Challenge Course Programs
Throughout the year, the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center offers both private and public schools many unique opportunities for single or multi-day programs that complement and enhance what is being taught in the classroom. Whether your students need the benefits of teambuilding and enhanced communication, forest exploration and animal habit study on the Appalachian Trail, or ornithology and macroinvertebrate studies, the 4-H Center will provide an appropriate, sound, and safe program specifically designed for your students. All of our programs are led and instructed by trained, caring professionals committed to the sharing of knowledge and the improvement of young people. Program content and activities are recommended for 4th grade and above and can be adjusted to suit your educational needs.
Overview
The Northern VA 4-H John E. Dooley Challenge Course Program is run as a sequence of activities and elements that are intended to serve as an experiential education tool to encourage teamwork, foster self-confidence and trust, and engage participants both physically and mentally. Additionally, the challenge course provides participants with an opportunity to reflect upon and recognize their role as a leader, follower, team member, and individual. Using their inherent problem-solving skills, learning from each other’s examples, and succeeding as part of a TEAM, participants will learn how to better COOPERATE with, TRUST, and RELY ON their classmates, coworkers, families, and friends.
Core Principles
- Understand how to work as an effective group
- Explore trust issues and build trust
- Utilize decision making and problem solving skills
- Understand leadership qualities
- Practice positive support, encouragement, and acceptance
- Develop Self-Confidence and Self-Awareness
- Develop Communication skills
Who can participate in the Course?
The great thing is that ANYONE can participate and gain the same knowledge and realizations as the entire group. The success of the team depends on each member’s willingness to work with and rely on each other for support. Members of your group need to be at least 9 years old to ensure they are of the age where the process of the experience will be effective and beneficial to you and them.
For information about day programs, overnight programs, SOL Correlations, and rates, please call Avery Born at 540-635-7171 or email aaborn@vt.edu.
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.