Adventure-based learning is a critical component of the Take a Hike alternative education program. Teaching staff guide at-risk Vancouver youth through group outdoor adventures that require increasingly complex skills. Adventure-based learning uses physical activities to help youth develop self-directed goals, trust, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. It also provides a safe and supportive environment for building self-esteem and self-motivation, and is instrumental to the successful turnaround of students' lives.
Adventure-based learning is an effective way for at-risk Vancouver youth to deal with their personal issues. Outdoor activities trigger sensations, such as anxiety and self-doubt, which provide unique and powerful therapeutic opportunities to address students' deeply rooted personal issues. Counselling staff is present on all outings, which provide them with regular opportunities to counsel at-risk Vancouver youth on how to identify and take responsibility for their feelings and actions.
The Take a Hike adventure-based learning program includes canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, cross-country skiing, hiking, snow caving, snowshoeing, and more. Students also complete a Wilderness First-Aid and Lifesaving course. Each year the students participate in three multi-day expeditions, including the following:
- A four-day hiking/camping trip where the students build and sleep in solo shelters
- A three-day snowshoe trip where students build and sleep in snow-caves
- A 10-day excursion such as a Stein Valley camping trip or the Bowren Lakes canoe trip
These adventure-based learning activities focus on real-life situations and experiences which require problem solving, peer dependence, goal setting, leadership, and commitment. The students gain constructive and character-building experiences as they conquer what can appear to be overwhelming personal challenges.
Another important element of the ABL component is environmental education. Take a Hike youth become much more aware of their impact on the environment. Biology and Ecology lessons are often taught in the outdoors, providing first-hand experience learning opportunities to really grasp the concepts. Take a Hike also follows the Leave No Trace guidelines, a program that is based on minimizing the impact on the environment.