American Odyssey Format

"Without the instinct for adventure,

any civilization, however enlightened;

any state, however well ordered, with wilt and wither."

Kurt Hahn, 1941

    Using the Outward Bound model, participants will have the opportunity to explore not only this Last Frontier of our country, but challenge themselves as well.  Many participants have discovered more about themselves on past American Odyssey Programs than they would have ever dreamed.  Although the trip is structured, with a definite itinerary, there is the opportunity to add things to the trip or to customize it.  American Odyssey has developed a number of traditions and has created its own culture.  "Leadership" and "Teambuilding" activities are a part of the experience as well as the AO Polar Bear Club and Stargazes.  Sleeping "Under the Stars" or "Tarping"is another of the cultural icons as well as the "Act of Service".   A number of students have received college credit for this experience.  Each of our experiences offer great opportunity for personal growth, self discovery, and a bonding which equates to a real “Crew Family”.

    American Odyssey is designed for young people to experience America firsthand in an environment of adventure, challenge, and discovery.  Participants can expect to gain firsthand knowledge of the people, places, and diversity of our great country.  In addition, the American Dream of freedom, challenge, and teamwork will be experienced.  The adventure and discovery will be not only at every vista, turn and place we visit, but also in the relationships formed and the interdependence that we share as the adventure unfolds.

Discovery is the greatest part of a quest.  For each individual it means something different.  It brings about change.  Sharing of common experience like this forms relationships and friendships that are everlasting.  Every effort is made to insure that each participant has a personal experience that will be treasured for years to come.

STAFF

Staff Members are college seniors or graduates (usually teachers) who are selected by using the following guidelines:

• Counseling ability and ability to form interpersonal relationships with young people
  

• Leadership Experience
  

• Moral Standards and Beliefs
  

• The Staff to Participant ratio is 1 to 10 
  

• At least one Senior Staff Member (over Age 30) on each Trek is Medically Trained to the First Responder Level or Higher as well as one Junior Staff Member (Age 21-30).
  

• All Staff Members are BSA Trained to the Venturing Fast Start  and Youth Protection Levels. 
  

• All Staff have taken as part of their Staff Training a version of H.A.R.M. Training (High Adventure Risk Management)  and "Time Out Safety Review".                            
  

• Safe Swim Defense Training.  Most of our Staff are certified as Lifeguards.
  

• All Staff are trained in Leave No Trace Principles and Ethics.
  

• All Staff that serve as drivers undergo a Drivers License Records Check and are required to take a 15 Passenger Van Version of the NC Emergency Vehicle Drivers Class taught by the Director to Fire and Rescue personnel. 
  

   

RESPONSIBILITIES

Although American Odyssey carries Liability and Medical Insurance on all Participants and Staff Members and American Odyssey Staff are Medically Trained and Certified, American Odyssey and Staff cannot be held responsible for injuries, death, damages, or delay to persons or property due to any act or omission of the Staff.  American Odyssey will not accept responsibility for delays, which may be caused by theft, sickness, machinery breakdown, security delays, terrorism, or any other cause.

American Odyssey Staff Are Available For Presentations To Youth, Church Or Civic Groups.

Contact the Director to Schedule a Presentation.