Youth Odyssey’s programs were originally designed to run like the nationally recognized National Outdoor Leadership Schools (NOLS) and Outward Bound; we have since then adjusted the curriculum to best fit our mission and our target audience. There is a maximum of 12 youth per activity and all transportation is provided by Youth Odyssey. Our programs consists of four levels. Each activity follows a sequential process and builds upon skills learned at the previous level.

Sequence of Development

Youth progress through carefully planned activities that build leadership, problem-solving skills, trust, teamwork, self-confidence, and communication skills. Learning and development follows a sequential process and the effectiveness and mastery at one level contributes to each subsequent level. They are:

• Goal Setting - is a critical component since it provides a source of measure.
• Awareness - activities that are designed to assist youth in feeling more comfortable in their group environment and to appreciate the relationship between peers / adults.
• Trust –activities that focus on one-to-one as well as group trust.
• Cooperation - activities at this level give the youth a sense of accomplishment through cooperation.
• Group Challenge - activities that are problem-solving in nature and experiences are related to real life.
• Leadership - activities that assist youth in developing leadership skills and experience following a leader.
• Application - a follow-up program at the closure of the on-site experience, through a final process session. Reflection, evaluation, and goal review.