Adventures Without Limits

One of the most important – if not the most important – curricular characteristics of effective programs for students is the experiential curriculum.  At Mt.Scott, our experiential curriculum is strengthened by a partnership with Adventures Without Limits (AWL), an organization that provides outdoor recreation programs for communities in the greater Portland metropolitan area.  AWL specializes in trips involving white water rafting, sea kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing, backpacking, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and fun.

Through a generous grant from the Silver Family Foundation and AWL, Mt. Scott students are experiencing a series of outdoor adventure activities designed to develop new skills, enhance awareness of the natural environment, build self-confidence, and recognize personal potential. AWL trips for Mt. Scott students have included white water rafting, cross country skiiing, ropes course challenge activities and hiking.

The following is a sampling of the comments provided by Mt. Scott students that have participated in the AWL trips:

"I have lived in Portland all my life and have never been able to see the mountain up close before. This was the best day of my life."

"I never thought I could stand up on skis but now I am racing down the hills!"

“I learned how to overcome my fears and how to challenge myself."

"The AWL staff helped me believe in myself.”

“I remember putting on the harness and helmet and getting ready for the big ropes course activities.  I enjoyed the butterflies in my stomach when I got higher and higher to the sky.  I think the teachers started the program off with this outing because it involved a lot of teamwork.  While working you couldn’t really do any activity without talking and sharing your opinions.  It helped us come together.”

"I wish we could do this every day. It's like we are learning and we are not even in the classroom."