High Flight Community Outreach Program

What is High Flight?
Since 1998 High flight has set new standards in adventure programming, and is unique in the outdoor field because of the program’s focus on counseling and leadership development. High Flight is an adventure-based program designed to develop self-confidence and social skills in teenagers using “non-traditional” counseling techniques. While enjoying the challenge and adventure of exciting wilderness activities as a group, the participants learn the importance of teamwork, trust, perseverance, and concern for others. High Flight uses wilderness environments as its “classroom,” and experiential activities as the tools for learning essential life skills. Participants engage in Challenge course elements, rock climbing, land navigation, backpacking, camping, canoeing, mountaineering, and other physical endeavors as well as group problem-solving activities.  High Flight not only teaches wilderness survival techniques but also works with participants on how to use all of these skills to cope with and process difficult situations in other areas of their lives.   

Instructor Training Corps
Participants who have shown exemplary performance, desire, and initiative in High Flight can then become a part of the Instructor Training Corps (ITC).  ITC members act as role models for new participants,  learn outdoor leadership skills, group facilitation and specialized wilderness techniques.  They also plan and lead special ITC trip and trainings with the staff.  ITC graduates often have the chance to apply for jobs within the adventure programs or other YMCA departments.

How  Do I get started?
Youth and teens ages 12-17 are referred to the program through school counselors, social service agencies, and community organizations.   Groups are then compiled accordingly to the compatibility of the youth’s interests and needs with the goals of the High Flight program.  High Flight runs year round in four 10 week sessions that coincide with the changing seasons.  Each season (winter, spring, summer and fall) brings new challenges for participants to face and master.  Please call for more information or how to begin your adventure.

Program Goal
To teach participants transferable “survival” and life skills that they can employ in their everyday lives.  Team work, leadership, coping skills and problem solving build confidence and resiliency that participants will use to be more successful in their future endeavors. 

For more information or to make a referral, please contact Joe Hattabaugh at (508) 879-4420 x 25.