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COURSE SUMMARY:
This three-month course offers classroom settings as diverse as the thermal and geologic wonders of Yellowstone, a dinosaur dig in Thermopolis, and the majestic Snake River as it meanders in the shadow of the magnificent Tetons. The course begins with students learning fundamental wilderness skills. Educational opportunities abound as students not only continue their academic education, but also engage in a wide range of adventure opportunities. Students have a chance to explore diverse Native American Cultures as they traverse the great Rockies into Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Service learning opportunities with the National Forest Service help the students develop a strong work ethic, as they strive to give back to the wilderness.
EXPERIENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE
Review the effect elevation gain has on the flora and fauna found in the area
Conduct Archeological Surveys of numerous American Frontier sites
Study the thermal and geological phenomenon of the Yellowstone Basin while exploring:
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Geysers: Including "Old Faithful"
* Natural hot springs
* Sulpher pools and cauldrons
Learn and participate in the lost art of Log Cabin Construction
Study the impact of native species such as moose, elk, and buffalo on the region
Explore the Native American cultures of the Tribes found in the Yellowstone Basin:
* The Blackfoot
* The Crow
Discover the effect of water morphology on the Snake River
Study the different medicinal use of plants found in the area
Visit the Grizzly and Wolf Museums
ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES
* Wilderness Backpacking
* Winter Camping
* Snowshoeing
* Whitewater Rafting
* Canoeing
* Bouldering
* Orienteering
* Rock Climbing
* Mountain Biking
* Survival Skills Review
* Fly Fishing
If interested, please contact Admissions Department at 828-456-3435 or admissions@soarnc.org
Quick Facts:
Dates: 9/8/08 – 12/7/08
Students: 14
Days: 91
Tuition:$17,800
Ages:13-18
Philosophy: SOAR believes all individuals identified with learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit disorder (AD/HD) possess inherent talents and gifts. These abilities can mean incredible success in adulthood once these students negotiate the challenging obstacles of childhood, adolescence, and a traditional education system, usually unable to respond to individual learning styles.
Therefore, the SOAR model is based on two fundamental principles. First, youth with LD and AD/HD flourish when they are encouraged to focus on their strengths in an experiential setting. The second principle acknowledges that success can be generalized by encouraging our students to develop and utilize strategies, enabling them to compensate for those challenging characteristics of LD and AD/HD. To this end, SOAR staff strive to ensure success for each student across a wide range of experiences. Such success, in turn, builds essential self-esteem and self-confidence.
Based on these two foundations, SOAR participants develop problem solving skills, effective communication strategies, increased self-awareness, and social skills. Program activities include a broad base of wilderness adventure experiences that empower students to make healthy choices, learn more about themselves, overcome challenges, and establish relevance from these experiences to other aspects of their life.
SOAR's Specialty Courses are open to SOAR alumni and students with the maturity and experience level to be successful on the course. Acceptance is conditional on the approval of the course director. Most specialty courses are led by one of SOAR's year-round staff including Jonathan Jones, John Willson and Jon Terry.
SOAR’s programs are designed to allow students the opportunity to increase their independence while away from home. Independence is gained through self-motivation and life skills instruction. With this in mind, we involve our students in many decision making processes, such as setting individual goals, developing group guidelines, as well as trip and meal planning. This also comes into consideration when developing SOAR’s communication policy, detailed in our Parent Handbook.
SOAR is dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit disorder (AD/HD) and is proud to be the finest: