"I think the Adventure-Based Learning program is so 'right' for our kids - developmentally, socially, physically and in every other important area of their lives. Thank you for doing such great work with our kids this year!"
Jane McNeely, 4th grade teacher, Brown Elementary School, South Portland
» Read more testimonials

Adventure-Based Learning

FOCUS is an adventure-based, experiential education program that students engage in all year long. The program is built on a progression of life skill development. F.O.C.U.S. (Finding Our Community, Understanding Self) will help students enhance the development of these key life skills and incorporate them into their everyday lives in and out of the classroom.

FOCUS through Adventure runs under the auspices of Sweetser and located in Saco, ME. The Director is Donna Murray. The FOCUS Program is one of many programs that are offered through FOCUS through Adventure.

The FOCUS Program will provide a unique opportunity for students to work in small groups to help develop key skills they will need for the rest of their lives.

Key Skills Developed with Experiential Education:

• Building Healthy Relationships
• Effective Communication
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Conflict Resolution
• Trust
• Respect
• Self-Awareness
• Leadership
• Social Responsibility
• Goal Setting
  

Year-Round, Holistic Approach

Teachers, guidance counselors, and "FOCUS through Adventure" staff will partner to facilitate activities that the students will take part in. Each group will meet minimally once a month for about an hour to take part in a variety of initiatives. In addition to these meetings, there will also be three day-long experiences. The winter Expedition will occur at the School and the other two will take place at the Challenge Course at Sweetser’s School in Saco. Here, they will engage in initiatives that will both challenge themselves and their classmates, as well as work on the aforementioned life skills.

Year Round, Adventure Based Learning Program

FOCUS staff facilitates twelve, two hour sessions with students, teachers and school counselors which are integrated within the contracted school’s setting. The Adventure-Based Learning curriculum is built upon a progression of life skill development. Through a five-finger contract students utilize their school’s codes of conduct as the foundation of this program. Students work collectively in both large and small group problem solving initiatives during each session. A culminating day occurs at the challenge ropes course site on the campus of Sweetser in late spring.

Calendar At A Glance

• Fall through Spring:
  FOCUS staff facilitates twelve two hour sessions within school setting. ABL sessions occur bi-monthly, depending on the school calendar. Students develop a five-finger contract based on their school’s codes of conduct.
  
  
• Late Spring:
  Students, teachers and school counselors attend a full day program at the challenge ropes course. Students participate in low and high element challenges. The day will focus on group decision making, trust, support, and self-awareness. This is a day of celebration for all participants.
  
  
• Cost:
  The cost of the ABL customized program is easy to manage due to the program being delivered within the contracted schools site. Current schools receive funding through grants, local PTO, and fundraising events.
  
  
• Sampling of clients (read our testimonials):
  Skillin Elementary School South Portland
  Dyer Elementary School, South Portland
  Brown Elementary School South Portland
  Dayton Consolidated School, RSU 23
  Westbrook Junior High School
  
  

Contacting FOCUS

The FOCUS adventure-based learning program provides a unique opportunity for students to work in small groups and develop key life-long skills. More information on FOCUS.

For more info or Ropes Course reservations, please contact:
Donna Murray, Director
207-294-4929
dmurray@sweetser.org