Teamwork
Through
outdoor education and teambuilding activities both in
and out of camp, this component of the program emphasizes
the role each individual plays in working cooperatively
as a group. Projects and activities that encourage interdependence
and collaboration help these young adults develop a
keen understanding of a group's potential to solve problems
and work towards common solutions. During their two-week
stay, groups of TAP kids must plan and complete a service
project for the betterment of the camp community.
Independence
Youngsters in their
early teens are straddling the worlds of childhood and
adulthood. Children in this age group are often struggling
with insecurities about their bodies, their abilities,
and their sense of self. This programmatic focus emphasizes
goal-oriented activities (similar to the LEARN Program
for the 8-12 year-olds) that encourage teens to set
and achieve personal goals, motivating them to take
risks in the safety of the camp environment. Helping
TAP teens grow more comfortable with who they are -
and who they can be - by offering a rich program of
age-appropriate activities and projects empowers them
to develop confidence and independence.
Imagining
the Future
Just entering high school,
many of these kids are beginning to make choices that
will largely affect their future education and careers.
In the safety of our camp's learning center, the children
can freely discuss, research, and explore the hopes
and dreams they have for themselves. A deep exploration
of their own skills and interests helps them take charge
of their futures so that they can learn to set short-term
goals that will have long-term impacts on their education
and careers. This intensive self-study is capped by
a question and answer session with selected counselors
already attending college and a visit to Colgate University
for a tour of the campus. |
