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Mission:

  • Develop student leadership skills
  • Support the Lynchburg College community
  • Provide personal growth through experiential learning
  • Development is achieved through the utilization of:
    • Ropes courses
    • Indoor/outdoor workshops
    • Adventure programming

Purpose:

  • Seek new challenges through experiential learning
  • Reflect on what was learned
  • Grow together

By using experiential learning methods in an outdoor classroom, New Horizons provides opportunities for individuals and groups to:

  • Develop
  • Identify
  • Utilize Critical Thinking
  • Apply the skills necessary to
    • Strengthen communities
    • Build strong leadership

Philosophies:

We subsrribe to the following principles:

Full Value Contract
Developed by Project Adventure, the principles of the Full Value Contract are integral to many adventure programs. A Full Value Contract fits the unique spirit and purpose of the group. It is a shared creation, developed in words that are understandable to all group members, that creates an emotionally and physically safe environment supported by all group members. All versions of the Full Value Contract ask the group: 1) to understand and/or create safe and respectful behavioral norms under which it will operate, 2) for a commitment to those norms by everyone in the group and 3) to accept a shared responsibility for the maintenance of those norms.

While the principles of the Full Value Contract are consistent throughout all Project Adventure programs, the exact wording of the FVC has evolved over time. Starting with the concepts of asking group members not to ‘devalue' themselves or others, the Full Value Contract has changed into the more positive language of giving and receiving full value from a group experience. As it is currently used, specific points that it identifies and the manner of wording may vary considerably based on group membership and purpose. The very fact that there are many variations and that the Full Value Contract continues to evolve in its adaptations underscores its value and importance as a versatile learning tool.

Challenge By Choice
Challenge by Choice is a concept originated by Project Adventure. It asks that participants challenge themselves and participate fully in the experience. Recognizing that any activity or goal may pose a different level and type of challenge for each group member and that authentic personal change comes from within, Challenge by Choice creates an environment where participants are asked to search for opportunities to stretch and grow during the experience. The determination of what kind of participation represents an optimal learning opportunity is the responsibility of each group member. All are asked to add value to the group experience by finding a way to contribute to the group's efforts while also seeking to find value in the experience for themselves.

Accepting Challenge by Choice encourages all to respect thoughtful choices. Its use provides a supportive and caring atmosphere in which participants can stretch themselves. It recognizes the need for individuals and the group to accept responsibility for decisions. It creates opportunities for learning about how to set goals that are in neither the comfort nor the panic zone, but in that slightly uncomfortable stretch zone where the greatest opportunities for growth and learning lie. While the specific language may change to match the unique needs of a group or learning environment, the philosophy remains the same throughout all Project Adventure programs.

Challenge by Choice is a cornerstone concept of Project Adventure.

Leave No Trace
By adopting the environmental ethic of Leave No Trace (LNT), New Horizons allies itself with a wide variety of outdoor organizations, companies, and the four major U.S. land management agencies. Originally designed by the U.S. Forest Service, LNT provides a common language and set of practices for the proper managed use of wild areas so that future generations will enjoy what we have today.

LNT Logo

Program areas of operation:

New Horizons Student Facilitators:

  • Which students are involved?
    • The New Horizons student facilitators consist of both graduate and undergraduate students
  • These students train throughout the year in:
    • Wilderness medicine
      • Wilderness First Aid (Wilderness Medical Institute/ NOLS)
    • Group facilitation, challenge/ropes courses
    • Hiking, backpacking, orienteering
    • Climbing, indoor gym, rock, recreational tree climbing
    • Caving (Member of James River Grotto)
    • Paddling, flat water- white water canoeing and Kayaking, sea kayaking
  • They gain their most valuable leadership experience by leading off-campus adventure programs for the Lynchburg College and greater Lynchburg community
  • While on campus, the New Horizons staff share that firsthand experience and knowledge by teaching leadership workshops for campus and community groups
    • Tree climbing, challenge courses
  • Challenge Course Programs

  1. Off-Campus Programs: The New Horizons outdoor recreation programs serve the dual role of providing outdoor recreation opportunities for the Lynchburg College campus as well as challenging New Horizons students to lead their peers and community in wilderness settings. Programs include rock climbing, caving, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, fly fishing, kayaking, white water rafting, tree climbing, horseback riding, SCUBA diving and range from one to six days in length.

Paul Stern, M.Ed., Coordinator
New Horizons Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Programs
Contact Information:
Across from OSA in Hundley Hall
Terrace Level #3
1501 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone: 434/544-8224
Fax: 434/544-8548