Adventure Recreation
Mission: The mission of the Adventure Recreation program is to provide fun, safe, environmentally competent and risk-managed recreational programming that encourages physical and emotional growth. Youth will experience a blend of traditional and adventure-based group activities that challenge them personally and socially. Skills and competencies acquired shall serve as resources for future success.
Program Description: The Adventure Recreation Program provides a blend of traditional recreation and adventure-based activities for youth.
Activities range from leisure-time pursuits to adventure-based challenges that develop problem-solving and leadership skills. Activities include hiking, camping, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, orienteering, mountain biking, a low and high challenge course and climbing walls.
Group interaction is key. The encouragement of the group supports the individual as he or she takes on challenges. A typical challenge consists of working with others to traverse a wall. Lessons learned in facing that challenge can help the youth with solving problems in other situations.
During the activities, youth are encouraged to help others by supporting positive behaviors and confronting negative actions of peers. Adult group leaders facilitate experiences that support the individual while fostering the development of a cohesive group.
The program places a strong emphasis upon safety, concern for the environment and risk management.
As youth take on new recreational experiences and challenges, the norms of respect, responsibility, safety and being goal directed are emphasized.
Program and Staff Certification: Programs are certified through the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). Staff also have other training and certifications as required. All staff receive American Red Cross first aid and CPR training.
Policy and Procedure Manual: Youth are assisted in processing their experiences in sessions before and after the activity, as well during Guided Group Interaction or GGI that take place regularly (see page 28). Staff involved in leading an activity are experienced and/or certified. All activities are provided in a safe, experiential environment to encourage new learning.
Programs
Course Area: Outdoors, on and off site.
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Course Description: The Adventure Club provides youth with non-threatening activities that increase their awareness of nature. With activities such as keeping a nature journal, sketching and looking for animal tracks, youth learn about ecology, habitats, the web of life, and respect for and responsibility to our planet.
Eligibility Criteria: Each youth will be screened for medical concerns prior to involvement in the program. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are able to participate.
Safety Plan: Staff are made aware of any allergies that participants may have. The staff carry a communication device, as well as a fully stocked first aid kit. Youth are to proceed at a safe pace when on the trail. They are to be aware of hazards such as sharp branches, rocks or overhangs. Water bottles, good shoes, and clothing appropriate for weather conditions are required. Any specialized equipment is provided by the Recreation Department.
Course Area: Recreation Building/Indoor pool
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Course Description: Youth have the opportunity to learn to swim or to become a better swimmer. The Aquatics Program is offered regularly and the youth are encouraged to participate as often as possible. The activity is considered non-threatening and individually focused. Swimming promotes fitness while having fun. Youth are able to obtain certifications for different levels of swimming, from beginning to lifeguard certification, which could lead to future employment.
Eligibility Criteria: All youth are encouraged to attend scheduled swim. The Aquatics coordinator will assess each youth to determine his or her abilities and needs. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: A certified lifeguard is on duty anytime swimming is offered. The lifeguard is NOT included in the staff-to-child ratio; an additional staff member must be present. The lifeguard has the authority to close the pool at any time deemed necessary. The pool is closed during thunderstorms. The chemical balance of the pool is regularly checked and the pool will be closed if levels are not within the acceptable range. A first aid kit is maintained at the pool. Youth must wear appropriate swim wear that is provided for them. No personal water toys, with the exception of goggles and flippers, are permitted.
Safety Training Plan: All youth will be tested for swimming ability. Swim instruction is provided.
Backpacking and Cabin or Tent Camping
Course Area: On site as well as at various state parks, national forests, public and private campgrounds, and backpacking trails.
Risk Level: Low to High
Course Description: Camping trips can take place during any season and in various types of weather. Opportunities range from one-night to four-night stays.
Eligibility Criteria: Before going camping, the youth will be required to learn about camping safely and “leave no trace” principles, which aim to reduce campers’ impact on the environment, and to distill respect for the environment. Consent forms are required for all camping trips. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents go camping.
Safety Plan: There will always be a lead instructor with experience on all camping trips. All staff on the trip will be certified in first aid and CPR. A Wilderness First Responder (a person with specialized training in delivering first aid in the wilderness) will be present for a trip in which primary medical care is more than four hours away. A ratio of at least one staff member to four youth will be maintained during camping trips. A detailed Emergency Action Plan will be developed before any camping trip. A trip itinerary will be left with the appropriate supervising staff in the Residential Program. A cell phone and first aid kit are required. Staff must be familiar with the camping area.
