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Every year, parents look for opportunities to help their students make the most of their summer vacations. By the time school restarts in the fall, most students have forgotten as much as 25 percent of what they learned during the school year, according to an article on summer learning loss by Brookings.
As a result, students who take advantage of ongoing learning opportunities during the summer are that much more advantaged when it comes time for school to start again.
Outdoor learning enhances students’ educational performance
Adventures for Youth (AFY) offers a unique opportunity for students to learn new skills, overcome physical obstacles and build their testimonies. A variety of research shows outdoor education boosts standardized test scores, improves student behavior in school, increase attendance and enhances a student’s attitude about school.
In 2019, for the first time, AFY will take place in the red rock backdrop of Moab. The students leave from BYU on Monday and return on Saturday, following a week of fast-paced, adrenaline-filled adventures designed to challenge and change them.
The week’s activities include:
- River rafting — Participants ride the rushing rapids of the Colorado River through Moab’s awe-inspiring landscape.
- Nighty devotionals — Attendees build their testimonies with group devotionals each night of AFY. Devotionals include scripture study sessions and counselor-led discussion sessions.
- Canyoneering — Climb, rappel and hike through Bull Canyon, enhancing canyoneering skills while exploring Moab’s remote backcountry.
- Mountain biking — Travel the Magnificent 7 Trail system by bicycle while experiencing vast canyons and sandy hills.
- Climbing instruction — Start on the 45-foot climbing and rappelling rock wall before moving on to the 120-foot canyon wall designed to help students develop more advanced skills.
Registration is now open
There are four sessions scheduled for 2019 with just 300 spots available per session. The cost of registration includes all meals, activities, tent lodging, cot and a sleeping bag which attendees get to take home after their trip as a memento of their experiences.
Participation in AFY requires students exhibit mental and physical stamina. Those who can follow instructions carefully, act respectfully toward others, participate in physically strenuous activities and follow the strict code of conduct of AFY will easily succeed. Attendees should bring appropriate, protective clothing as they may experience extreme weather during their stay.
There is no electricity at AFY Base Camp, so participants should plan to forego their electrical devices in order to make the most of their AFY experience.
Parents and students interested in more information about AFY should visit afy.byu.edu. Online registration for all sessions closes May 8.
