Why Expeditions?

Hey there! My name is Jace, and I manage the Expeditions program at GRP. I’m excited to share with you why I love our program and how it can benefit your teen.

For me it boils down to three huge impacts we make: confidence, belonging, and resilience.

Confidence through Ownership

Each of our expeditions offers something unique, but they all have one thing in common: they help our campers foster a sense of independence and ownership. These environments require us to work harder for the necessities, like collecting and purifying our drinking water or having direct involvement in planning and preparing the food we eat.

While the foundation of the trip plan is built by leaders, each member of the team has a voice in how the day-to-day aspects play out. Expeditioners all have an important role to play in making decisions, taking responsibilities, and supporting their team members when they are down.

We set this precident from the very beginning of the trip, which helps the team self-regulate and hold each other accountable, a necessary skill for young adults to practice. By the end of the trip, expeditioners have gained more confidence in themselves and their abilities, and they carry this confidence into their lives.

Belonging through Community

Early in the expedition, groups will sit down and have a discussion to establish “group norms” or community guidelines. This not only supports the ownership I mentioned above, but it also builds an important emotional foundation for the group.

From this early point, and through the decisions and conflicts that always arise in the face of challenges, we work as a team. We support each other, show respect, and learn from our differences. This atmosphere creates a sense of family, community, and belonging.

After sharing this growth experience together, we find that expeditioners often form tight bonds that continue through life, whether that be keeping in touch through school and beyond, or even returning to GRP together as staff members.

Resilience through Delayed Gratification

Expeditions are all about facing challenges through adventure. These activities often draw on the concept of “Type 2 Fun.” If Type 1 Fun is easy and immediate, Type 2 Fun often requires us to earn our dopamine release and commmit to the challenge of delayed gratification. We have to work hard and move with intention to complete our tasks and accomplish our goals.

In the moment, it can be difficult and require us to step out of our comfort zone. After the work is done, it is a reward unlike any other, with benefits that can be far-reaching. Many former campers who have completed expeditions have reached out for recommendation letters for extracurricular activities and honor societies. Others are current members of our staff who can draw on their past experiences to inspire future generations of environmental stewards.

Learn More

Expeditions are a fun and inspiring way for your camper to continue to grow and develop. If you have questions about expeditions and if it is a fit for your child, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at .