Safety Training Plan: All participants will do physical training to prepare for backpacking trips. For backpacking or camping, residents will be instructed in hydration, hypothermia, heat illnesses, emergency procedures for weather, wildlife interactions, leave no trace principles, and other skills for the trip as needed.
Course Area: On and off site, wooded trails and roads
Risk Level: Medium to High
Course Description: The program uses mountain bikes for all types of biking. The shorter, heftier frame and wide knobby tires make it easier to maintain control on and off the road.
Eligibility Criteria: Participants must be able to reach the ground comfortably while seated on the bike seat. Youth must successfully complete the bike safety course provided. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken bike riding.
Safety Plan: All residents and staff are required to wear helmets and proper clothing and carry water bottles. Staff also carry a first aid kit and sunblock. Staff provide close supervision of youth. A cell phone is carried by staff during off-grounds trips in case of emergency. The ability to make sound judgments regarding weather is essential.
Safety Training Plan: Before participating, each resident must get a bike license by completing a bike safety course and passing a practical skills test. If they commit three infractions, they loose their license and must repeat the safety course before being allowed to ride again. Staff are trained in first aid and CPR. Longer trips and those farther from access points require a more careful selection of group, a trip plan to be left on grounds, and possibly additional emergency safety equipment.
Course Area: Canoeing and kayaking take place on lakes and streams throughout the region; instruction is held in our indoor pool and progresses to a river, lake or other waterway.
Risk Level: Low to High
Course Description: Canoeing and kayaking take place from late spring to early fall. The trips range from just a few hours to several days, depending on the skill level of the selected group.
Eligibility Criteria: Any youth may participate in the Canoe or Kayak Safety Instruction Course, which takes place in the classroom and in our indoor pool. This course covers the use of lifejackets (also called personal flotation devices or PFD’s), basic strokes, how to safely recover when a canoe or kayak turns over, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Youth must complete the course before participating in outdoor canoeing or kayaking. When combined with camping as an overnight activity, parental permission and health clearances are required. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: Whenever canoes or kayaks are in the water, all persons in the canoes or kayaks must wear a lifejacket that is properly fitted. Shoes (drainable) should be worn at all times. Clothing should be suitable for the weather and water. There is at least one staff member per four residents and at least one qualified lifeguard. Anytime a group is canoeing or kayaking off site, there are a minimum of two staff regardless of the number of residents. The number of staff increases as the number of participants increases. The staff ratio is increased for more difficult bodies of water. The residents are not permitted to swim without a lifejacket, and are not to swim near canoes or in a fast current, regardless of ability. A certified life guard will be present for all canoe/kayak excursions, and safe swimming sites will be selected by the lifeguard. A first aid kit is carried.
Safety Training Plan: Staff inform participants of the dangers of sunburn, dehydration and hypothermia. Each staff member must be certified in first aid and CPR. An itinerary must be given to the supervisor on duty before leaving for the trip and a cell phone must be carried in case of emergency.
Circuit Training Fitness Program
Course Area: Weight room in the Recreation Building
Risk Level: Medium
Course Description: Youth work out in the fully equipped weight room. The emphasis is on fitness rather than body building. A certified and experienced instructor works with groups of four to six youth, giving instruction in fitness training techniques and how to use the machines properly. Youth are encouraged to set and meet personal conditioning goals with the assistance of instructors.
Eligibility Criteria: The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in the activity.
Safety Plan: Staff complete a weight room certification session where the program and equipment is explained in detail before bringing residents to the weight room. The youth and the instructor wear appropriate clothing including T-shirt, sweats or shorts, appropriate support clothing and appropriate footwear. Water bottles or water breaks are also required. A first aid kit will be available.
Safety Training Plan: Staff demonstrate proper technique in order to help youth avoid injury. To maintain adequate supervision, staff do not work out with residents
Course Area: On site in wooded area behind the main facility and in the gym of Recreation Building
Risk Level: Medium to High
Course Description: The climbing walls provide our youth with the opportunity to be challenged both physically and psychologically while participating in an exciting activity. The youth generally achieve beyond their expectations, which boosts self confidence. The indoor climbing wall provides an alternative to traditional gym sports.
Eligibility Criteria: Participants can be any age. Youth are given instruction on proper climbing technique, safety and goal setting. Proper clothing and footwear are required. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: Staff must have completed the Training and Supervision Program and must have documented hours of shadowing an experienced instructor. A first aid kit is available.
