Premise- For 8th graders, the transition to high school is daunting at best. Social, physical, mental and emotional challenges are faced on a regular basis with the potential to set a negative precedent that can be difficult to recover from.
Primary Goal- The main focus of The Great Expedition is developing an array of social and personal skills to help 8th graders approach their high school years confidently and responsibly-- reflecting on past successes while building toward a positive future. We strive to develop high school students empowered to reach beyond mere survival and to stand up and lead when things get tough.
Secondary Goals- Team skills, looking out for each other, problem solving, thinking for yourself, star filled nights, group dynamics, confidence, physical fitness, hazing awareness, fun, interdependence, friendships, outdoor and backcountry skills.
Program Overview- After arrival at the program site, GREAT Expedition team members spend the first day developing specific organizational skills leading to packing and organizing for a 3 day/2 night backcountry expedition. The expedition has a specific goal with interesting twists and challenges thrown in en route to make the trail time all the more interesting and fun. Group members organize and lead throughout the expedition. Team ALP leaders are on hand to keep things on track and to help the group process and relate events to the real world. The group returns to the site headquarters for showers, a final feast, group campfire and the relative comfort of "rustic accommodations" for the final night.
Program Location-The Great Expedition is typically conducted in a remote outdoor setting with rustic accommodations and backcountry campsites. Meals are prepared by team members in small cooking groups-- expedition style. Facility distance is typically no more than 200 miles from the group's hometown. Team ALP normally assists in organizing transportation, but does not provide it. Team members usually provide their own sleeping bag, daypack, personal gear, and clothing. Team ALP provides all technical, backcountry and specialty gear including backpacks, tents and group cooking gear.
Program Length- The Great Expedition is best accomplished over the course of a 5 day/4 night program with one local pre-trip evening presentation.
Leaders- Each Great Expedition is under the direction of one or more Team ALP Lead Guides assisted by a variety of professional outdoor adventure leaders and guides. Leaders provide skill development and meaningful reflection as the variety of adventure activities are related to real world situations. At least one Team ALP guide is certified in a minimum of Advanced Wilderness First Aid.
What's Included- 4 nights accommodations, all meals and snacks, pre-trip presentation and all programming once the group arrives at the program site.
Recreation-The Great Expedition is an intensive program with a lot of group activity and information.. Much of the program time is spent in remote backcountry.......but there is typically some downtime for processing the experience which may include activities such as swimming, bouldering, and kayaking depending on location and time of the year.
Cost-Contact Team ALP for a specific quote. Rates depend on group size and location.