Project Worth : YMCA Camp Greenville

Project Worth

General Information

Project Worth is an experiential learning program that focuses on the needs and challenges facing today's adolescent. These programs are tailored to relate to the multitude of concerns facing youth - drugs, teen pregnancy, alcohol, peer pressure and the dramatic transformation of the American family. Young people today have a need for a place where they feel accepted, trusted, and supported, and are able to learn how to trust and support themselves and others. Project Worth is a unique educational experience especially designed for middle and high school age children.

Project Worth activities strive to create an emotionally safe environment where students feel accepted and are able to take important growth steps. These outings promote trust, taking "safe" risks, enhances self esteem, as well as enables participants to go beyond stereotypes and first impressions.

Program Overview

Program activities act as a vehicle by which goals are achieved. Experience has shown that there is a definite flow in which successful outings operate. Early program goals are established through the setting of expectations and the creating of a group mood and community in order to provide a non-threatening "getting to know you" atmosphere. We strive to maintain this throughout the program. This is achieved by utilizing activities that emphasizing team-work, awareness and support. Further time is spent in active, hands-on sessions to develop group trust and communication. Below is a sample of a typical three day experience in the Project Worth Program.

Typical 3-Day/2-Night Program Schedule
Day One	Day Two	Day Three
10:30 a.m. - Arrive and settle into cabins 11:30 a.m. - Welcome meeting 12:30 p.m. - Lunch 1:30 p.m. - Activity #1 3:45 p.m. - Activity #2 6:00 p.m. - Dinner 7:00 p.m. - Evening Program	8:00 a.m. - Breakfast 9:00 a.m. - Activity #3 10:45 a.m. - Activity #4 12:30 p.m. - Lunch 1:30 p.m. - Activity #5 3:45 p.m. - Activity #6 6:00 p.m. - Dinner 7:30 p.m. - Evening Program	Pack and check out of cabin before breakfast 8:00 a.m. - Breakfast 9:00 a.m. - Closing Activities 11:00 a.m. - Depart

Goals

Groups that desire a Project Worth experience at YMCA Camp Greenville should consider what they want to accomplish during their time here. Teacher or leader input and goals are crucial so the experience at camp can be used as a foundation for further building, growth and development back at home in their every day lives.

The following are some basic objectives that have been established and can serve as a good starting point for your program.

To promote self-esteem. This is the central focus of the program. Today's adolescents have eggshell-thin self images. The experience at camp should allow each person to be supported and encouraged in the group or the group cannot develop.

To provide a safe and supportive environment for students to open up. Students will find they are not alone in their fears and anxieties, and feel better about themselves.

To promote team-building. By getting students to work together, walls and stereotypes are broken down. It also helps in creating a positive mood and atmosphere.

To create a "natural high" separate from the home environment. The experience is a break away from old patterns and habits which encourages new friendships and perceptions.

To provide support for individuals saying "NO" to certain aspects of peer pressure. Few forces are stronger than that of peer pressure on adolescents. The experience can help "humanize" this force and show individuals that they are worthy enough to stand up for what they believe.

To provide caring, consistent and competent adult support. Many adolescents feel let down by the adult world. Interaction as individuals and as small group members with adults can have a significant impact on these youth.

Teacher/Chaperone Role

The teachers/chaperones are the crucial link between the camp experience and the follow-up back at home. While we do not insist that teachers or chaperone's teach, we recommend that they get as involved in the program as they can. This participation allows the adult to create new relationships and perspectives regarding his/her students, leading to a more effective atmosphere for learning after leaving camp. Teachers and chaperones will also act as the primary disciplinarian with students. We suggest that your adults and our leadership staff work closely together in dealing with behavior problems.

Chaperones

Quality chaperones are crucial to the success of an outing. We are willing to meet with leaders, teachers, students and/or parents before the outing to prepare them for the experience. If the leaders are poor role models or immature, then the experience is spent dealing with their needs, not the students growth and development.

There should be at least one chaperone for every 9-10 students. We expect groups to provide their own chaperones (or teachers) and we are willing to help train them. Qualified high school seniors and older can be recruited to assist with junior high school age groups, and college students (or teachers) can be recruited to act as leaders and mentors for high school age groups.

Camp Greenville Staff

Camp Greenville will provide facilitators who will be aware of the needs and goals of your group. Our staff are experienced in working with adolescents, outdoor education, and community building.

Please remember that all programs are established with your specific group in mind. We do our very best to accommodate the needs of each group on an individual basis.