Safety Training Plan: Each youth will be given instruction in how to use equipment safely. Helmets, climbing harnesses, climbing ropes and hardware are inspected each time they are used. All equipment and the wall itself is inspected yearly by a company accredited by the Association of Challenge Course Training. The climbing wall is operated by a staff member or members with belayer level or above rating.
Cooperation Course/Challenge Course Program
Course Area: On site in wooded area behind the main facility
Risk Level: Low to High
Course Description: Participants are placed in a group of eight to ten youth with at least two staff members. The group begins by developing teamwork, communication and trust through activities on the ground. They move to the low elements, which are cables and ropes that are approximately three feet above the ground. The youth try to accomplish tasks that can be completed only with the cooperation of the whole group. The team may progress to more individualized challenges on the high elements, which is a series of ropes, logs and cables that are 30 to 40 feet off the ground. The participants are attached to a safety rope and climbing harness. While this activity has potential danger, the safety harness, backup belay and appropriate technique serve to minimize risk.
Eligibility Criteria: Participants should not have a recent history of repeated self-harm or placing others at risk. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: The challenge course can generate intense feelings as youth overcome fears. Staff who supervise are certified and receive yearly training updates. A first aid kit and a communication device are available at the course. All equipment and the course itself is inspected yearly by a company accredited by the Association of Challenge Course Training. The daily operation of the course is overseen by a challenge course manager. A facilitator/instructor is present whenever the course is used.
Safety Training Plan: Instructors involved with the challenge course are required to participate in instruction once a year to refresh skills and recheck competency in necessary skills. They also will work on the course under the supervision of the challenge course instructor. A detailed Emergency Action Plan is maintained during all course activities.
Course Area: On site on trails and open areas and off site on local trails and in Allegany State Park.
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Course Description: Cross country skiing promotes good cardiovascular fitness and development of gross motor skills and provides an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors during winter. The program takes place as snow and weather conditions allow. Youth are taught skiing techniques, proper use of equipment, how to dress and how to keep safe in winter conditions.
Eligibility Criteria: The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: A ratio of one staff member to four residents is required in order to provide proper supervision and assistance. If the number or residents increases, the number of staff will be increased accordingly. Trips away from the campus require an additional staff person and a cell phone to maintain contact with the agency. The youth must wear clothing in layers that is appropriate for weather conditions and activity level (as directed by staff). A first aid kit will be carried.
Safety Training Plan: The lead instructor will be trained and experienced in cross country skiing. A communication device will be selected, depending upon reception. Staff must be certified in first aid and CPR and must be able to recognize dehydration, hyperventilation, heat exhaustion, hypothermia and frost nip. Skiing should not take place in extreme weather conditions. The group is required to stay together or within sight of each other. A resident is never allowed to venture solo. The lead staff will set the pace based upon the ability and conditioning of the group. The lead instructor will demonstrate how to use skis, poles and boots properly, as well as instruct the group in proper techniques for skating, gliding, stopping, falling and getting back up.
Course Area: Holiday Valley Ski Resort
Risk Level: Medium to High
Course Description: This eight-week program is provided through a grant from Win-Sum Ski Corporation at Holiday Valley. Eight youth and two staff members are selected to participate. Each week, the youth are provided with lessons given by a certified Holiday Valley ski instructor. Permission forms must be obtained well in advance, and youth must sign a contract that clearly states what is expected of the individual.
Eligibility Criteria: Youth must have attained Timber Wolf or Pledge status. Youth are selected by the treatment team, which takes all aspects of the child and his or her treatment plan into consideration. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in the activity.
Safety Plan: The lead instructor must be an experienced skier. Additional counselors may have varying degrees of skill. Each youth is provided with the proper clothing from the Adventure Recreation Department.
Safety Training Plan: In the event of an emergency, the safety patrol will be contacted and the appropriate emergency response is followed.
Course Area: Recreation Building
Risk Level: Low to High
Course Description: Basketball, kickball, football, soccer, volleyball, jogging and other sports are played in the gym. Unit staff and recreation staff follow a posted schedule to allow all residents to participate.
Eligibility Criteria: The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: A phone is located in the gym. A first aid kit is available.
Safety Training Plan: All staff are certified in first aid and CPR.
