Activities fall into three general categories: curriculum, teambuilding, and high adventure. These areas teach specific skills, provide applicable information, and draw upon a collection of larger life lessons. An experiential setting gives teachers and students a chance to observe and interact with one another beyond the school environment.

Curriculum focus areas can be designed to enhance and reiterate information students have gained through the classroom experience, or they can introduce material not covered in the classroom. Earth sciences, stream ecology, literature, social studies, and Native American studies are some examples of curriculum study areas.

Teambuilding activities encompass an immense territory, but can be fashioned to pinpoint group-specific needs. Activities often require innovative and creative solutions, and success is determined by cooperative effort. Group planning, problem-solving, and follow-through skills are tested through challenge and collaboration.

High adventure activities take a "challenge by choice" approach, inviting the individual to push personal limits and stretch comfort zones . Group support and interaction maintain their level of importance, because the adventure is ultimately a group endeavor, cultivating collective thinking and camaraderie. High adventure activities include, but are not limited to, backpacking, rock climbing, high ropes courses, and rafting.

Where you see this symbol - click for a more detailed definition.