Scattering Fork Outdoor Center - Purposes

1) To create/enhance bonding within the group through increased communication skills and developing trust and valuing of each group member. 
2) To use physical challenges with problem solving to increase support and understanding of individual strengths, abilities and differences. 
 3) To provide an environment for fun which creates opportunities to experience success and a positive experience in the outdoors. 

To meet these objectives, SFOC Staff: 

a) constantly assesses human and environmental hazards and adapts the program to avoid any potential accidents. 
b) uses group games to relieve first time tensions and sets the tone for a safe, educational and fun experience. 
c) follows with mobile initiatives which are activities that begin problem solving and developing teamwork. These "no prop" and prop activities increase communication and cooperation. 
d) proceeds to the Team Challenge Course. Here nine events place participants in unusual situations that promote dynamic relationships between individuals and the rest of the group. Staff presents the problem. states the rules. affirms the safety aspects, then steps back and allows the group to solve the situation. The interaction of the group is more important that finding the "right" answer. The TC elements are consciously used as tools to strengthen individual and group growth in leadership, problem solving, trust and self confidence. After the group attempts and/or completes a problem. the members discuss what happened. how and what decisions were made. who has ideas that were ignored, what went right, wrong, etc. 
e) upon completion of the course staff leads the participants in debriefing the day's activities determining how these experiences will contribute to their ability to handle other group situations.