Course Area: Trails on and off site
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Course Description: Hikes range from half-hour walks on trails on grounds to trips lasting several days. A number of locations are available for hikes throughout the year.
Eligibility Criteria: The difficulty of the hike is matched to the ability of the participants. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: All residents and staff should carry water bottles for hydration. Staff must be aware of asthma and environmental and insect allergies, and carry EpiPens and inhalers as prescribed for a resident. Food and emergency safety equipment will be carried for trips farther from the access points. A first aid kit will be carried for all hikes. All trails are scouted before the hike. A cell phone should be carried off grounds.
Safety Training Plan: Staff are trained in first aid and CPR. Longer trips and those farther from access points require a more careful selection of group, emergency safety equipment appropriate to the trip, and a trip plan to be left on grounds. Trips that are more than one hour from definitive medical care require a leader with at least 16 hours of wilderness first aid training. Trips in which definitive medical care is four or more hours away require the presence of a Wilderness First Responder, who is trained to respond to medical emergencies in the wilderness.
Course Area: On grounds. Exact location dependent upon activity. Possible locations include classroom, gym and the wooded area out back.
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Course Description: The Initiative Program uses unique activities to engage the group in an experiential learning process. The activities provide the opportunity to learn skills and principles such as trust, problem solving, being goal directed, communication and teamwork.
Eligibility Criteria: EpiPens and inhalers prescribed to residents should be carried. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: Norms are reviewed with participants beforehand to ensure physical and emotional safety, respect for others in the group, and responsibility to oneself and to the group. Staff facilitating initiative activities are trained to safely carry out activities. Afterward, staff help the youths understand the experience and apply what they learned to daily life.
Safety Training Plan: Staff facilitating initiatives receive yearly training updates. The development of facilitation skills is recognized as an ongoing process requiring practice.
Course Area: Various off-site areas
Risk Level: Low to Medium; varies with the activity chosen
Course Description: Staff choose a day trip based on the interest of residents, but the destination remains a surprise to the residents.
Eligibility Criteria: Must have Pledge or Timber Wolf status and be in good standing. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: Varies to fit the demands of the activity.
Safety Training Plan: Prior to each activity, a detailed Emergency Action Plan as well as an itinerary will be completed by the lead instructor. All staff are trained in first aid and CPR.
Course Area: On site in wooded area, field, or other on-grounds location. Trips may be taken off grounds to surrounding state parks and national forests.
Risk Level: Low
Course Description: The youth meet in small groups to learn the basics of map and compass reading. This is followed by exercises and practice, including following a charted course that is on site. More difficult challenges are presented for interested youth. Trips off grounds may be taken based on skill levels and behavior. The activity enhances problem solving skills, the use of mathematics, and detailed record keeping.
Eligibility Criteria: No age requirement. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity.
Safety Plan: Staff must be familiar with the area being covered and have a working knowledge of orienteering. A staff member must accompany youth, even if the activity is on campus. If the activity is off campus, staff must carry a cell phone and leave a trip itinerary on campus.
Safety Training Plan: All participants will be instructed in use of compasses and maps, as well as environmental issues such as heat, rain, snow, storms or high winds. All staff will be first aid and CPR certified.
Course Area: Surrounding community.
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Course Description: We find that in helping others, we often help ourselves. Youth are encouraged to give back to the community. Ongoing activities include:
- Assisting the Lions Club in fund-raising activities for local individuals in need.
- Volunteering to walk dogs and care for animals at the SPCA.
- Preparing and serving meals at St. Susan’s, a local soup kitchen and food pantry.
- Helping develop a trail with the Cattaraugus County Horsemen’s Association (of which Randolph Children’s Home’s Equestrian Program is a member). When completed, the project will provide more than 25 miles of horse riding and hiking trails within five minutes of our campus.
Eligibility Criteria: A youth must have attained Timber Wolf status and be in good standing. Youth will be selected for a particular service project by the Timber Wolf Club, or if the activity involves horses, participants will be selected based on their skills.
Safety Plan: Youth are not permitted to operate power tools, axes, chain saws, deep fryers, commercial mixers or other high-risk tools. Proper safety gear, such as helmets, eye protection, gloves and insect protection, are required. Safety techniques, such as appropriate lifting techniques, are necessary. Staff monitor the difficulty of the activity and adjust the pace accordingly. Youth receive adequate instruction for the activity. Supervision ratios are maintained at four youth to one staff member.
