Challenge By Choice

Our “Challenge By Choice” Philosophy is about taking healthy risks.

Why Risk?
We take risks in the wilderness very seriously. Through our risk assessment for each trip, we work to minimize the danger and telltales of danger along the way*. However, we operate under a risk philosophy that is committed to the need of risk in our lives. In fact, there are multiple studies that show risk seekers as healthier humans than ones who avoid risk. And when children are not attuned to risk activity at a young age, they actually end up seeking risk later in life. This is often times with a greater fervor in situations that are truly dangerous, not just perceived as dangerous but statistically more likely of being harmed. Engaging in low risk activities at a young age, while assessed thoroughly, can be a huge benefit for a child later in his/her life.

*Risk is inherent in all back-country activities. And risk is integral to a wilderness experience. It provides the opportunity to build and instill the following values with the people you are working with:

• Emotional safeguarding
• No Rules during recess?
• Risk-averse parents may lower test scores for children

What is it?

Challenge by Choice is a philosophy on how to encourage people to achieve their goals & provide them with a safe environment where they can go beyond their comfort level. We strongly believe:

1. It is not our place to push campers further than they are ready for or capable of.
2. It’s great to offer helpful advice and encouragement that the person may need, especially when invited, in order to step outside of their comfort zone.
3. This philosophy also applies to how participants treat each other – we do not allow trip-goers to “bully” one another into doing things they do not want to do.