Adventure Based Leadership (ABL)

Adventure-Based Leadership (ABL) (Ages 13-18) is an immersive outdoor learning and leadership program designed to challenge and inspire students through hands-on experiences in the wilderness. Participants develop essential survival skills, including navigation, search and rescue, and mountaineering, while building leadership, teamwork, and decision-making abilities. No prior experience is required—whether you're a beginner or have outdoor skills, this course will expand your knowledge and confidence in the backcountry. Through adventure-based learning, students gain resilience, critical thinking skills, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Students Will Learn: 

  • Wilderness navigation with a map and compass

  • Planning and leading wilderness hikes

  • Backcountry safety and survival skills

  • Reacting to and dealing with wilderness emergencies

  • Wilderness first aid skills

  • Avalanche terrain avoidance

  • Rappelling

  • Rock climbing

  • And much more

Prepare to discover that you are capable of much more than you ever imagined while you practice decision making, problem solving, and managing group dynamics in a wilderness environment.  You will gain confidence and learn skills that will serve you well for a lifetime.  

We strive to have at least half of the course on field trips.  Field trips are typically from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at various locations within 150 miles of Colorado Springs.  

*Please see the Course Schedule page for locations, dates, and times*

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