The experiential program uses a variety of challenge and outdoor activities to promote effective teamwork and individual skills. These activities can take place at your location or at Nokomis Challenge Center's, Prudenville, Michigan, state of the art high and low ropes course facility. The experiential program offers a one to three day peak experience focusing on the needs of the client.

These programs are offered to both the youths and staff to help develop such things as communication skills, trust, teamwork, leadership and setting goals.

A typical one day program consists of ice-breakers and group problem solving activities early in the day. As the group advances, they move on to more challenging elements including low and high ropes elements. An overnight visit would include a group experience such as hiking, land navigation, cross-country skiing or canoeing all based on seasonal weather. Nokomis Challenge Center will provide all equipment for these activities. The instructors are all master's level facilitators with a wide variety of experience leading and directing these type of programs. They combine both the technical and soft skills needed to lead a safe and challenging program. The instructors develop a strategy with the groups prior to arriving and then help to maintain a high level of physical and emotional safety while facilitating the groups.

Our philosophy is based on experiential learning to include risk-taking, moving outside personal comfort zones and challenge by choice. This learning includes action and reflection throughout the program. Participants are encouraged to take healthy risks and stretch their comfort zones to promote learning and growth. Constant care and attention to following basic safety principles creates an environment of trust and a more effective program.

Experiential Program Unit
Nokomis Challenge Center
6300 S. Reserve Rd.
Prudenville, MI. 48651
Steven Seager
Experiential Program Manager
seagers@michigan.gov