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About the Course
The primary purpose of Discovery Adventure Course at Bethel College is to engage participants in learning and development through experiential education opportunities by facilitating an increased understanding of self and environment and enhancing abilities to promote healthy relationships.
Anticipated Participant Benefits
- Broadened understanding of the world beyond the classroom
- Improved application of effective communication skills
- Increased experience with decision-making and effective problem-solving
- Increased experience in diverse communities
- Improved self-efficacy
- Character development
- Healthy relationships
Demonstrated Effectiveness
Research demonstrates numerous benefits from experiential education. Multiple studies demonstrate increased self-efficacy, a powerful predictor of the following improved outcomes:
- Goal-setting
- Academic achievement
- Sports performance
Experiential education has also showed positive impact on the following:
- Problem-solving
- Perceptions of environment
- Perceived stress levels
- Self-concept
- Perceived team performance
- Behavior
- Self-esteem
Physical Design
The Discovery Adventure Course at Bethel College was erected through a “facilitated build” process with the guidance, instruction, and technical training of Tom Leahy of Leahy & Associates, Inc., Lafayette, Colo. Bethel College students, faculty, staff and coaches helped with preparation of the element areas. Community volunteers, coaches, Student Life staff, Bethel maintenance employees and USD 373 staff participated in the facilitated build and related training during a three-day period in January 2010.
Discovery Adventure Course has more than 16 physical elements in wooded areas on the Bethel College campus. Each element involves different levels of risk, and the challenges involved can be dangerous. Careful guidance and facilitation will be used to instruct participants in strategies to keep each other safe, but responsibility lies with the individual taking risks to decide which choices are best for him/her. Participants are encouraged to consider the risk (and excitement) of the challenges they face, and to make a decision they feel is safe. Discussion regarding participation by choice will be a key topic for groups experiencing Discovery Adventure Course.
Additional Information
Participant experiences on Discovery Adventure Course will constantly be assessed and studied in an effort to increase the effectiveness of the experience and to provide maximum benefit for participants. Bethel College’s Department of Psychology and Next Element will partner to:
- Assess the impact of every group experience, using the NEOSSM.
- Offer research opportunities for students.
- Collaborate by affiliating, through Next Element, with other colleges and universities around the United States to study the relationship between adventure and the student experience.
Discovery Adventure Course is being developed intentionally to serve as a “universal” adventure course to promote participation of people with disabilities. Regardless of physical or emotional ability, individuals will have access to meaningful experiences. Bethel College’s universal strategies are not only consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but also with the mission of Bethel College to strive for inclusion and diversity as a way of valuing every participant. To that end, Bethel College and Next Element are collaboratively pursuing partnerships with area adaptive physical education instructors and exploring partnerships with retirement communities.
While Discovery Adventure Course is an exciting new endeavor at Bethel College, we have no intention of stopping here. Look at what’s in the works for the future:
- Bethel College Student Success: One goal of Discovery Adventure Course is to offer this experience to all Bethel College students each academic year, making this type of adventure a traditional component of “the Bethel Experience.”
- Experiential Education Learning Center: Plans are underway to build on Discovery Adventure Course as a core component of a broader educational experience at Bethel College. This horizon could include research and internship opportunities, increased assessment activities, program and curriculum development, leadership training, and perhaps academic course credit!
- Continued Facilitator Training: We hope to double the number of Bethel College facilitators and the number of community partner facilitators in 2011.
- Construction of High Elements: Phase 2 of our plan is to seek funding and volunteer resources to build high adventure course elements, with Americans with Disabilities compliance, by 2015.
- Community Collaboration: Discovery Adventure Course has its roots in collaboration between education and business sectors of our local community. It is our hope to expand our partnership in a way that synergizes goals and missions of other community groups and sectors.
Discovery Adventure CourseBethel College
300 E 27th Street
North Newton, KS 67117
Toll-free 1-800-522-1887, ext. 203
Local: (316) 284-5203
discovery@bethelks.edu