Project Adventure Program at Mexico Academy and Central School

What is Adventure?

“Adventure is not just an activity in and of itself, but a way of doing.”

Who is Project Adventure? Non-profit organization founded in 1971 through the Hamilton-Wenham High School PE department. Based on experiential learning philosophies of Outward Bound, Project Adventure’s goal is to make Adventure experiences accessible in a facilities-based setting. Our headquarters are now in Beverly, MA Full-service Adventure provider – offering Professional Development, Challenge Course Installation and Inspection Services, Direct Service programs, Adventure equipment and publications, and Curriculum development

For over 42 years PA’s methodology has been grounded in 3 core philosophies: Challenge by Choice Full Value Contract Experiential Learning Cycle

Why Project Adventure? The graphic above has been developed by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) to provide a vision for student success in the new global economy. Project Adventure’s experiential-based learning approach helps students develop skills in two areas of the P21 graphic in particular – 1.) Life and Career Skills and 2.) Learning and Innovation Skills. PA improves

P21 Learning and Innovation Skills Creativity and Innovation Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Communication and Collaboration

P21 Life and Career Skills Flexibility and Adaptability Initiative and Self-Direction Social Skills Productivity and Accountability

What is Project Adventure’s Comprehensive Adventure Program for Physical Education? A structured, research-based program that improves physical well-being, social-emotional skills and behavior in K-12 students.

Adventure Curriculum for Physical Education K- 12 Standards Based Curriculum, divided in to Elementary (K-5), Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) editions Incorporates Social and Emotional Learning with Motor skill development Organized by grade level, can be incorporated as a 1-2 week unit, or stand alone 50 minute lesson plans

Achieving Fitness: An Adventure Activity Guide Written for Middle School – Adult populations (but many activities can be adapted for younger students) Activities help reinforce concepts associated with the Health Related Components of Fitness Cardiovascular Health Flexibility Muscle Strength and Endurance Body Composition Students and adults can participate in physically rigorous activities no matter what their fitness level is. Designed to help students understand the importance of the Health related components of fitness, and increase their own self-efficacy around physical fitness.

Creating Healthy Habits - An Adventure Guide to Teaching Health and Wellness Middle School Curriculum (6-8) designed to support existing Health Curricula Can be adapted for High School Activities focus on the 6 priority risk areas of the National health Education Standards Injury Prevention Mental and Emotional Health Nutrition Physical Fitness Substance Abuse Prevention Personal and Consumer Health Active, engaging activities help reinforce these concepts within a Health/Wellness Classroom

Achieving Fitness also supports the growing research that connects rigorous physical activity with improved brain functioning, by making such activity accessible and fun for all students.

There are many options for implementation: 1.Training for Teachers – Each Comprehensive Adventure Program for PE module consists of a 2-Day training, which can be combined. Challenge course technical trainings are longer. Project Adventure trainings are eligible for Continuing Education Units and Graduate Credits. How do schools implement Adventure within their PE/Wellness program?

2. Equipment Packs – These packs supplement the curricula and activity guides, provide teachers with the necessary props, and ensure a well- rounded sequential approach to Adventure.

3. Challenge Course installation – A Challenge Course adds additional opportunities for growth, building, self-esteem and positive risk taking in a safe environment.

4. PA Connect is Project Adventure’s online Adventure Resource! A yearly institutional membership to PA Connect for all your PE teachers will provide them the latest industry information at their fingertips, including: Geographical map of Adventure Education sites across the world Full online access to all Project Adventure publications Video database with activities and instructional support Industry Interviews and much more!

Project Adventure 3-Year Adventure Program Development Plan for Mexico Academy and Central School

Year 1:  Initial 4-Day Adventure Programming (AP) Training for 3 PE teachers  Technical Site Evaluation, Planning and Design  2-Day Adventure Curriculum for PE (ACPE) Training for K-12 PE teachers  Purchase of ACPE Equipment PACKs for all schools

Year 2:  Indoor Climbing Wall and Challenge Course Installation in all schools  Purchase of Portable Teambuilding Activities and Safety Equipment  4-Day Custom Adventure Programming Workshop for 14 teachers  Achieving Fitness (AF) and Creating Healthy Habits (CHH) Training, PACK Purchase and Program Development

Phase 3:  Installation of Outdoor Low and High Challenge Course on utility poles  Trainings: 3-Day Custom Technical Skills Intensive for 14 teachers 4-Day Advanced Skills & Standards Workshop at PA for 2 teachers 3-Day Adventure Program Management Workshop at PA for 2 teachers 2-Day Custom Technical Skills Refresher/Tower Training for 14 teachers

Now let’s have some Fun!!!!