Why Outdoor Adventure Programs Help Teens Thrive
In the world of outdoor education, many of us are in the habit of using quote journals when our own words just aren’t enough. Whether we need to motivate a group of teens for an epic push to the summit or inspire self-reflection at camp at the end of a long day, a quote from someone wiser and more worldly is often just the thing. These journals are filled with messy handwriting, scribbles in the margin, and probably some dirt stains from our last good, long hike. The best quote journals are curated over the years as we pick up bits of humor and wisdom on the road and tuck them away for later. I treasure my quote journal personally because the words inside have a way of conveying ideas and emotions that I can’t always articulate myself. So, for this blog article, we’re going to let some quotes of adventure guide our way as we answer the question: why do outdoor adventure programs help teens thrive?
No matter what the objective, kindness wins
"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." --John Muir
One of the best and worst parts of being a teen is that there are infinite possibilities stretching out ahead of you. Independence is growing and with it, the autonomy to pursue your own interests. Curiosity and energy are powerful forces, pulling you in so many directions. Decisions and responsibilities are multiplying at the same time. It can feel overwhelming, but also so exciting. The pace of life might start to feel like it’s picking up as you race between school, college applications, sports practice, time with friends, and trying to get enough rest in between. The reality is, you have time to explore. As a teenager, you’re going to try so many different things in the next couple of years and then beyond, through college and into young adulthood. You’re just beginning to build the mosaic of the person you want to become. Tile by tile, you’re discovering more about yourself with every new experience. Consider adding in the tile of a summer of outdoor adventure. Try two or three weeks of breathing fresh air, moving your body in new ways, meeting a whole group of adventurous teenagers, and learning skills that could ignite a lifelong passion in you. When you have the choice, I hope you choose the dirt path.
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." --Beverly Sills
Challenge and adversity are simply part of the curriculum when you choose outdoor education. If we only went to major tourist attractions that everyone could drive to the top of, our summer teen adventure programs wouldn’t have a whole lot of adventure. When you sign up for a Bold Earth summer, you’re already choosing to do something unique and different. For some teens, the thought of going away from friends and family for two weeks to join a group of strangers is already outside their comfort zone. For others who are more familiar with traveling independently, it could be the aspect of group cooking or camping that will feel new and challenging. The hardest part of a trip isn’t always hiking up a mountain or swallowing your fear at the top of a zipline. The challenge is going to be different for each student. We can’t promise the experience you’ll come away from Bold Earth with because it’s unique to you. What I can say for certain is that if you come prepared to have fun and challenge yourself, you will leave this summer adventure program with something even more precious than great pictures and stories–the confidence to know that you can do hard things.
Experience-based judgement is what keeps us safe
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." --Helen Keller
Summer is the time for adventure. As a teenager, I’m sure you already feel the weight of some obligations and responsibilities. The more independence you gain, the more responsible you have to be. However, adventure and responsibility aren’t at odds with each other. They actually go hand in hand. You’ve gotten to an age where you can start to stretch your wings. So the only question is, how far do you want to go? What about attempting to summit the tallest mountain in Africa this July? Our Kilimanjaro Summit and Service trip will take you from the Serengeti plains to the beaches of Zanzibar. You’ll spend nine days on the flanks of one of the Seven Summits of the World–the tallest peaks of each continent. With new friends to meet, the sound of Swahili in your ears, and delicious Tanzanian food at every meal, it’s the adventure of a lifetime.
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" --Mary Oliver
When you shut off the computer and step outside today, I encourage you to take a deep breath. Feel the oxygen in your lungs. Smell the scents of whatever landscape surrounds you. Allow yourself to be present in the current moment, whether in the rain, snow, or sunshine. When you next sit down to plan your summer of adventure, think about being able to take that moment every single day. Think about being fully immersed in an experience, open to connection with the people around you. No phones, no emails, no school assignments or hours racing by. Our perception of time slows when we’re immersed in novelty. That’s why a teen summer adventure program can feel like a strange time warp. At first, every day feels like a year. When you finish, you’ll feel like you blinked and it was over. These experiences, although short in the full scope of our lives, are powerful and formative. The bonds formed with other teens in your group aren’t like other types of friendships. You all will have shared this unique, and wonderful experience that might even be hard to put into words when you get home. Whatever you choose for your summer of adventure, I hope you let your imagination guide you. Your life is truly wild and precious and in the end, we each only have one to live.
Be bold, be yourself
Whoever you are, wherever you come from, you are welcome here. Schedule a call with us to find your next Bold adventure!
Recent blogs
Arches National Park Adventures
Curious about what life is like on Bold Earth’s teen travel programs? Sophie, a summer camper on one of our trips, submits an exciting blog entry about her experience at Arches National Park! Starting the day with an early 5:00 am wakeup, Dillon, Max, Logan, Don, Jackson, Lindsey, Mariana, and Alexandra, led
Interview With a (Previously) Nervous Student
Leaving your comfort zone to travel for several weeks with a group of strangers can be nerve-wracking. There are new foods, sights, smells, and social dynamics to navigate. Even if we know this new experience will be good for us, it can still feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel butterflies when
Camera Recommendations for Bold Earth Trips
Many parents choose Bold Earth because of our no-electronics policy—teens finally get a much-needed break from digital and social media! But the first question they ask is, “How will Bold Earth teenagers be able to take photos?!” Believe it or not, digital point-and-shoot cameras are still available (we know, it sounds crazy).
Pros and Cons of Cotton Clothing
As we move into the new year, parents and students begin to look ahead to summer and make their 2019 Bold Earth trip selection. There are so many options taking place around the world—we know it can be hard to choose! With trip selection comes trip planning, and it’s important to
The Silver Lining to COVID-19 Quarantine
As we’ve all grown fond of saying, we’re living in a challenging and unprecedented time. No person in their right mind would describe these past few months as a “good time.” With all who have suffered from the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19, it’s hard to feel positive. I
And then it rained…
Well, I’m not sure if it actually did. But unless you’re on our Grand Canyon trip, it’s bound to rain at least once, right? This may sound odd, but we really like a day of rain on our trips. It doesn’t have to rain – maybe it’s wind or mud.
request your
program proposal
The custom group program process is a collaboration from start to finish. We love hearing about what you hope to get out of the Bold Earth experience.