You've zeroed in on a great need especially in the West, Colin. Specifically, we must challenge our youth to get outside and enhance their health physically, socially, and mentally. Fortunately, many of the outdoor activities that you've focused upon--running, hiking, climbing, etc.--can be undertaken individually or in groups. As you've noted, young people who are introduced to these activities now in a group setting will be able to continue them throughout their lives, both with others and by themselves.
I share Kevin Carroll's sentiment that the Outward Bound program in the States has similarities to what you attempt, and both organizations are to complimented for doing so. You do offer fine alternatives to substance abuse and a sedentary lifestyle for an age cohort with which it is difficult to work.
Steve Byars
Marshall School of Business
University of Southern California
Many thanks for your feedback, I've recently just received a letter from a parent, which i would like to share with you. If you can send me a fax number I will send it by fax. I think you will agree this captures everything that we're about.
I´d be interested to learn more about how you approach young people with challenging behavior in the first place. I´d think it´s not that easy to get them to participate in a quite challenging sports program, especially if it takes them away from their comfort zone. What´s the incentive here?
Jasper Nicolaisen
Free University Berlin
University Challenge
Kevin Carroll
Changemakers Featured Commentator
Sport for a Better World Competition
Colin, your entry is a great example of how BIG the offering can be for using sport and physical activity as a vehicle to shift and change a young person's attitude and approach to life. Reading your entry made me think of a program called, Outward Bound - http://www.outwardbound.com. are you familiar with it at all?
This program is actually lobbying political leaders to support the idea that all young people should be required to get outdoors and play. Their political effort/action is called "No Child Left Inside".
I thought you might find the work they are doing and the approach they use of interest. Placing a young person in unfamiliar surroundings and then teaching them how to use resiliency, learn new coping skills, and incorporate new decision-making techniques can definitely be valuable and assist them in their day-to-day surroundings and lives. Keep taking them outside, Colin - it will be a BIG help for them.
You've zeroed in on a great need especially in the West, Colin. Specifically, we must challenge our youth to get outside and enhance their health physically, socially, and mentally. Fortunately, many of the outdoor activities that you've focused upon--running, hiking, climbing, etc.--can be undertaken individually or in groups. As you've noted, young people who are introduced to these activities now in a group setting will be able to continue them throughout their lives, both with others and by themselves.
I share Kevin Carroll's sentiment that the Outward Bound program in the States has similarities to what you attempt, and both organizations are to complimented for doing so. You do offer fine alternatives to substance abuse and a sedentary lifestyle for an age cohort with which it is difficult to work.
Steve Byars
Marshall School of Business
University of Southern California
Hi Steve,
Many thanks for your feedback, I've recently just received a letter from a parent, which i would like to share with you. If you can send me a fax number I will send it by fax. I think you will agree this captures everything that we're about.
Thanks, Colin
Colin,
I´d be interested to learn more about how you approach young people with challenging behavior in the first place. I´d think it´s not that easy to get them to participate in a quite challenging sports program, especially if it takes them away from their comfort zone. What´s the incentive here?
Jasper Nicolaisen
Free University Berlin
University Challenge
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7102616.stm
Log on to the link above and i hope this will explain fully what the incentive is to me.
Kevin Carroll
Changemakers Featured Commentator
Sport for a Better World Competition
Colin, your entry is a great example of how BIG the offering can be for using sport and physical activity as a vehicle to shift and change a young person's attitude and approach to life. Reading your entry made me think of a program called, Outward Bound - http://www.outwardbound.com. are you familiar with it at all?
This program is actually lobbying political leaders to support the idea that all young people should be required to get outdoors and play. Their political effort/action is called "No Child Left Inside".
I thought you might find the work they are doing and the approach they use of interest. Placing a young person in unfamiliar surroundings and then teaching them how to use resiliency, learn new coping skills, and incorporate new decision-making techniques can definitely be valuable and assist them in their day-to-day surroundings and lives. Keep taking them outside, Colin - it will be a BIG help for them.