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Washington State University

4-H Adventure Education

Program Contact: Nancy Baskett, 4-H Program Coordinator
425-738-0104 • nbaskett@wsu.edu

Our Mission

To develop Capable, Caring, and Contributing citizens through research-based, guided adventure and experiential learning models. We accomplish our mission by building Life Skills, using the natural environment and adventure-based activities within a Full Value community.

Our Purpose

There are many different kinds of adventure- based experiential education programs. Although on the surface there are similarities between activities, there is a wide spectrum of purposes and philosophies in the adventure-based experiential education field. Programs can range from recreational activities on one end of the spectrum, to therapy driven activities at the other. The 4-H Adventure Education programs fall approximately in the middle of the spectrum, focusing on education and life skills development. We help participants develop or enhance personal and interpersonal skills through meaningful and fun experiences.

We believe that the most powerful method of learning is through the Learning by Doing approach, also known as experiential learning or adventure education. In its simplest form, the model has three major components – Do, Reflect, Apply.

Fostering team development and personal growth – through group outdoor educational experiences. Youth grades 5-12; the minimum grade and age level for participation is 5th grade and age 10.

What is a 4-H Challenge?

Portable Challenge Experience & Challenge Courses foster team development, leadership and personal growth within a group setting. Using a series of fun and engaging outdoor learning activities, participants strengthen relationships, improve communication, and develop their leadership skills and abilities.

Challenge by Choice

Participants are encouraged to take risks in Challenge programs, such as trying a new behavior or an unfamiliar activity. With the support of the group, these perceived challenges can be successfully overcome. However, it is ultimately the participant who decides their level of involvement. Portable Challenge Experience is designed for groups and teams to build communication, trust and social/emotional learning skills in a classroom or outdoor setting. The activities range from 1-4 hours long, sometimes through multiple sessions.

The 4-H Challenge Program can be tailored to benefit the mission of any group it serves, such as:

  • Schools (public or private)
  • Youth organizations
  • Adults who work with youth
  • Leadership groups
  • Treatment programs
  • Work training programs
  • Government and business groups that work with youth

portable ropes course

Portable Ropes Course

A Portable Ropes course is designed for groups and teams to access the benefits of a ropes course experience in any classroom space or setting accessible to them.  This is currently the type of WSU 4-H Programming being used at many Seattle Parks and Recreation sites.

 

Low Ropes CourseLow Ropes Course

A Low Ropes Course is designed for groups and teams to build communication, trust, and social/emotional learning skills. Low course days range from 1-6 hours long.  A day typically starts with introductions, name games, a health check, stretches, icebreakers, and energizers to prepare groups and teams to engage in Challenge Initiatives to help them reach their individual and groups goals.  All Challenge Initiatives on a Low Ropes Course occur either at ground level of less than 10 feet of the ground.  Each element takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

 

Stand Alone High Course Elements

Stand Alone High Course Elements are designed to create a peak experience after an initial low course day.  They each take approximately 1 hour to complete. They are usually constructed in the trees and require a belay system for safety.

High Ropes Course

High Ropes Course

A High Ropes Courses is designed for individuals to learn to use skills such as coaching and encouragement to reach their goals.  The act of overcoming fear and challenges can be peak experience that groups and participants will draw upon for a lifetime.  Participants learn that success is not measured by how high a person climbs, but rather through experiences gained from working closely with teammates, building trust among groups, and pushing oneself in a way that is safe and responsible.

WSU Extension 4-H King County Challenge Courses

Camp Long WSU 4-H Challenge Course
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/camp_long_course/
Contact: Yohann Hanley, Course Director
(206) 233-7802 (office)
(205) 399-2205 (cell)

Camp Address:
5200 35th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 684-7415

Camp Waskowitz-Woodside School – Challenge & Adventure Programs Office

Waskowitz-Woodside School
Burien,  WA
206-439-4418 (phone/fax)
Contact: Tim Hall:  tim.hall@highlineschools.org

Camp Address:
45505 SE 150th St
North Bend, WA 98045
425-277-7196
425-277-7197 (fax)

WSU Extension King County 4-H Challenge Course

  • Challenge & Adventure Programs Office Retreats & Challenge Programming Leadership & High School Programs Waskowitz-Woodside School Burien,  WA 206-439-4418 (phone/fax) Contact: Tim Hall:  tim.hall@highlineschools.org  Camp Address …
  • WSU 4-H Challenge Course http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/camp_long_course/ Ken Turner, Course Director (206) 386-1056 (office) (205) 399-2205 (cell) Camp Address 5200 35th Ave SW Seattle, WA 98126 (206)…

WSU Extension programs, employment, and volunteer service are available to all without discrimination (See WSU Executive Policy #15). Concerns regarding potential discrimination may be reported through your local WSU Extension  office or directly to the WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) office, web:
https://ccr.wsu.edu, email: ccr@wsu.edu, phone: 509-335-8288.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of
program information or other reasonable accommodation should contact Nancy Baskett at (425) 738-0104 nbaskett@wsu.edu or Alyssa Bowers at (425) 738-0110 alyssa1bowers1@wsu.edu or kingcounty.4h@wsu.edu, at least two weeks prior to the event.