Wilderness Youth Experience
The Chandler Police Department Wilderness Youth Experience’s mission is to promote self-discovery, principles of good character, constructive interaction with others, and a deeper understanding of nature through experiential education.
Our educational philosophy emphasizes the use of experiential education. We provide participants with outdoor learning experiences, allowing time for processing and reflection. Learning experiences are then analyzed and synthesized.
The experiences provided are designed to challenge the individual and the group physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
Using the natural world as a classroom affords us many opportunities to expand the participant’s life experiences and encourages personal growth. Support, trust, and respect are valued and promoted throughout all phases of instruction, management, and administration.
It is the Wilderness Youth Experience’s goal to take participants into new environments and:
- Introduce participants to a new environment while fostering an appreciation for nature and their community.
- Challenge individuals through the use of physical and mental activities.
- Promote good communication skills that can be transferred to the participant’s everyday life.
- Teach constructive interaction with others through the use of role modeling and activities.
- Enhance self-esteem and confidence through the use of character building group exercises.
- Foster responsibility and adherence to the law through individual and group-based activities.
WHEN ARE THESE TRIPS:
The trips are planned for winter break, spring break, and two different trips are offered in the summer for a total of 4 times a year.
WHO CAN ATTEND & HOW DO WE SELECT EACH STUDENT:
This program is designed for Junior High School and Middle School age youth. The SROs that are assigned to these schools work with the counselors, teachers, staff, and parents to identify our participants for the program. If you have questions about his program, please contact your school’s SRO.
For more information contact the SRO Unit Supervisor Sgt. Mike Stewart at: michael.stewart@chandleraz.gov or (480) 782-4917