As a helper and a mentor you are in a key position to support the positive growth and development of youth. This curriculum provides opportunities for you and the young people you work with to develop caring relationships and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.

This web page complements and supports the three sequential Outdoor Adventure pages and serves as a resource for hiking, camping and backpacking skills. You'll find activities for a camp setting, helpful information about stages of youth and group development, tips on how to teach experientially, and Outdoor Adventures meeting suggestions.

The goal of this series is for youth to learn experientially about living more simply and exploring their environment by getting out into it! The same is to be said for you, as the Helper. You will be involved in the experiential learning process as you begin to work with youth in planning a hiking, camping or backpacking trip. You'll want to begin this adventure by acknowledging your own level of experience. Before taking yout hon e3ven the most basic day-hike, ask yourself questions like these: Am I physically fit enough to participate in a rescue situation?; What level of emergency training do I have? Have I left a risk management plan with the appropriate people?; Is this trip in line with the skill level and goals of every member of our group?

• Youth will practice and develop the life skills of relating to others, making decisions and communicating with others.
• Plan and safely conduct camping, backpacking and wilderness excursions.
• Develop minimum impact skills according to Leave No Trace techniques.