Mission & Philosophy

Mission Statement

The Office of Experiential Education provides an interactive learning environment through an adventure-based curriculum that is dedicated to the personal & professional development, technical instruction, and physical safety of those we serve. The Office of Experiential Education fosters the importance of working in diverse environments, respecting those with differences, and creating positive learning experiences.

Philosophy

The Office of Experiential Education and GRAB use the two philosophical practices known as the Full Value Contract and Challenge by Choice. These practices focus the group on issues that revolve around personal, professional and physical safety in the field of adventure education. The program references these two practices to ensure that all staff members know that everyone's voice, judgment, thoughts, and involvement are integral to the group experience. Each staff member is asked to hold themselves and others accountable using the following concepts:

• open & continuous feedback
• respecting the interests of each group member
• developing personal & professional goals
• choosing personal & professional challenges
• adhering to program policies & group guidelines

Our programs address the technical and group facilitation skills associated with wilderness leadership and adventure-based education. The overlying theme of the program is to heighten the awareness of behaviors and conversations associated with professional and professional leadership roles such as acknowledging ethics, values, and differences of individuals. This curriculum exposes the student following skills and philosophies:

• program mission and philosophy
• expedition behavior & considerations
• ethical leadership
• personal development
• professional facilitation
• backcountry living skills
• desert/arid considerations
• rock site, sea kayaking, backcountry management
• medical consideration