Safety Training Plan: Staff have first aid and CPR training. In addition, safe driver training (for cars) and special vehicle drivers training (for utility vehicles and horse trailers) are required. When a service project is combined with other activities, such as hiking, the staff have the necessary training in that activity.
Briefing: Youth are instructed in what to expect and how to behave, and are briefed on any special safety precautions that are necessary. Afterwards, the group will discuss the experience and what they learned. The goals of the individual will also be addressed during regularly scheduled sessions of Guided Group Interaction or GGI.
Course Area: On designated trails on grounds, as well as on trails in nearby Allegany State Park
Risk Level: Low to Medium
Course Description: Youth are instructed in proper snowshoeing techniques, dressing for the weather and safety in winter conditions. Snowshoeing promotes physical fitness as well as the enjoyment of nature. It takes place during a time of year when youth aren’t likely to go outdoors.
Eligibility: Youth need to be cleared through the health care department.
Safety Plan: At least two staff members will go on all off-grounds snowshoeing excursions, regardless of the number of residents taking part. A ratio of one staff member to six residents is required in order to provide proper supervision and assistance. Additional staff are added to assist with supervision of larger groups. Staff carry a first aid kit at all times. Residents must wear clothing in layers that is appropriate for weather conditions (as directed by the staff) and carry a water bottle.
Safety Training Plan: Staff have first aid and CPR training. For trips in which it would take one hour or more to reach definitive medical care, at least one staff present will have at least 16 hours of Wilderness First Aid training. During trips where definitive medical care is four hours away or more, a Wilderness First Responder will be present.
Winter and Summer Adirondack Group Development Program
Course Area: Adirondack mountain region.
Risk Level: Medium to High
Course Description: This is an intensive expedition to the Adirondack region of New York State that focuses on the group experience and leadership development for youth with demonstrated potential.
This program is offered in conjunction with the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, which provides access to its camp and Sea Kayak Center, along with guides, equipment and advanced wilderness skills training.
It takes a day of driving (with regular breaks) to get to the camp, consisting of a lodge with full kitchen, showers, running water and mattresses. There are three or four activity days. The summer trips include participation in the college’s Sea Kayak Institute on Lake Champlain and an enrichment day with excursions to museums or local historical sites. Winter trips include activities such as snowshoeing, telemark skiing, cross country skiing and hiking. In addition to outdoor activities, youth participate in daily camp chores, meal preparation and cleanup, journal writing, and Guided Group Interaction or GGI. Social workers, along with recreation and unit staff, are included in the therapeutic experience.
About 12 residents are selected to participate in each trip. Meetings are held to inform participants on what to expect, and for weeks youth prepare physically through an exercise regimen. After the trip, a follow-up meeting reviews how residents are putting into practice the life lessons they learned on the trip.
Eligibility Criteria: Residents are selected with input from recreation staff, social workers, unit staff and supervisors, the health care department and others. A group is selected on a variety of criteria, including potential to benefit, behavior, leadership abilities, physical ability, participation in preparation groups and willingness to commit to the group. The health department activity list will be consulted before residents are taken to participate in this activity. Parental consent is required for participation.
Safety Plan: Experienced guides provided by SUNY Plattsburgh have expertise in their field and have scouted the area in preparation for the trip. They instruct the group in all necessary skills and determine the difficulty of activities based on the group’s ability and progress. All staff from Randolph Children’s Home who are participating have first aid and CPR training. A copy of trip details, contacts, and the emergency action plan are kept with the group as well as at the Randolph Campus. Individuals’ medical information is brought with the group. Staff who drive or who tow trailers are trained by the agency.
Safety Training Plan: All residents complete a physical preparation log and participate in preparation meetings to fully inform them of trip details and expectations and to prepare them for the trip together. The staff team consists of trained social workers, recreational counselors and youth counselors. All are trained in first aid, CPR and specialized recreational activities. Staff from SUNY Plattsburgh guide the group on safe trails and provide the group with expertise in wilderness adventure techniques. There is an intensive ratio of staff to youth that is greater than one to four.
Contact:
Anthony Walters, LCSW-R
Admissions Director
(716) 358-3636, ext. 235
twalters@ndyfs.org
Randolph Children's Home, 356 Main St. ER
Randolph, NY 14772
Web site: www.ndyfs.org
E-mail addresses are the first letter of the person's first name, followed by the last name, with the ending @ndyfs.org
Example: John Smith would be jsmith@ndyfs.org
