Adventure Based Counseling (ABC)

"Encompass" is an Adventure-Based Counseling program that engages youth in a variety of safe and unique experiences that help them learn about themselves, their interactions with others, and discover new potential within themselves. "Encompass" uses a variety of activities, including: outdoor adventure activities, natural, cultural and group experiences to promote and enhance this self discovery process.

Suitable for:
Ages 9-12, 12-15, 15-19, 19+
Foster care
Special needs adoption
Step-down from residential care
Probation
Low self-esteem
Low self-confidence
Struggling with school
ADD, ADHD
Adjuct to residential program
School programs
Youth groups

What is Adventure Based Counseling?
Adventure based counseling (ABC) is a program that engages youth in a variety of outdoor adventure experiences as metaphors for developing everyday life skills. Promoting positive growth in their lives through experiential counseling methods. ABC uses a variety of experiences, including: outdoor adventures, nature study, sports, cultural and group activities. Progressing through weekly action-based counseling groups, monthly wilderness outings, and culminating in a "peak" experience, a wilderness outing of significant challenge to the group.

How do youth benefit?
Upon entering the program, youth draft a personal goal contract (PGC) and responsible behavior plan (RBP). The two outline attainable goals and expected behavior. Youth learn through experience during an Encompass program, directly through the experiences then  supported and reinforced by our counselors, staff and other participants within the program.

Partial list of benefits:
* Building self-esteem
* Coping & problem solving skills
* Communication skills
* Respect for self and others
* Foster trust of others
* Safe risk taking
* Independent living skills
* Transfer skills learned during
   program to their everyday lives
* Working well with other people
* Planning for one's future
* Compassion

Other ABC Models

Encompass utilizes challenge course programs as one means to engage youth in positive growth. Using initiatives, low elements near the ground, and high elements in the tree tops. Encompass is also leading the way in intergrating orienteering into challenge course programs.

Suitable for:
Youth profiled above, plus...
Existing and new Challenge Courses
Wilderness Camps
Conference Centers
State & Regional Parks
Outdoor education centers
Schools & colleges

Orienteering is the sport of navigation, in it individuals and groups travel through unknown terrain with the aid of a map and compass. It can be both a physically and intellectually challenging pursuit, that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Orienteering is also a great platform for achieving developmental, cognitive and educational goals.

Suitable for:
Youth groups
Schools & Colleges
Environmental education centers
Outdoor adventure groups
Conference centers
Adventure Racers

Encompass "Wilderness Outings" are dynamic experiences that engage youth in positive growth. The EnCompass team has been leading "Wilderness Outings" throughout North America since 1975. Youth from age 13 to 21 have set out in small groups to explore wild places and themselves.

Possible outings:
Everglades Sea Kayaking Expedition
Classic Canadian Canoe 
Backpacking (wkend to multi-day)
Colorado's 14,000 foot Peaks
Nova Scotia Bike Tour
Cape Lookout: Sea Kayaking
Great Smokies Explorer
...and many others.

Customized outings can be crafted for your group, contact us to discuss.

EnCompass - Adventure Progams, PO Box 9073, Virginia Beach, VA 23450
757/468-4669    info@encompass-adventure.com