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. Four day camp sessions will be offered this summer. Campers will meet in the Langston Charter parking lot each morning at 8:00 am and will return around 6:00 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!
