Gold Rush History River Study Program Lifeskills Youth Adventures Price List

Outdoor Education logoLife Skills Development
Challenge Ropes Course

All ages, from 4th Grade on

Games make the Life Skills course fun for all (B. Zupo Photography)Our Life Skills Program utilizes experiential learning to foster life skill development and personal growth. We emphasize self-esteem, trust, problem solving, self-discovery, and responsibility. As students work together through a physically and mentally challenging ropes course, leadership skills and teamwork are the main focus. Observation, discussion, planning, organization, debriefing and physical activity play a central role in every exercise.

"We loved Mother Lode! The activities were well balanced and the food was great. The counselors were attentive to the dynamics of the groups, helping shyer kids to speak out. Also, you have a great location."

--- Maryse L. Postlewaithe, S.C. Montessori

The course is located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills, on the banks of the South Fork of the American River. The uplifting and inspiring natural setting of our 12-acre camp, and the friendly guidance of our staff, ensure an enjoyable and valuable experience for your students.

Over the wall game builds group trust (B. Zupo Photography)The Life Skills challenge course consists of low element activities (activities occurring close to the ground) and high challenge elements (activities which take place 20-40 feet above the ground). The low elements include games; trust activities, group initiatives, and activities involving structural elements that build on problem solving skills and trust, such as the "Nitro Swing", "Spider Web", and "Whale Watch". The high elements are primarily individual challenges. We support participants as they find their comfort zones and possibly choose to push beyond them. Examples of high elements are: the "Cat Walk", "Climbing Wall" and "Leap of Faith".

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