Recommendations for the further Development of the Conserve School Solo Camping Experience

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to develop a set of recommendations for the further development of the Conserve School Solo Camping Experience for semester school students. During the solo camping experience students spend at least a day in solitude in a remote campsite on the Conserve School property. The solo experience is an important time for students to rest and reflect on their experience at Conserve School, themselves, and their place in community as well as increase their connection and awareness of the natural world. The further development of the current solo camping experience at Conserve School is important because the current framework has not been fully developed (goals, debriefs, solo activities, etc.) and has not incorporated the recommendations present in scholarly literature surrounding the subject area of wilderness solos. If organized and facilitated properly the solo experience can positively contribute to students achieving the mission and goals of the Conserve School semester program. The methodology included reviewing Conserve School’s mission and goals as well as an interview with the Conserve School Director of Outdoor Programs, reviewing and interviewing other residential high school programs that offer solo experiences, reviewing literature, and compiling recommendations. The product of this project is a Solo Guide for the Conserve School staff and students that includes goals, a detailed framework of briefs and debriefs, procedures to insure safety of the students, and a schedule of events. This project was presented to the Conserve School Staff in 2011.