Redefining the word "challenge"

by Dave Sevick

This year's Challenge by Choice (CBC) program kicked off in mid-June with ten kids ready to see just how far they could push themselves.  And eight weeks later, what they took from the experience far exceeded what any of them had expected. 
 
Now in its fifteenth year, the CBC program focuses on creating an experiential education environment outside the classroom. Similar in many ways to Outward Bound, children have the opportunity to participate in a summer journey that helps them reach their highest potential. Helping abused children overcome poor self-esteem, low self-confidence, the inability to build appropriate social relationships, and poor teamwork is paramount to the healing process. The Challenge by Choice adventure-based program provides new and different experiences while incorporating traditional wilderness education including indoor rock climbing, white-water rafting, camping, a high-ropes course, hiking and teaching life skills.  The program culminates in late July with a climb to the summit of Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mt. Elbert.

Eight of the kids who started the program made it to the top and this year’s class sported the fastest time ever accomplished in the history of the program!  A very proud moment for all and celebrated with a cell phone call from the summit to the Tennyson staff back in Denver!

New to this year’s CBC was the introduction of an expanded academic component which included nature and environmental studies, cooking classes and even a bit of botany. One of the CBC staff leaders Ian Long said it was amazing to see how much the students enjoyed this new addition.

“They learned about things such as the PH level in soil, what kinds of plants and trees are native to Colorado’s high country, as well as coming up with their own meal plans for camping.  I couldn’t believe how much they enjoyed soaking in all of this new information and knowledge they were being given.  It was truly an outdoor classroom in the wild.”

The CBC staff consists of three Tennyson Center Youth Treatment Counselors and one teacher.  Long has been on the team for all but one of the fifteen years Challenge by Choice has been in operation.  Other team members included Bridget Smith, Jordan Meyer and Michele Lawrence.

When asked about some of the most memorable moments from this year’s program, Long said. “There were so many that it’s tough to single out just one.  Just watching them break through their own barriers and overcoming the obstacles which have been holding them back for so long is a truly rewarding experience.” 

He added, “What I love about Challenge by Choice is that it reaches every kid on a different level, allowing each to take something unique away from the experience.  I think it’s that hands on approach of experiential education that just seems to tap into a different part of the mind. Furthermore, it amazes me how at times I can learn more about a kid on one hike than I do in an entire school year.”

Pictured above (top) is this year's class of participants, preparing to head off on their fifth of seven total camping expeditions in the mountains of Colorado.  With backpacks and camping gear in tow, CBC staff leaders Bridget Smith, Ian Long and Michelle Lawrence brief the team on a review of what to expect just before they leave. (Not pictured is staff leader Jordan Meyer).  Pictured immediately above is one of the students expressing his immense joy upon reaching the summit of Mt. Elbert.

 ©2012 Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home.