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4-H
Outdoor Adventure Challenge Program
The 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge uses
the biggest classroom available the outdoors to lead
young people in activities that are both physically and mentally
stressful. Through Challenge, participants learn canoeing, kayaking, backpacking,
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, outdoor survival and safety skills.
Most importantly, they learn to communicate with other group members
to plan, organize and conduct their own activities in the outdoors.
The program teaches youth the skills necessary to deal with stressful
situations which may occur in any setting in their lives. It also
gives young people a greater sensitivity, understanding and appreciation
for both themselves and the outdoors.
4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Training Requirements
The multisession
4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Training Series is designed to train adults
interested in using the outdoors to help develop life skills in
young people. The program includes an introduction to 4-H and the
4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program, training in backpacking, caving, canoeing,
kayaking, rock climbing, winter camping and
first aid. Adults receiving the training are expected to work with
young people in the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program.
Trainees can select either the week-long 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Training Series, plus the specialty
sessions, which are offered from May to January. Registration for either
series is due in April.
The registration fee for the training series covers instructional
materials, meeting facilities, camping fees and group equipment
costs and mileage for instructors. Participants also are responsible for the cost of their own
food, personal equipment, transportation to and from
the training sites, and other personal costs.
To become a
certified 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge volunteer, you must attend all the required
sessions, two specialty sessions, have current American Red Cross
first-aid and CPR certification cards and work with a 4-H group after you complete
the training. There are two training series to choose from:
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The Weekend
Series
This series includes three or four required weekend sessions
from May through October. The sessions include an orientation
weekend and specific training in group activities, backpacking
and canoeing. Participants must also complete two of four specialty
sessions in caving, rock climbing, kayaking, or winter camping.
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The Week-Long Series
This series includes: a required orientation session in May and
an in-depth one-week summer session that includes canoeing,
backpacking, rock climbing and group activities training. Participants
must also complete two of four specialty sessions in caving,
rock climbing, kayaking, or winter camping.
These series
are designed to provide adults with a level of competence in many
outdoor activities and the confidence to work with young people
in the activities.
Training
& Events
Download the
following 2008 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Training Series documents, available
in Adobe Acrobat format (Requires free Adobe
Acrobat Reader) or Microsoft Word format:
For upcoming
training and events in this area, check the Environmental and Outdoor Education Training and Events Web page, the 4-H
Volunteer Workshops Web page, the MSU
Extension Calendar and the 4-H
Exploration Days Web site.
Learning
Materials
Download the
following learning materials, available
in Adobe Acrobat format (Requires free Adobe
Acrobat Reader) or Microsoft Word format:
Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Programming Guide (MS Word format)
(for use by certified 4-H OAC instructors who train others to become 4-H OAC leaders; may also be of interest to trainees.)
Training Manual for Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge (PDF documents)
The 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Training Manual was developed by Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Trainers, the State 4-H OAC Coordinators (current and former) and State 4-H staff for use in training those interested in becoming certified as Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge volunteers working with 4-H clubs interested in OAC programming and activities. For information on the Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Program, contact Jim Harper, State 4-H Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at harper12@msu.edu or 231-258-3320. The following sections are available in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format:
Other Resources
More information on learning
materials available to support these activities can be found in the Michigan
Guide to 4-H or through the MSU
Bulletin Office.
Contact
Information
For more information on
how to get involved as a youth
or volunteer,
contact your county MSU Extension
office or:
Jim Harper, 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge State Coordinator and County Extension Director
MSU Extension - Kalkaska County Government Center
605 N. Birch St.
Kalkaska, MI 49646
USA
Phone: 231-258-3320
E-mail: harper12@msu.edu
Judy Ratkos,
Program Leader
4-H Youth Development
160 Agriculture Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
Phone: 517-432-7613
Fax: 517-355-6748
Email: ratkos@msu.edu
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Copyright
© 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Michigan State University
Last Updated: April 24, 2008
Last Reviewed: January 22, 2008
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