Sunday, February 27, 2011
APEX Adventures is here!
Hello Everyone! Some big changes have come since last year! I have decided to make my outdoor program independent from Langston Charter Middle School in order to be able to offer adventures to those outside of LCMS! Effective immediately, L.E.A.P. will become APEX Adventures. The program will remain mostly unchanged except for a few notable exceptions. The L.E.A.P. blog will be discontinued. All information regarding the 2011 APEX Adventures programing can be found at www.apexadventures.blogspot.com. Thanks for your support and come along with APEX this summer for your adventure!
Monday, February 8, 2010
L.E.A.P. 2010!
Hey Everybody!
L.E.A.P. is back and AWESOME for 2010! Thanks to everybody who made it such a huge hit last year. It was way better than we even expected and we are really looking forward to this coming summer. We are offering 4 sessions this summer. Each session lasts 4 days. Here are this year's dates:
Week 1: June 7-10
Week 2: June 14-17
Week 3: June 28- July 1
Week 4: July 12-15
Schedule of Daily Expeditions:
Monday- Hiking
Tuesday- Mountain Biking
Wednesday- Rock Climbing
Thursday- Whitewater Rafting
Friday, May 15, 2009
FAQs for LEAP
I've been getting a lot of questions about L.E.A.P. over the last few weeks, so I thought I would put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help everybody out. Remember to sign up as soon as you can! We really want to fill that L.E.A.P. bus up as much as possible every week. Remember that this is for everyone! No prior experience is necessary. It's open to all incoming sixth graders through present 8th graders. It's open to both guys and gals. If you want to make sure your friends are coming, call them up and tell them to sign up for the same day! We've still got plenty of room!
Who can go?
Boys and girls, Incoming 6th graders, Current 6th graders, Current 7th graders, and Current 8th graders.
Who cannot go?
Friends of students who do not attend Langston, family of Langston students who do not go to Langston (sorry parents and non-Langston siblings- this is just for the kids!)
What should my child bring?
Good shoes, shorts, t-shirt, rain jacket, water bottle, bag lunch, snack bar, lightweight jacket, a change of clothes in an empty plastic grocery bag, sandels that strap around the ankles (flip flops are only for the van ride)
What about electronics?
Students are permitted to have cell phones, ipods, portable electronic games, cameras, etc, but L.E.A.P is NOT responsible for anything lost or stolen.
Will these trips be dangerous for my son or daughter?
Our trips are designed to be safe yet challenging. As with any outdoor based activity, there is an element of risk associated with our trips but our goal is to limit those risks by not creating unnecessary risks. Before each trip leaves, a short safety briefing will be given in which we lay down the rules that will be observed. Safety will be the FIRST concern.
What if my son or daughter doesn’t bring a lunch?
We will not be providing lunch, so they are at the mercy of other students there to loan them food.
Should my son or daughter bring money?
We recommend that they bring $10.00 to $20.00 extra dollars in case we stop at a gift stop or fast food restaurant.
Will you be doing any other activities other than those that you have listed?
We hope to be updating our schedule with new activities each week.
My son or daughter has never done some of these activities. Will he or she be able to participate?
Absolutely they will! Our trips are geared for everyone.
My son or daughter is highly experienced with some of these activities. Will this be below their ability level?
Absolutely not! Our goal is to tailor our program to fit all ability levels.
Can my son or daughter sign up for more than one 4-day session?
We encourage you to sign up for as many sessions as you are able. We will be changing the schedule each week to encourage students to sign up for several sessions.
What if it rains?
Trips go rain or shine. Rain is OK! Just because it is raining at your house at 7:00 am does not necessarily mean it will be raining at our destination, and just because it is 80 degrees and sunny in Greenville does not mean it will be the same where we are going. Prepare your child for the possibility of rain and perhaps even cool weather. If inclement weather interrupts while students are outdoors, we will seek appropriate cover and recommended action will be taken to make sure safety is insured. Trips may be cancelled on a case-by-case basis if severe weather is forecasted. Students and Parents will be notified.
What if my student doesn’t have a proper bike for bike day?
