"I enjoyed the back to school orientation on Project Adventure! I thought the Project Adventure activities were reminiscent of my days at STM at our overnight class retreats: we would all share, problem-solve, take risks (while feeling safe), compete, disagree, laugh, succeed and/or fail and ultimately BOND as a cohesive group. People that you never thought you'd gel with were the exact ones you found common ground with. A lot of times our class was so close after the retreat and for days and weeks after, but then unfortunately the memories and feelings would fade, and we would go back to how we were before.

I think Project Adventure is a caliber above any class retreat. It will constantly keep students and faculty bonded toward common goals. School spirit, teamwork, unity, etc. will be maintained, nurtured and encouraged throughout the school year which will result in better self-esteem, respect for others, and pride in ourselves and school."
--Alma Quiroz Roohi '83, alum, teacher and parent

Challenge by Choice
Brief, Activity, Debrief
Experiential Learning Cycle
Full Value Contract

The words seen above are now part of the language at St. Martin's-the language of Project Adventure, which debuted on our campus in August. Our entire faculty and staff of 150 were introduced to the Project Adventure philosophy and methodology during back to school orientation meetings led by the top three Project Adventure trainers including Project Adventure's Executive Director and CEO Dick Prouty, COO Jane Panicucci and PE, Health and Wellness Trainer Renee Cavaluzzi. It was a powerful and community-building two days, setting a tone of excitement and anticipation for the school year.

A nationally recognized program for our PK-12 students, Project Adventure is unique in our community, and provides students and faculty alike with the latest curriculum in experiential and adventure education. Current research consistently shows that our children's ability to work in groups and their sense of community in the classroom are key factors in their academic success. Sports-based activities have for many years been used as a medium for character and leadership development, but only cutting-edge programs such as Project Adventure take the next step by transferring that development to academic achievement in the classroom.

As a part of our curriculum, our students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of physical and mental challenges designed to develop leadership, teamwork, communication, mutual trust and support. Led by Challenge Course Coordinator Nick Hingel '92, activities are designed with safety and age/developmental capabilities in mind, and range from solving rope puzzles to low and high rope features as well as a climbing wall. Pictured below is one of the Project Adventure elements in the Adkerson Gymnasium:

 
Nick DePass '09 on the centepede

Outdoor elements, including a 35' climbing tower, will be installed in upcoming months. Established through the generosity of STM Grandparent Doyle Coatney, Project Adventure will be fully developed over the next three years. Phase I, already in place, occurs in the context of our Physical Education classes and in Saints PLUS. Led by Guy Farber '82, Saints PLUS employs the methodology and terminology of Project Adventure (briefing, activity, debriefing) in collaborative and sport-based activities, resulting in improved physical skills, character education and leadership ability.