THE FOCUS
Every year, good kids make bad decisions. They drop out of school, experiment with drugs, or get into trouble with the law. Outward Bound’s Youth Asset Building Adventure (YABA) program is an answer for young people who are experiencing difficulties at home, at school, or in their community. This innovative educational and health promotion program balances personal freedom (independence) with effective group interaction (interdependence), helping the participant to understand that real freedom combines both a high level of individuality and a commitment to community.
Matching the traditional tenets of Outward Bound philosophy with the 40 Developmental Assets promoted by The Search Institute, this program helps to focus on what youth are doing right and then to help them learn new skills and improve others from a place of strength. For more information on the Search Institute and the 40 Developmental Assets, follow this link: http://www.search-institute.org/assets
THE HEART OF THE PROGRAM
The Youth Asset Building Adventure program is aptly named. The first challenge for YABA participants is learning how to make “good” decisions. YABA students learn that personal choices have consequences. As well as being willing to try new things, to demonstrate responsible behaviour, and to make a commitment to the program, each participant must draw on individual strengths and develop group dynamic skills to make the group’s expedition a success. Outward Bound helps people develop new attitudes through personal challenge and group participation – the hallmark of all our programs – and the YABA course is no exception.
The course is a lot of fun, too. Participants 15 to 18 years of age will share an awesome wilderness experience in the beautiful and rugged landscapes of Vancouver Island. For ten days students will physically challenge themselves though canoeing, camping and a solo expereince. Students sleep in tents, cook meals over a camp stove, and practice minimum impact camping. Experienced Instructors carefully monitor individual and group needs to provide a supportive environment in which students are challenged beyond their perceived physical and mental limitations.
We start with the basics: how to pack and prepare for a canoe trip, paddling, rescues and other safety skills, light a cookstove, and sleep warm and comfortably in the backcountry. Once 'on water', participants work closely with Instructors and other group members to master the skills and gain the confidence necessary for safe group travel: paddling and hiking skills, canoe rescues and basic First Aid.
Along with technical skills, students develop their leadership abilities, work on teambuilding, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills, and are rewarded with a greater sense of their potential. As fitness and skill levels increase, so too will the group's speed and sense of accomplishment, enabling the group to cover ground more quickly, and take on more responsibility from the Instructors. During solo reflection times, students have some time to reflect and set goals for the rest of the course, and for life after Outward Bound. Towards the end of the program they'll have the opportunity to put these new skills to use as they confidently explore the backcountry with minimal input from the Instructors. An integral part of this program involves a community service project in the surrounding communities.
Please note: The Youth Asset Building Adventure is not a boot camp or survival school, nor is it therapy. Our students are exposed to many new ideas, concepts, tools, strategies and learning styles to help promote healthy lifestyles, attitudes and perspectives. Students are simply given an invitation to learn with us and, like in life, are always free to take away what they will. We like to say that our students will 'take away from the experience what they are willing to put into it.' Those who invest their energy, openness, contributions and courage experience huge growth during our programs.
If a participant does not wish to be on our course, or is not prepared to follow instruction, he or she should not apply for the course. Students can be sent home if they are being consistently non-compliant, unwilling to participate or are making unsafe choices affecting themselves or others. Students are not allowed to smoke on course and illicit drug or alcohol use means expulsion from the program at their family’s expense.
  
PARTICIPANTS
This program is open to young men and women, 15 to 18 years old. Because this course is based on participant success, we have a screening process to ensure that applicants meet the requirements for participating and are well prepared for all components of the experience. Candidates for the Youth Asset Building (YABA) Program may well fit the following description: They may not believe that it is possible for them to complete a YABA course. They may have problems at home or at school. They may lack motivation. They may have a poor self-image. They may have trouble communicating. Generally, this course is suitable for any young person who expresses a desire to make some changes in their life and welcome the opportunity to attend Outward Bound.
Here I am, a new person, sitting in this chair, typing with steadier fingers, and thinking in a clearer train of thought. I am reminiscing ... about the days I spent in Pemberton and the alpine. – Participant
The Youth Asset Building Adventure program has a responsibility to all who attend. Therefore, students may not participate if they:
- Have a pattern of violent behavior
- Are unwilling or not interested in attending the course
- Have a current substance abuse problem
- Have persistent, severe learning difficulties
- Are on medication and are unwilling to take it as prescribed
- Have experienced a recent and significant personal crisis
THE INSTRUCTORS
YABA courses are facilitated by caring and compassionate Outward Bound instructors. In addition to wilderness and safety management skills, our staff have specific experience and a personal commitment to working with young people with behavioural difficulties.
  
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Referral - Optional
Applicants can apply directly or be referred to the program by a parent, caregiver, teacher, counsellor, caseworker, etc. To download an application, click here.
2. Interview and Screening
Each applicant will be interviewed for eligibility. This interview will take place either in person or over the phone. After the interview, an Outward Bound screener will be in contact with the referral source, (if applicable), to help determine the appropriateness of the applicant for the program. Our detailed screening process ensures that each participant is appropriate and well prepared. This is the first step in providing a safe experience for all students.
3. Participant’s Commitment
It is important that each applicant (and optional referral source) be well informed about all aspects of the program. Our experience has taught us that the program benefits young people who are enthusiastic and recognize the need to make a change. The Youth Asset Building Adventure course requires the participant’s full commitment and a willingness to work hard.
4. Welcome Package
Once an applicant has been referred, interviewed and found eligible, and informed as to what the course involves, he or she will be sent a Welcome Package with the appropriate paperwork for registration and preparation for the course. Outward Bound staff will be glad to answer any questions concerning the program.
EQUIPMENT AND FOOD
Outward Bound provides the technical equipment and specialized gear particular to your course including: tents, packs, sleeping bags, raincoats and boots as well as warm, outdoor clothing. Food provided on the trip is healthy and satisfying.
LOCATION
Youth Asset Building Adventure courses take place in the spectacular waterways or ocean landscapes of Vancouver Island, BC.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
People of all shapes and sizes have successfully completed Outward Bound courses. Participants require basic physical and emotional health, but don't need to be athletes. All participants will be required to complete a medical history form prior to the start of the course. It should be noted that participants cannot smoke while on an Outward Bound course. It is recommended that if a student requires assistance to quit smoking they should see their health care provider before the course begins.
TO APPLY FOR THIS PROGRAM PLEASE FILL OUT THE WRITTEN APPLICATION
Please read: How fit do I have to be?', to prepare for your course
For more information on the Search Institute and the 40 Developmental Assets, follow this link: http://www.search-institute.org/assets
  
Dates for Girls Program coming soon
|
