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Rutherford Outdoor Coalition (ROC) has been an advocate for outdoor recreation and its benefits since the coalition was formed 2003. Fast forward 20 years and in 2023 ROC's Outdoor Programs Manager, Gabe Isaac, and Lake Lure Classical Academy Teacher, Evelyn Warner met up. Both understood the impact an outdoor club would make on students and Adventure Club was born.
Middle school is a critical developmental age. Sense of self, relationships, and decision-making processes are all part of their brain growth during this time. In order to feed the positive routes of these developing skills, students need more. There's the learning that happens in the classroom, the learning that happens in the hallways and lunchrooms, and there's the learning that happens outside of school hours. And, in today's world, there's the learning that happens in video games and on cellular devices. Sometimes, these methods of learning don't benefit the learner.
It's not that technologies or pocket computers are all in all bad. It can be overwhelming, especially when your tween brain is working overtime to develop life-long skills while navigating neurological and physiological changes. Studies have shown that too much screen time can have damaging effects on developing brains. But we live in a world of late night lights, screens, and wifi signals; how can we avoid it all?
Outdoor play is essential. Numerous health benefits are linked to time spent outside, both physical and psychological. And what middle schooler doesn't need a mood boost? It's not just that though, research has discovered that outdoor play, specifically, is critical for mental development and social interactions. Outdoor adventure education goes one step further, creating a sense of identity, community, resilience, and even developing leadership skills.
Some students can reach these developmental milestones through conventional afterschool sports and clubs, but not all students are the same. Some need an activity outside the box. Adventure Club at LLCA is doing just that; allowing space for students to grow and flourish away from the conventional and with all the benefits of being in nature. It fosters development of healthy living skills, camaraderie, the importance of play, and exploring new interests. These are important developmentally for the middle school age group and can support a healthy life-style for years to come.
What started out as a grand idea was put into action, starting with hiking and continuing to develop into the eclectic club that it is today.
In Adventure Club, students get to experiment with outdoor activities and interests.
They learn about Leave No Trace, trail sustainability, and how to hike as part of a group when hiking on local trails. When learning to paddle, students gain invaluable safety knowledge about rescue and gear. Mountain biking teaches students about balance and movement skills, allowing them to feel confident on a bike and explore their interest in biking.
In an accumulation of their shared adventures, Adventure Club goes on camp-outs. This overnight program is a fun and memorable way to challenge students to think outside the box, use good reasoning skills, and work together.
"It was amazing to see them being kids, playing outside, no phones, no structure...pure joy in the outdoors." -Gabe Isaac, ROC
There are many barriers to getting kids outside to play and interact today. From the pressures of academic success to stereotypes about what an outdoor recreationalist looks like, blockades surround us. It can seem intimidating and scary even to venture into the outdoors, especially when you haven't tried it before.
Adventure Club works to break down those barriers by providing a safe, educational way to step into nature that is open to all types of middle school students. There is no prerequisite for this club. There's no expectation of students other than to be open, be outside, and learn about nature interaction. The idea is that Adventure Club not only creates a stronger connection between students and nature, but that it empowers them with the knowledge of how to navigate the outdoors positively.
Empowerment comes through learning new skills, student-led education moments, and natural exploration that happens along the way. Each club day supports students' growth, builds upon each other and accumulates into higher reasoning skills and better communication and cooperation. The challenge of the new and adventurous stretches students beyond their comfort zone. It helps them know that they are capable. It shows them, too, that they are supported and not alone.
"It's a wonderful feeling when a student, who has said 'I can't do this' starts to thrive at a skill. Whether it's building a fire or balancing on a bike. I love it when they prove to themselves 'I can.'" -Gabe Isaac, ROC
ROC and LLCA's partnership in Adventure Club has offered up these experiences since 2023. The program has blossomed and the results are evident. When asked about her involvement with ROC and Adventure Club, Mrs. Warner said it not only has helped her build relationships with students that aid in the classroom, but has empowered her to lead outdoor educational programs. The collaboration has brought new ideas and methods to both ROC and LLCA in a way that has lifted both.
"I am so grateful for the Adventure Club with ROC. It's offered opportunities to get to know my students in a different way and forge relationships...our adventures are memories that my students and I will have forever!" -Evelyn Warner, LLCA
As this year of Adventure Club closed with a Cooperation Campout, students were asked for their feedback. Their responses were heartening. Enjoyment was a five-out-of-five; with students saying they loved the campout most of all. Connection with peers and nature appreciation were tied on the student feedback scale. When asked if they felt challenged, students agreed that skills and new experiences stretched their comfort levels. Students said they learned a lot about themselves and others.
As we continue this Adventure Club journey, ROC hopes to provide more of the barrier-breaking, outside empowering opportunities for this critical age group. It truly is an adventure worth undertaking.
If you are interested in starting an adventure club at your school with ROC, contact ROC's Outdoor Programs Manager, Gabe Isaac, at gabe@rutherfordoutdoor.org.
