A young girl wearing glasses and a pink shirt climbing up a wooden climbing wall

Outdoor Adventure helps youth experience the fun and excitement of the outdoors as they progress from day hikes to overnight camping trips to extended backpacking expeditions. The projects feature experiences related to food, shelter, “Leave No Trace” ethics, safety, navigating, equipment and camp management. Youth and adults can learn to preserve and appreciate the out-of-doors as they experience Montana’s abundant natural resources. This is a great club project for a group of youth and adults who want to learn more about teamwork and responsibility as they plan their adventures.

It may take three years to complete a level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. 

 

Projects to learn

At level 1 of outdoor adventures, students will learn

  • about shelter selection

  • “Leave No Trace” camping skills

  • outdoor cooking

  • environmental awareness

  • appreciation

At level 2 of outdoor adventures, students will learn

  •  planning and taking a day-long hiking trip in a more remote area
  • about proper clothing needs
  • what to pack in a daypack
  • how to read topographic maps
  • new orienteering skills

At level 3 of outdoor adventures, students will learn

  • being on the trail overnight

  • clothing needs

  • how to set up tents

  • backcountry stoves safely

  • about basic nutritional needs

  • menu planning

  • personal hygiene

  • basic first aid

Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should

  • develop a detailed learning plan for their work
  • identify an area of interest within the project area
  • set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
  • determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
  • set a realistic timeline for completion
  • carry out the project learning plan,
  • share experiences with others
  • evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.

 

Materials you'll need

M Hiking Trails, BU8043

M Camping Adventures, BU8044

M You Decide, 5314

L Helping Them Decide, 5315

L Outdoor Adventure Helper’s Guide, BU8046, Facilitates the teaching of the three levels of the Outdoor Adventures curriculum. Activities include risk management, the role of a leader, trip planning, health care planning, menu planning, Leave No Trace, camping ethics, adapting programs to special needs populations and evaluation of programs.

 

Non-Animal Record Books

A Project/Financial Journal is needed for each non-animal related project. Project journals need to contain the name of the project, the year these records were kept, and a leader/parent signature. All sections of the journal need to be completed. If nothing was done in an area or section of a record sheet, the word “none” or something similar should be written. 

Download record book sheet

 

Careers in Outdoor Adventures

If you are wanting to explore careers in outdoor adventures, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.