Groggy students unload from buses at a natural, wooded campsite. Boisterous introductions are made and their Pathfinder adventure is off and running! Small groups are engaged in challenge course - physical riddles to be solved by working together. Friendships are created and the seeds of cooperation are being sown. The day continues, maybe with canopy tree climbing or shelter-building. Evening brings a hike under the stars and the understanding that nature is not a scary place. Sitting around the campfire and reflecting on the day is probably the first moment the students realize they haven't looked at a screen all day...and that they haven't missed it. How could it get any better? S'mores, of course! And getting up to do it again the next day.
Multi-day, overnight programs deepen the learning process by providing opportunities to reinforce lessons and immerse our participants in the community that we create and learn in together! Custom built group schedules allow the perfect experience to be crafted for your group - from team building to biology, high ropes to water sampling - a multi day trip provides the flexibility to dig deep in order to create transformative experiences. A safe field trip with an accredited organization is a perfect way for youth to spend time away from home. Pathfinder has been the only program accredited by the Association for Experiential Education since 1998!
Overnight programs take place at any one of our four partner sites. As we work with you to design your program, we'll talk with you about which location will work best for your group, depending on each site's amenities, travel time, pricing, and availability. Overnight groups will enjoy climate controlled lodging, family or buffet style meals in a climate controlled dining halls, and amenities including: high and low ropes courses, river or lake access for canoeing or science activities, tree climbing, and indoor meeting spaces.
“After our Pathfinder trip there’s an overall sense of community among the kids. They are willing to speak to any classmate now and not just keep to their friends. They are more inclusive in their conversations at lunch and recess. They are more thoughtful about who they work with in the classroom when pairing up with a partner/small group. They’ve been in good spirits when it comes to school and savoring their final moments as an eighth grader here at school, too. 🙂”