Learn4Life high schools use camping trips to spark social-emotional growth

Imagine a group of teens who live near three national parks but have never been out of their neighborhood. Now envision them experiencing the immersive silence and sounds of the forest – without their cell phones – during their first-ever camping trip. Welcome to summer camp!

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Learn4life students participate in team building skills during camp

Learn4Life, a network of 80+ public charter high schools, offers camping trips each spring and summer for students who have never experienced the great outdoors. With most of its students being from low-income households, often behind in credits and needing to re-engage, Camp4Life opens the eyes of young people who find a connection with nature, gain life skills and get a boost in self-confidence.

“We go hiking and enjoy the beautiful mountains and lake,” said Pinki Kadakia, science teacher at Learn4Life. “This trip provides students with valuable experiences that promote self-reflection, a sense of community and personal growth. I've seen firsthand the positive impact it has on them.”

Kadakia says that along with the usual campfires, s’mores and crafts, the camp incorporates activities such as lessons on gratitude and how to combat automatic negative thoughts, team building and creative expression.

“Immersion in nature is important – a first for many kids,” she said. “Just sitting quietly looking at the lake makes an impression on kids who have never done that.”

Jasmin B. came to Learn4Life after dropping out of her previous school due to an eating disorder that required treatment. She had been looking for a school that offered personalized learning and a flexible schedule that would be compatible with her healing.

“Due to my shyness, I was nervous about going to this camp. I never thought I would make many friends, but I bonded with every single one,” said Jasmin. “I loved the inclusion we all felt. The activities brought us all closer and I have many new friends.”

Jasmin told her brother who later came to Camp4Life, “How you spend your day is how you spend your life. By stepping outside of your comfort zone, you will create amazing friendships that will last. The bonds you form will be unbreakable.”

For more information about Learn4Life, visit www.learn4life.org.

About Learn4Life

Learn4Life is a network of nonprofit public high schools that provide students personalized learning, career training and life skills. Each school is locally controlled, tuition free and gives students the flexibility and one-on-one attention they need to succeed. Serving more than 64,000 students through a year-round program, we help them prepare for a future beyond high school. For more information, please visit www.learn4life.org.

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