Expeditions at Trails Momentum: What Makes Our Wilderness Program Unique?
January 18, 2018Adventure therapy programs offer a chance for young adults to get outside their comfort zone and learn something new about themselves and the world around them. At Trails Momentum, adventure therapy experiences act as a touchstone from which individuals can draw upon during times of future challenge.
Activities During Expeditions
Trails Momentum is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. The areas surrounding our campus provide ample opportunities for adventure therapy activities. For each adventure therapy activity students participate in, they are taught the fundamental skill sets needed to understand and successfully execute each activity. These activities may include:
Backpacking
Whitewater rafting
Multi-day flatwater canoeing
Top-rope Rock Climbing
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Fly Fishing
Mountain Biking
Zipline Tours
High Ropes Course
Integrating Classroom Learning and Adventure Activities
One of the most unique aspects of our programming at Trails Momentum is the seamless integration between learning in a classroom setting and utilizing lessons within the classroom out on expedition. During their time at base camp, students take part in college level classes that focus on outdoor education and communication/leadership.
Students take what they learn in their classes and apply it to the “real world” out on expedition. For example, we offer a class that focuses on navigation utilizing maps and compasses. Students are able to utilize those lessons out on backpacking trips where they will have to navigate and map out a route.
Challenge By Choice
At Trails Momentum, all of our adventure programming is based upon the idea of challenge by choice. Challenge by choice is a philosophy that lets individuals choose which challenges and activities they would like to participate in. We never enforce participation in our activities; it’s always a choice. If a student is unenthusiastic about participating in an adventure therapy activity, we always encourage them to take part or ask them to participate in a limited fashion.
For example, if students are rock climbing and there’s a student who is really afraid of heights and doesn’t want to participate, we may ask them to belay and help hold the rope while others are climbing. As they help others during that activity, they may reconsider their decision to not climb after seeing how excited others are after they’ve completed the activity.
By cultivating resilience through these adventures, students are able to face real-world challenges with self-confidence and success.
Trails Momentum Can Help
Trails Momentum helps young adults, ages 18 to 25, who were previously lost and unmotivated find perspective, direction, and renewed energy to venture into adulthood. We strive to help our students acquire new skills that will aid them in achieving success academically, in personal relationships, and in other areas of life.
We help individuals learn to engage with their environment, strengthen their sense of self, set goals for themselves, and move towards independence.
For more information about Trails Momentum, call us today at (877) 296-8711.