The goal of experiential learning is to learn by doing. It increases positive transitions for students in educational achievement and mental health stability. Academically, students achieve improved attendance and grades. Mentally, students display an improved use of regulatory skills. This results in a decreased need for intensive mental health services.
We began implementing Experiential Learning in our High School Day Program in 2017. After seeing the positive results in students with better attendance, decrease intense behaviors, we have expanded the facilitation of these opportunities throughout our various service lines to include: Outpatient, Transition to Independence (TIP), Residential Interventions, Foster Care, Independent Living Services (ILS), and all Day Programs.
Our motorbike program gives the opportunity to develop self-esteem and a sense of belonging using mini-bikes as a motivational tool. This program inspires youth to work in treatment to earn opportunities to ride. Youth learn basic maintenance responsibilities such as changing oil and tires, along with an understanding of the importance of teamwork.
Therapeutic Gardening is the cultivation of plants to promote a healing environment, receive mental and physical health benefits, and increase well-being. Individuals create and care for plants, learning the cycle of garden to table experiences, and therapeutic sensory gardens designed to facilitate interaction with the healing elements of nature
Therapeutic Art Experiences focus on creating art (clay hand building & pottery wheels, painting, etc.) in a therapeutic manner in addition to developing and practicing appropriate social skills, such as positive communication and respect for self and others.
The practice of therapeutic adventure is the use of adventure experiences provided by mental health professionals, usually in natural settings (ie: hiking, kayaking, camping). The encounters are meant to engage individuals, families and groups on physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral levels.
Vocational Experiences focus on understanding and developing appropriate social skills needed for future success in various occupations, such as cooperation, safety, and communication. Experiences include: PAES Lab, vocational based field trips, and Career Week Opportunities.
Health Festivals provide opportunities for youth and families to learn about their bodies needs in a fun hands-on approach. Interactive engagement activities focus on benefits of fitness, handwashing, dental care, yoga, healthy eating, and benefits of being outside.
We offer youth seasonal sports camps and clinics for ages 3 and up in sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, and cheerleading We empower youth through sports while teaching the importance of communication, teamwork, and good sportsmanship on the field and in life.
Teams work collaboratively together to complete challenges focused on cooperation, problem solving, communication, and leadership.
NewPath has our own Team Challenge Low Ropes Course where groups can experience team-building in a new way! The course is ideal for group sizes of 6-12 individuals interested in building skills and becoming a stronger team. Our experiences are tailored to meet your group’s desired outcomes in a fun, safe, and intentional manner. Group members are invited to step outside their comfort zones to explore topics and goals set by you and your leaders. This experience is appropriate for groups of youth as well as groups of adults.
Possible topics include:
To partner with NewPath to provide your team/organization with this unique experience, please contact:
Dottie Bayless
Experiential Program Manager
dottie.bayless@newpath.org
(513) 653-0883
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