Adventure

Adventure is a way of doing; it is not something that you do. If the word adventure conjures up images of rock climbing, rafting and parachuting, pause for a moment and imagine instead a way of doing.

A class becomes an adventure for students if an element of surprise exists, with activities that compel them into doing things they never imagined possible. Adventure exists when there is engagement, and engagement comes from providing participants with experiences that are unique and relevant. Adventure includes challenge, moments when participants are on the brink of both success and failure, and finding that both are equally instructive. Adventure is about taking risks, not actual physical risk, but emotional and "apparent" physical risk where participants see the natural consequences before them. For people to participate in any program such as this, an atmosphere of safety needs to exist – a space where they can speak their mind and push themselves to new limits. More importantly, the Adventure "Aha!" can happen only in an atmosphere of safety and fun – real fun. All of this is possible in a setting where no parachute is ever opened and no cliff ever scaled!

Adventure-Based Counseling (ABC)

ABC is a group counseling model that uses a carefully sequenced and processed series of experiential activities to elicit behavior change. ABC group members share in an engaging, effective counseling-oriented experience.

Behavior Management Through Adventure (BMTA)

BMTA is a behavior management system created for agencies and organizations that want to use a more reality- and activity-based approach to group process. BMTA utilizes PA's group process and Adventure counseling techniques and activities to promote positive change. Based on social learning theory and our extensive experience providing programs for youth with conduct and other disorders, BMTA dovetails with and integrates other individual counseling models such as DBT. At its heart is the Full Value Contract, a method of creating and establishing growth-oriented behavioral norms.

Briefing

The process in which a facilitator frontloads or sets up a particular activity.

Challenge by Choice

Challenge by Choice is a concept originated by Project Adventure. It asks that participants challenge themselves and participate fully in the experience. Recognizing that any activity or goal may pose a different level and type of challenge for each group member and that authentic personal change comes from within, Challenge by Choice creates an environment where participants are asked to search for opportunities to stretch and grow during the experience. The determination of what kind of participation represents an optimal learning opportunity is the responsibility of each group member. All are asked to add value to the group experience by finding a way to contribute to the group's efforts while also seeking to find value in the experience for themselves.

Accepting Challenge by Choice encourages all to respect thoughtful choices. Its use provides a supportive and caring atmosphere in which participants can stretch themselves. It recognizes the need for individuals and the group to accept responsibility for decisions. It creates opportunities for learning about how to set goals that are in neither the comfort nor the panic zone, but in that slightly uncomfortable stretch zone where the greatest opportunities for growth and learning lie. While the specific language may change to match the unique needs of a group or learning environment, the philosophy remains the same throughout all Project Adventure programs.

Challenge by Choice is a cornerstone concept of Project Adventure.

Challenge Course (Ropes Course)

A collection of elements built among trees, from poles or indoors which provides a venue for participants to engage in activities that challenge them physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually.

• Low challenge (ropes) course activities are close to the ground and do not involve a belay (safety rope attached to the participant).
• High challenge (ropes) course activities are above the ground, with a belay attached.

Debrief

The group process whereby participants reflect on an experience in order to capture key learnings.

Experiential Learning Cycle

Developed originally by David Kolb, the concept of experiential learning explores the cyclical pattern of all learning from Experience through Reflection and Conceptualizing to Action and on to further Experience.

Full Value Contract

Developed by Project Adventure, the principles of the Full Value Contract are integral to many Adventure programs. A Full Value Contract fits the unique spirit and purpose of the group. It is a shared creation, developed in words that are understandable to all group members, that creates an emotionally and physically safe environment supported by all group members. All versions of the Full Value Contract ask the group: 1) to understand and/or create safe and respectful behavioral norms under which it will operate, 2) for a commitment to those norms by everyone in the group and 3) to accept a shared responsibility for the maintenance of those norms.

While the principles of the Full Value Contract are consistent throughout all Project Adventure programs, the exact wording of the FVC has evolved over time. Starting with the concepts of asking group members not to ‘devalue' themselves or others, the Full Value Contract has changed into the more positive language of giving and receiving full value from a group experience. As it is currently used, specific points that it identifies and the manner of wording may vary considerably based on group membership and purpose. The very fact that there are many variations and that the Full Value Contract continues to evolve in its adaptations underscores its value and importance as a versatile learning tool.