Call Mr. Griffin at 864-630-1504 or e-mail him at mgriffin@langstoncharter.org. He’ll work it out.
I watched the movie Deliverance! Isn’t whitewater rafting dangerous?
The Nantahala River is a very forgiving whitewater river. Most rapids are class II and class III which are relatively safe, provided that the proper precautions are taken and rules followed. As with any other outdoor-based activity, there is an element of risk associated with whitewater rafting but Nantahala River is a wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting for middle school aged children. All trips will be run through Appalachian Rivers Raft Company, which has been operating successfully on the Nantahala since 1978.
Who can go?
Boys and girls, Incoming 6th graders, Current 6th graders, Current 7th graders, and Current 8th graders.
Who cannot go?
Friends of students who do not attend Langston, family of Langston students who do not go to Langston (sorry parents and non-Langston siblings- this is just for the kids!)
What should my child bring?
Good shoes, shorts, t-shirt, rain jacket, water bottle, bag lunch, snack bar, lightweight jacket, a change of clothes in an empty plastic grocery bag, sandels that strap around the ankles (flip flops are only for the van ride)
What about electronics?
Students are permitted to have cell phones, ipods, portable electronic games, cameras, etc, but L.E.A.P is NOT responsible for anything lost or stolen.
Will these trips be dangerous for my son or daughter?
Our trips are designed to be safe yet challenging. As with any outdoor based activity, there is an element of risk associated with our trips but our goal is to limit those risks by not creating unnecessary risks. Before each trip leaves, a short safety briefing will be given in which we lay down the rules that will be observed. Safety will be the FIRST concern.
What if my son or daughter doesn’t bring a lunch?
We will not be providing lunch, so they are at the mercy of other students there to loan them food.
Should my son or daughter bring money?
We recommend that they bring $10.00 to $20.00 extra dollars in case we stop at a gift stop or fast food restaurant.
Will you be doing any other activities other than those that you have listed?
We hope to be updating our schedule with new activities each week.
My son or daughter has never done some of these activities. Will he or she be able to participate?
Absolutely they will! Our trips are geared for everyone.
My son or daughter is highly experienced with some of these activities. Will this be below their ability level?
Absolutely not! Our goal is to tailor our program to fit all ability levels.
Can my son or daughter sign up for more than one 4-day session?
We encourage you to sign up for as many sessions as you are able. We will be changing the schedule each week to encourage students to sign up for several sessions.
What if it rains?
Trips go rain or shine. Rain is OK! Just because it is raining at your house at 7:00 am does not necessarily mean it will be raining at our destination, and just because it is 80 degrees and sunny in Greenville does not mean it will be the same where we are going. Prepare your child for the possibility of rain and perhaps even cool weather. If inclement weather interrupts while students are outdoors, we will seek appropriate cover and recommended action will be taken to make sure safety is insured. Trips may be cancelled on a case-by-case basis if severe weather is forecasted. Students and Parents will be notified.
What if my student doesn’t have a proper bike for bike day?
Call Mr. Griffin at 864-630-1504 or e-mail him at mgriffin@langstoncharter.org. He’ll work it out.
I watched the movie Deliverance! Isn’t whitewater rafting dangerous?
The Nantahala River is a very forgiving whitewater river. Most rapids are class II and class III which are relatively safe, provided that the proper precautions are taken and rules followed. As with any other outdoor-based activity, there is an element of risk associated with whitewater rafting but Nantahala River is a wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting for middle school aged children. All trips will be run through Appalachian Rivers Raft Company, which has been operating successfully on the Nantahala since 1978.
Monday, April 27, 2009
What is L.E.A.P.?
Middle school is a time when young people have the chance to build for themselves an identity. Often times, the foundations of the identity that they begin to construct at this age will be built upon for the rest of their lives. Matt Griffin and Rob Venable, feel that their lives are evidence to this fact as their love for outdoor adventure began in middle school. That enthusiasm was nurtured by certain leaders who stepped into their lives and gave them and outlet through which to experience the outdoors. Now they have the opportunity to give back, and hopefully help the young people of Langston Charter to share an appreciation for outdoor adventure.
