Outdoor Education - Eco Institute for Teens

An innovative experiential character education program designed to build positive community, enhance self esteem and address the needs facing today’s adolescents!

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

• To promote self esteem and confidence
• To improve leadership skills such as communication and cooperation
• To practice goal setting, positive risk taking and planning techniques
• To increase awareness of peer skill sets and provide positive support and encouragement
• To encourage stewardship and personal responsibility to the natural world
• To encourage students to be well informed decision makers and civic leaders
• To promote an understanding of the importance to giving back to their community

ECO INSTITUTE CLASS OPTIONS

Character Education

• Alpha Beta—Discover and discuss cultural differences through role playing
• Stereotypes—Through a series of activities, analyze perceived stereotypes and discuss how they impact our life
• Knowing Me, Knowing You--Learn techniques and skills to aid in communication and conflict resolution
• Challenge Course 1 & 2—Practice working as a team in a sequential series of teambuilding activities
• Wilderness Survival—Teamwork is the key to building debris huts, making fire and cooking in the outdoors
• Collaboration Stations—Working together in creative construction and promotion of structure building
• The Beast—Communication is the key as groups try to replicate The Beast
• Survival on Smith Mountain Lake—A whole new approach to teambuilding as groups engage in a   simulated survival situation
• Eco Challenge—Working as a team, groups explore the center property using GPS

Adventure Based Education

• Synergy Trek—A combination of Challenge Course, orienteering and Wilderness Survival all come together on this adventure
• Smith Mountain Lake Canoe Trek— Working together with a partner, students spend a day exploring the lake
• Backpacking— Bond as a group, build community and reduce impact on the trail
• Rock Climbing Trek—Support and taking risks are important concepts focused upon during this activity
• Whitewater Rafting Trek— Maneuvering these boats takes a team effort with a qualified and safe commercial outfitter

Service Learning

• Becoming a citizen of good character involves giving back to the community and being a good role model.  Your group will learn goal setting and the feeling of accomplishment through various hands on projects

 

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