Adventure Learning Programs (ALPs)

ALPs uses the methodology of Adventure Education to challenge people to learn more about themselves and one another. In the words of Christian Itin, adventure education is “[t]he use of games (primarily new and cooperative), initiatives (problem solving activities), trust activities, high adventure activities (ropes courses, rock climbing, white water kayaking, and related activities), wilderness activities (backpacking, canoeing or other wilderness expedition forms) as part of an intentional change process based on the philosophy of experiential education.” ALPs uses games, initiatives, and ropes courses as our tools to effect change. Other methodologies use other vehicles—internships use on the job training; service learning combines formal instruction with a related service in the community; and so on. The thread that links it all is that “educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to develop skills”.