/e, 8.5

 Challenge Course I & II  

Overview:  Whether the group is investigating an environmental issue, working together on a group project or playing a game on the playground, our daily lives are full of opportunities to work cooperatively with others.  Through a series of activities of increasing difficulty and challenge, students are encouraged to cooperate with one another, draw on inner resources and to use assets brought to the group by the individual.  Group discussions and processing of the events help the students transfer the activity lessons back to everyday lives.

Principles:

• Understand how to work as an effective group
• Explore trust issues and build trust
• Utilize decision making skills
• Understand the qualities it takes to be a leader
• Practice positive support and encouragement within the group

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):

• 5th-8th Grade Virginia Physical Education SOLs
  • 5.5 a/b,  6.4 a/b/c, 7.4 a/b/c, 8.5 a/b/c

Climbing Wall

Overview:  The Climbing Wall offers a variety of challenges for every skill level.  Our trained staffs create a safe setting in which individuals can explore issues such as risk taking, goal setting, maintaining a positive attitude, asking and giving positive peer support and accepting other’s decisions and goals for themselves.  Group discussion and processing help the students transfer their experience back to everyday life.

Principles:

• Set personal goals
• Help others work towards their goals
• Learn how their actions affect other people
• Responsibility in high stress situation
• Learn respect for each other

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):

• 5th-8th Grade Virginia Physical Education SOLs
  • 5.5 a, 6.4 a/c, 7.1 c, 7.4 a/b/c, 8.2 b, 8.5 a/b/c

Collaboration Stations

Overview:  Participants work in small groups on innovative activities such as Tinker Toy Towers, Catapult and Egg Drop.  All students are encouraged to participate in this unique approach to creative construction and demonstration.  Group discussion and procession help the students transfer the lesson back to everyday life.

Principles:

• Promote teamwork and collaboration
• Utilize others ideas and comments

Map & Compass Mayhem

Overview:  Map & Compass Mayhem is a basic introduction to using map and compass.  The skill of map reading, sightings and taking bearings are also introduced.  Students learn basic orienteering skills and use them to guide the group on a hike through the woods.

Principles:

• Read a variety of different types of maps
• Understand and utilize a legend and compass grid
• Use a compass to find direction and follow directions
• Use pacing to measure distance
• Complete basic practical exercises using a compass

Synergy Trek

Overview:  A unique approach to teambuilding can take place while students explore Skelton and the surrounding natural areas of Franklin County.  A combination of Challenge Course 1, Map & Compass Mayhem and Wilderness Survival all come together on this half to full day adventure.  Intense group discussion, processing and solo journaling allow the students to apply the lessons and skills learned back to their everyday life.

Principles:

• To be challenged mentally and physically
• To have a strong sense of accomplishment
• To give and receive positive peer support
• To develop a positive relationship with the natural world

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):

• 7th-8th Grade Virginia Physical Education SOLs
  • 7.1 c, 7.4 a/b/c, 7.5 a, 8.2 b, 8.5 a/b/c

Wilderness Survival

Overview:  This subtle approach to teambuilding will teach students basic wilderness survival skills such as shelter building, fire starting and water collection.  Leave No Trace ethics and low impact camping will also be addressed.

Principles:

• Learn basic survival skills
• Work as a group to overcome a survival situation
• Understand and utilize low impact use of wilderness areas

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):SOLs

• 6th-8th Grade Physical Education SOLs
  • 6.4 a/b/c, 7.1 c, 7.4 a/b/c, 8.2 b, 8.5 b

W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center | 540.721.2759 | Skelton4H@vt.edu