School Year Youth Programs

After-School Adventure Academy

Meeting every day school is in session, this program begins with daily micro adventures around Portland’s surrounding woods, parks, and waters (weather permitting), and end with a community activity/supported homework block in our classroom. Play, exploration, outdoor skills, leadership curriculum, and homework support will all be woven into the program to provide a place for young people to connect, explore, and form new friendships!

Who Can Join: 3rd - 5th graders from Reiche, Longfellow, Rowe, and Ocean Ave Elementary schools

Fall Adventure Club

Join Rippleffect for fun and exciting outdoor experiences this fall while learning how to adventure outside in the late autumn weather! The Fall Adventure Club is open to 7th and 8th grade students and the program will culminate with an overnight expedition to the White Mountains where students will put into practice the skills learned during our outdoor classes and attempt to summit a mountain peak!

Who Can Join: 7th and 8th graders

Winter Adventure Club

Have you ever wanted to make a snow fort and sleep in it? Do you want to climb a snow-covered mountain? Do you want to come on a NEW and FUN adventure this winter? Then the Winter Adventure Club is your chance to learn the basics of getting outside in the mountains in the winter! The Winter Adventure Club is open to motivated 7th and 8th grade students and will culminate in a winter camping trip where participants will set up their own winter shelters, settle into camp, and attempt to climb a snowy summit! Throughout the 4 after-school sessions, Winter Adventure Club participants will practice the skills needed to thrive in an outdoor winter environment.

Who Can Join: 7th and 8th graders

Winter Climbing Club

Reach new heights this winter with Rippleffect’s Winter Climbing Club! Each month of the program will consist of 1-2 evening skill development workshops at the Rippleffect office followed by weekend field experiences. From January to March, the Winter Climbing Club will meet to discuss topics such as alpine hiking, ice climbing, belaying, anchor building, and risk management in winter weather, and then put it into practice! Winter Climbing Club participants will gain the skills and confidence to explore the New England wilderness in its most dynamic season!

Who Can Join: 9th to 12th graders

OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS OFFER:

Leadership Development
Group initiatives, games and team-building activities that cultivate skills in conflict resolution, small group problem solving and communication. Activities focus around 3 tiers of leadership: self, peer and community.

Outdoor Living
Wilderness camping and cooking skills, appropriate layering techniques, nutrition, hygiene, and general life skills that are critical to surviving and thriving in an outdoor environment. Special emphasis on Leave No Trace wilderness ethics.

Spirit
Helping students find a place of centered peace and comfort in their own solitude. Yoga, solos, journaling and group reflections and debriefs are critical aspects of all of our youth programs.

Environmental Education
Coastal ecosystems, organic gardening, monitoring invasive species and managing island conservation zones through service learning projects.