These questions and concerns might be holding you and your group back:

“What types of activities should I plan for my students this year?” (Educational Trip? Celebratory Trip? Teambuilding?)

“Where am I going to get the best “bang-for-the-buck” both financially and educationally?” (taking time out of class)?

“We can’t take that time away from school.”

“We don’t have money in the budget.”

“Our kids have already done a ropes adventure park earlier this year.”

When people are calling to ask about Challenge Discovery programs, these questions and concerns are the ones that seem to be on everyone’s mind. These are all VERY valid concerns. The shortcoming of these questions and concerns is this…they are missing one of the most important elements when making decisions like these. Shouldn’t you also consider which organizations will help support the education and vision of your group? What about an experience that can aid in your continuity of instruction?

It is part of our process, baked in, to get to know your student’s needs, and your vision. This is why we spend that extra time getting to know HOW we fit into your group’s overall experience. While many educational companies and experiences want to support, they might not take the time to modify their language and approach in order to best augment your group’s experience.

In fact, according to CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning), it is important to choose “Out of School Time educators” (OST Educators) who will be able to support what you are doing in school. When your students have enrichment activities during or after school, are they spending time with educators and organizations who are able to fit and support with your school vision? Is there language consistent with your school’s? See the document below for more information.

Challenge Discovery’s vision is “To make a difference in the community by empowering people to change their lives for the better.” In other words, we want to help those in our community change their lives. We can’t do that if we don’t know about your vision. We can’t do that if we don’t support your instruction.

So maybe, when beginning to ask questions about where to take your students and group, start with this question:

“What organization is going to partner with me, and be deliberate in supporting my vision and my group?”