YOUNG EXPLORERS YOUNG EXPLORERS OUTDOOR OUTDOORADVENTURECHALLENGE

WHAT IS OAC?  4-H Program designed to put youth in challenging physical learning situations  Goals:  Overcome obstacles as a team  Increase personal accomplishments  Improve self-awareness

WHAT IS OAC?  Safe program  Strict guidelines and rules to protect all participants from harm  Don’t know - Don’t go.

WHAT WILL WE DO?  The program depends on youth and parent involvement  The more YOU want to do and the harder YOU are willing to work, the more WE can do  Certain activities will have age restrictions age restrictions  Eat GORP

POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES  Camping  Hiking  Canoeing  Kayaking  Spelunking  Winter Camping  Climbing/Rappelling

CAMPING  Overnight for younger members (13-14)  1-2 Day trips for older members (15-16)  Possible week-long out-of-state for older members (16+)

HIKING/BACKPACKING  1-2 Hour for younger members (13-14)  Day long for older members (15-16)  Possible 1-2 Day or Week for older members (16+)

CANOEING/KAYAKING  We have no boats  Until we do, we rent  Practice Paddles  Day Paddles (13+)  Weekend Paddle/Camp (16+) Paddle/Camp (16+)

SPELUNKING (Caving)  We need a leader

WINTER CAMPING See “Mr.” deFinta

CLIMBING/RAPPELLING  We have the gear (rope, webbing, helmets)  Climb rocks with belayers belayers  Rappel off rocks  Ages 15+

REALITY  Cold  Wet  Tired  Cranky  Hungry  Sore  Stinky

PEOPLE  Tired  Cranky  Stinky  Ugly  Mouthy  In Your Tent

NOT GOING TO HAPPEN  Boys and Girls in Same Tents Tents  Improper Equipment  Alcohol, Tobacco  Cell Phones, MP3 Players, Video Games Video Games  Canoeing and kayaking without PFDs without PFDs  Unsafe behavior  Having someone carry your pack pack  Quitting

What Will I Learn? PACK

COOK

PITCH A TENT

What Will I Learn? SMILE when you want to die

What Will I Learn?

TEAM

Overcoming Fear Takes Teamwork

What do I need?  Good attitude  Willingness to work  Knowing when to be quiet  Eagerness to enjoy nature  Good sense of humor  Willingness to go beyond your limits  Good eye for yard sale deals on tents, backpacks, cooking gear, shoes  Willing to fundraise for equipment/trips

GEAR  Back pack and a Day pack  Good hiking boots and socks  Flat bottom tennis shoes for climbing  Lightweight tent and sleeping bag  Drybags to keep gear dry  Lightweight nylon/fleece clothing  Cooking gear (optional)  Bear Spray (optional except for Mrs. Noble)

CERTIFIED 4-H LEADER  Parent, Friend, Relative  Must go through Certified 4-H Leader Training  Required for driving and chaperoning  Willing and physically able to go on outdoor group trips  One leader sponsor required per family

HOW OLD? 13+ But we will be holding an Outdoor Expo day for younger 4-H members each year

HOW MUCH MONEY?  Dues are $10 a year to help pay for Club membership  Project supplies – normally no more than $5 a meeting  Trip money – fundraisers will be available  Gear – Goodwill, Walmart, REI, Lees

Rules  Attend 50% Project Meetings  Attend 100% Trip Meetings  Complete one community service activity  Turn in forms timely  Pay $10 dues/project fees  Participate in fundraisers or pay $20  Name a certified 4-H leader as a sponsor

Forms  4-H Membership, Media/Medical ($10 extra if not already a 4-H member)  YES OAC Rules  Adult Leader Mentor Designee  Project Interest/Experience  Gear List Inventory  Outdoor Resource Contacts

Young Explorers – Outdoor Adventure Challenge

CONTACT: Alex deFinta or Denise Noble