Goals & Outcomes

Goals

Challenge and Adventure Retreats are short-term (one to four day) overnight experiences designed to help children with special needs and those at-risk acquire, enhance, and practice leadership and conflict resolution skills in an integrated framework; one which incorporates the skill and values-building strengths of quality recreation and sports activities.

The goals of the Challenge and Adventure Retreats are: to provide experiential recreational activities; to build community; to increase self-confidence; to strengthen peer leadership skills; and to provide positive interaction with the natural environment. Learning activities include cooperative games, group problem-solving initiatives, and low and high ropes courses, as well as canoeing/kayaking, hiking, and self-reflective group seminars. Activities are customized for each group in ways that make them fully accessible and enjoyable for young people with all levels of physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive abilities.

Outcomes

In written and verbal evaluations conducted at the conclusion of each program, participants and agency staff report that they enjoy the experience and have been able to meet goals in the areas of recreation, leadership development, conflict resolution, and teambuilding. Participants of Challenge and Adventure Retreats also demonstrate an increase in school attendance, relationship building skills, and personal initiative. Ramapo has the skills, knowledge, facilities, and experience to provide healthy outdoor challenge programs that offer recreational opportunities for children of all abilities.