La Vida--Christian experiential outdoor education program.

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

 

Today, there are innumerous programs like this in existence--both Christian and non- Christian. The fact is that they are becoming more prolific in schools and at camps around the country quite rapidly. As is the case with "fads," when something gains widespread popularity, it runs the risk of both becoming obsolete and diminished in quality. How can we maintain the value of these programs while keeping them exciting, interesting and relevant?

 

 

GOALS

 

 

"The goal of the La Vida ministry is to provide a Christian adventure program that uses small-group, experiential learning as a way of cultivating personal discovery, teamwork and character development. Students are encouraged to practice effective communication skills, learn responsibility and develop confidence by stepping out of their comfort zones. Adventure activities are designed to test initiative, develop perseverance and foster servant leadership."

 

 

METHODS

 

 

La Vida strives to engage students so that they will begin to be community-minded and think outside of themselves, not just overcome physical obstacles for a thrill. Through team-building initiatives and low and high ropes course challenges, participants come away with life skills and make profound discoveries about how they work in a group. The adventure activities offered bear this in mind--they are taught in a manner that emphasizes the importance of teamwork. From rock climbing and backpacking to kayaking--the focus is taken off of the self and individual capabilities and is turned to the group. Some of the programs offered include:

*Adventure Day Camp for middle-schoolers (includes ropes course, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing and orienteering)

*Indoor Rock Gym for community and groups

*LaVida Wilderness Trips in the Adirondack Mountains for high school and college groups (includes ropes course, backpacking, optional canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing and an overnight solo)

*Gordon's Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) for all ages--team-building and ropes course day events for church or school groups, sports teams, businesses, etc.

 

 

OPERATION

 

 

Sufficient funds are needed to cover equipment, trained staff, transportation, usage fees (for wilderness areas and camping) and insurance !!

 

 

TESTIMONIES

 

 

It is not uncommon to have participants of all ages enter the program with reservations and skepticism only to leave singing its praises! When college students, especially, who have done similar things in their high schools come to take part in a LaVida program, they often feel like there will be nothing new for them to learn, however, the reality is actually quite different. "I never expected that I would have so much fun and really enjoy meeting all of these people," said one college student. A high school participant shared that it was a powerful experience for her as it was a rare opportunity to discover and use her gifts and talents. "It puts everyone on the same level so that there's nothing to make anyone better than anyone else--you're all dirty and tired!" Another college student said that LaVida gave her a whole new perspective on life and what she views as important.

 

 

 

 

IMPLICATIONS

 

 

Such programs have more power than one might expect. Therefore, it's vitally important that we don't lose these opportunities to reach young people, especially. It's a proven fact that youth today learn primarily by experience and hands-on interaction. If we can get them working together in this way and actually come out learning something valuable, we have accomplished much! Unfortunately, many of the programs that have exploded on to the scene in recent years only focus on the "fad-ish" nature of the thrill activities and extreme sports involved in adventure education. This, I believe, serves only to demean this powerful tool. Fads disappear and kids will become bored with these activities unless we put something with substance into it. I have found recently that college students are less interested in the outdoor, thrilling activities than in actually forming a community with others they would never have known. That is what's missing in their lives today–in our individualistic society, even in Christian communities, we've lost what it means to live and act and work as a group. That's what we have the opportunity to share with them.

 

 

Erika Gorgenyi, cCYS