Wild @ Heart Journey Program

Our wild @ heart program combines challenging activities and skilled facilitation to bring about personal transformation and lasting learning. Wild@heart wants to create an ideal learning experience and help participants to seize these opportunities. Our programmes are challenging, but never overwhelming; they stretch but never brake; they are memorable and life changing.

We have proven the outdoors to be a profound metaphor for life expressed through activities that challenge the way young people see themselves and the world.

Participants may see significant improvement in the areas of:

Academic performance Leadership ability Motivation Initiative Self concept Self esteem Discipline Self control

Interpersonal skills Integrity Character Values Perseverance Assertiveness Teamwork

Wild @ Heart Core values

Belief – an active expression of a relationship between the Creator and His creation.

Service – an active expression of valuing our common humanity and our diversity.

Social and environmental responsibility – a sense of integrity that results in choices and actions that have a positive effect on our own lives, society and the environment.

Character development – developing capacities of mind, body and spirit to better understand one’s responsibilities to self, others and community. Key areas of development are:

Self-knowledge Trust Craftsmanship Tenacity Physical fitness Teamwork Leadership Risk taking & courage Personal challenge The ability to go beyond self-imposed limitations Acceptance of responsibility Self reliance

Learning through experience – is an educational process based on action and reflection. Experiences are intentionally designed, presented and reflected upon to instil values and promote skills mastery.

Aims - This course is designed for a group of twelve young people in grade 11 and allows them to experience the characteristics and effects of different leadership styles within the group.

Wild @ Heart focus on the following main objectives:

• Leadership skills (leadership styles, leadership roles, listen and communicate, positive role modelling, responsibility for decisions and actions)
• Problem solving and creative thinking (using creativity, alternative solutions to problems, open to suggestions from others, consequences of actions, accept alternative outcomes)
• Team effectiveness (trust, understanding roles in team, working towards a common goal, team synergy)
• Capacity building (increased self-esteem, confidence and self-worth, personal strengths)

Wild @ Heart programme

Phase 1: Training and preparation

Day	Outcomes	Activities
1	Introduction Setting the tone for the course Getting to know each other Break down barriers Build relationships	Ice Breakers Discussion on who am I and what am I doing here Cooking lesson and instructions Group charter for expectations Constructive bonding time after meal ( Dominos) Discussion on what are your dreams for the future Discuss programme expectations Full Value Contract
2	Group process Build trust Leadership Explore personal / group goals and expectations Organisational skills      Taking initiative      Listening to instructions      Develop communication	Trust building activities Problem solving initiatives Map and compass work Preparation First aid Packing lessons Low impact camping lesson Expectations for the leaders of the day Debrief /Review
3	Testing of learning in real life setting	Journey preparation Hike first leg Debrief /Review
4	Application of required skills Individual physical challenge Perseverance Support and encouragement Leadership Evaluate team and self	Journey Hike second leg Draw a sketch of panoramic view at view point Debrief /Review
5	Physical and mental challenge Trust and support Decision making Self reliance Risk taking Revisiting goals Deeper awareness of community needs Personal contribution to the community	Rock climbing Debrief / Review   Community Service Project Debrief / Review
6	Processing time and reflection	Solo experience 1:1 time with instructor in a relaxed setting Debrief / Review
7	Leadership Effective communication Co-operation Active participation Lateral thinking	Group and individual challenges including high tower Final debrief / Review

Conclusion

This dramatic intervention into an individual’s or group’s life creates a lasting effect which will help individuals become more effective in the face of social, professional and personal challenges. The course involves each participant in accepting challenges, working in a group, making decisions and developing attitudes of perseverance, determination and personal endurance so as to discover solutions to problems and to build successes.

The instructors facilitate the transference from course situations back to the participant’ educational, school and community situations. The course provides the necessary “kick start” that the participants need to move onto vocational programs, entrepreneurial ventures and leadership roles. The wild @ heart process provides the individual with the inner resources required to successfully deal with life’s challenges.

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