OUR MISSION
Connecting youth and adults to the wonders and workings of the natural world while developing community, scientific knowledge, practical skills and an environmental stewardship ethic.
A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community.
It is wrong when it tends otherwise.
-David Sobel
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
• Wilderness journeys for youth
• Class trips, informal science education and pioneer living programs for elementary and middle schools
• Leadership development and teacher training programs
• Colorado Department of Human Services child care license
• Insured through Worldwide Outfitters and Guides
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to learn about Experiential Learning Associates. The quote above from David Sobel helps speak to our mission. We are a science and community-based group of educators who believe that the best teacher is experience followed by reflection and group discussion. We weave in fun and adventure while creating meaningful learning opportunities. We are not a new company. We’ve been around for quite awhile under other names, school districts and organizations.
Experiential Learning Associates grew out of our love of the natural world and desire to work with students and teachers. As William O. Douglas said best, I learned that adventure calls on all of the faculties of mind, body and spirit.
We have been partners in delivering environmental and outdoor education programs for over 30 years. Our journey began in northeast Ohio and led us to Colorado. Together we developed a successful wilderness camp and urban environmental/outdoor classroom program that served over 2000 youth and connected them to the wonders and workings of our planet. Our journeys combine science, community and challenge – just the right blend of ingredients for an engaging learning adventure. We believe that youth have the imagination and energy to spark new ventures, whether it be a lemonade stand or silk screen business. Experiencing the power to design and run your own company is one sustainable solution we believe is a great way to increase young people’s self-esteem, business sense and independence as well as solve some of the current economic challenges.
We bring a heart-centered awareness and process approach to education. Community building and connecting through spirit is inherent in all that we do. Risk management and safety takes precedent in each and every program. We have been trained and mentored by such esteemed organizations as Outward Bound, Outdoor Leadership Training Seminars, National Outdoor Leadership School, Wilderness Medical Institute, Project Adventure, Adventure Experiences, Yellowstone Association Institute and various others wonderful people and programs.
