Adventure Basics
The phone rang. The teen boy on the phone asked, “Are you free? Would you take us on an adventure today?” It occurred to me that he and his friend weren’t looking for a specific activity to do. They were looking for the sense of adventure that we had enjoyed on previous youth activities. At the time, I doubted that I could meet his expectations. I asked him, “Do you think that I pull adventure out of my pocket?” What qualifies as an adventure? How is adventure created?
Since that time, I have learned that I can create the structure of adventure but not necessarily an individual’s sense of adventure. The two boys who called me had a desire for adventure; they needed me to provide the structure. Adventure is an important tool that can be very effective in achieving great physical and spiritual impact in a youth group setting. What turns an activity into an adventure? The following elements will help build a teen’s sense of adventure.
Action Oriented: participation not spectator based, it tends to be active and not passive. Adventure demands that each individual participates and the level at which they buy into the activity will affect the impact of the event on the person.
Discovery: an expansion of what a person knows or can do. Something requiring exploration, investigation or might include a chance encounter. To find out something they did not previously know.
Variety: the possibility to do many different things or merely a different combination or order of that which is familiar. Not everything in an adventure must be different but enough that it mixes things up and keeps the situation from being predictable. Variety can also include the unique set of people the activity is done with.
Enthusiasm: ones desire to do the activity or to be a part of the event. The addition of passion for an event either by the group or the leader will change the atmosphere and attitude and temperature of the event.
New: may include a circumstance, activity, opportunity, or skill that they have never experienced before. This may be changing a leadership role, visiting a new place, or doing something they have not had to do before.
Test: includes a challenge to accomplish or a difficulty to overcome. There is nothing like a challenge to stimulate interest or to ignite participation. This challenge is usually connected to a real life situation making it more appealing.
Unknown: something not previously revealed. It has mystery and the aspect of unveiling. The missing information allows for the unexpected to happen. This is what makes destination Unknown activities popular to teens. A thoughtful leader can keep the parents in the know while keeping the mystery for the group.
Risk Managed: having a plan to handle the unexpected and to limit the danger of the new situations. In an adventure the perception of risk heightens the sense of excitement but perceived danger is just as powerful as real danger and a leader must take steps to ensure safety and limit unnecessary risks. This can be accomplished though planning, practice, and proper staffing. A leader must take the time to quantify limitations beforehand.
Experience: that which is memorable even unforgettable stemming from participation.
Spontaneous: the opportunity to do something that was not scheduled or previously considered. This does not mean an activity is not planned but planned with flexibility in mind. Limited time will remove spontaneity and reduce opportunity to reward ingenuity and curiosity.
In addition to the elements of Adventure there are certain steps a leader must take to keep an adventure from becoming a distraction or even destructive to the purpose of Youth Ministry.
- Communicate clearly with parents: Take the time to include parents in on the planning and developing of the adventure. They may have valuable insights and experiences in planning an activity that is safe and exciting. Some of you parents may be the best staffing for such an event.
- Make a precise plan: If you are planning an outdoor adventure the plan must include travel, supplies, pack lists, and sometimes training for some of the activities. Write out your plan and have someone who is experienced check through the plan. Include phone numbers, directions, medical supplies, schedule and personnel. Take time to consider how the dynamics of the adventure is going to affect the spiritual impact you hope to achieve.
- Practice prior to the activity: The best way to prepare for an untested activity is to do a practice run. You may have an adventure just setting up an adventure.
Adventure Activities
Canoe Trip
Fishing
Hikes
Campouts
Rock Climbing
Bike Trips
Four Wheel Trips
Back Pack Trips
Youth Retreats
