CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Adventures in Learning

Our Adventures in Learning program (AIL) was started over 5 years ago to create an outlet in which to provide experiential learning and therapeutic adventure programs to our child and adolescent clients suffering from emotional and behavioral disorders.  While the program has since expanded to meet the needs of adults, families and staff, we remain committed to providing unique adventure education programs for our clients. 

Through challenge and trust activities, participants redefine self-perceptions from destructive to positive.  The unique adventures help participants:

• anticipate the future consequences of actions based on their own decisions
• acquire the skills and confidence to make self-respecting, responsible decisions
• develop personal motivation to try new skills and identify, discuss and resolve many of the issues that have held them back
• learn the value of teamwork and mutual support

Program designed to meet the needs of the group

The AIL experience incorporates a variety of therapeutic adventure programs at varying levels such as: day-adventure experiences; multi-day adventure-based trips over school vacations and summers; overnight trips; and “parent and child” adventure programming.

Relationship Cultivation

The Adventures in Learning experience is an unparalleled therapeutic tool in the cultivation of a relationship between the clinician and the client; parent and child; peer and peer.  Both parties learn strengths, weaknesses and boundaries, resulting in therapeutic growth, thus promoting the development of trust, teamwork and self-discovery.

Peer Leader Component

As part of a therapeutic adventure-based experience, AIL works to incorporate a peer leader component into the traditional AIL adventures.  This program integrates individuals demonstrating the ability to be a peer leader with others who would most benefit from the interaction, thereby fostering the development of leadership skills. Many of the children in our programs are vulnerable to influence; programs such as the peer leader program allows for positive reinforcement that will align with a self-esteem building component.  Children learn trust and camaraderie, which ultimately enhances their ongoing clinical treatment.

Team Building Activities

AIL offers a variety of team building programming suited to fit the needs of groups of any age, at any skill level.  Over the past 5 years, AIL has worked with Gateway clients, staff, families as well as corporate and private groups to provide a positive team building adventure. 

Adventure Activities

The AIL program design allows for specialized adventures suitable for diverse populations, which work to enhance established treatment objectives and create learning opportunities.  Based on the needs of the group, an individualized adventure itinerary is created.  The activities include, but are not limited to:

• Field Activities: Cooperative games, team building and problem solving initiatives
• Low and High challenge course elements
• Canoeing
• Hiking 
• Overnight camping
• Backpacking
• Cross-country skiing or Snow-shoeing

How you can support Adventures in Learning

AIL gratefully accepts donations of gently used camping equipment, outdoor clothing, or adventure equipment.  Monetary donations are also accepted and welcomed.

How to Contact us

For more information, please call Mary Cloos, AIL program manager (401-722-5573, ext. 204) or Gateway Healthcare's Development Office at 401-724-8400.