This summer, Rob Venable and Matt Griffin are teaming up to bring “L.E.A.P.” or Langston Expeditions Adventure Program. L.E.A.P. will include a series of day-long outdoor activities that will focus on some of the best outdoor experiences that our slice of the Southern Appalachian Mountains can offer. Your child will experience excitement, challenge, and education through the unforgettable adventures that L.E.A.P. will offer. The day camps will be offered every day from Monday through Thursday from June 15th Through July 30th. Campers will meet in the Langston Charter parking lot each morning at 8:00 am and will return around 4:00-5:00 pm, depending on that day’s activity. Transportation will be provided. Activities planned will include whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, hiking through the Carolina’s most breathtaking wilderness areas, and mountain biking on some of the Southeast’s best loved trails. More activities will also be announced as L.E.A.P. progresses. Each day’s program will provide a memorable and challenging experience for your child in a safe and well supervised environment.
L.E.A.P. is open to both boys and girls. Each student who joins L.E.A.P. this summer will bring his or her own level of experience and the goal is to cater to all ability levels. Activities will be programmed to offer a challenge to those who are new to outdoor adventures as well as those who are experienced. No student will be forced to participate in a level of challenge beyond what he or she feels comfortable with. All students will be encouraged to understand that they are challenging themselves rather than those around them. Both Mr. Griffin and Mr. Venable are experienced in leading outdoor activities. Their utmost goal is to ensure the safety of all students while allowing them to experience the thrill of nature.
While this is intended to be a fun and exciting way to experience the outdoors, it is inevitable that learning will also take place (unbeknownst to the participants, perhaps!) A goal of L.E.A.P. is to provide teachable moments using an outdoor setting that will allow students the opportunity to learn through experience. The outdoor environment provides the chance to learn about geography, geology, ecology, history. Students will learn how to be good stewards of the environment. They will learn survival skills and leadership skills. These are things that can be learned in an informal outdoor setting far better than they can ever be learned in the formal classroom. Please consider L.E.A.P. for your young adventurer this summer!
This summer, Rob Venable and Matt Griffin are teaming up to bring “L.E.A.P.” or Langston Expeditions Adventure Program. L.E.A.P. will include a series of day-long outdoor activities that will focus on some of the best outdoor experiences that our slice of the Southern Appalachian Mountains can offer. Your child will experience excitement, challenge, and education through the unforgettable adventures that L.E.A.P. will offer. The day camps will be offered every day from Monday through Thursday from June 15th Through July 30th. Campers will meet in the Langston Charter parking lot each morning at 8:00 am and will return around 4:00-5:00 pm, depending on that day’s activity. Transportation will be provided. Activities planned will include whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, hiking through the Carolina’s most breathtaking wilderness areas, and mountain biking on some of the Southeast’s best loved trails. More activities will also be announced as L.E.A.P. progresses. Each day’s program will provide a memorable and challenging experience for your child in a safe and well supervised environment.
L.E.A.P. is open to both boys and girls. Each student who joins L.E.A.P. this summer will bring his or her own level of experience and the goal is to cater to all ability levels. Activities will be programmed to offer a challenge to those who are new to outdoor adventures as well as those who are experienced. No student will be forced to participate in a level of challenge beyond what he or she feels comfortable with. All students will be encouraged to understand that they are challenging themselves rather than those around them. Both Mr. Griffin and Mr. Venable are experienced in leading outdoor activities. Their utmost goal is to ensure the safety of all students while allowing them to experience the thrill of nature.
While this is intended to be a fun and exciting way to experience the outdoors, it is inevitable that learning will also take place (unbeknownst to the participants, perhaps!) A goal of L.E.A.P. is to provide teachable moments using an outdoor setting that will allow students the opportunity to learn through experience. The outdoor environment provides the chance to learn about geography, geology, ecology, history. Students will learn how to be good stewards of the environment. They will learn survival skills and leadership skills. These are things that can be learned in an informal outdoor setting far better than they can ever be learned in the formal classroom. Please consider L.E.A.P. for your young adventurer this summer!
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