4-H ADIRONDACK GUIDE PROGRAM

Need
Teenaged youth participating on the annual 4-H Wilderness Exploration Trips and Environmental Awareness Winter Weekends, have indicated a desire to explore environmental issues in more depth than is possible on the trips.

Youth 12 years and older tend to drift away from traditional organized youth programs.

Youth must develop the knowledge of basic biological principles, the awareness of environmental issues, the understanding of the decision process and potential consequences of actions, to enable them to reach decisions affecting the quality of life for themselves and others.

National studies and reports on the transition of youth to adulthood indicate that youth need positive experiences, useful life skills and increased self-esteem, to develop their full potential and to contribute to society.

Response
In 1985, the 4-H Adirondack Guide Program was developed to give youth, 12-19 years of age, the opportunity for advanced level experiences within the out-of-doors.

The program gives youth the opportunity to gain knowledge in a variety of areas including forestry, wildlife and fish biology, botany, public speaking, teaching techniques, leadership skills, woods lore and safety, compass and map, global positioning system, topographical map software, first aid and lifesaving and natural resource related careers. The program is conducted in an informal atmosphere, conducive to building confidence and self-esteem.

The program is comprised of three levels-Apprentice, Intermediate and Senior. A field test is held each year in June. Satisfactory completion of the field test, participation at required events, and completion of required first aid courses are prerequisite for advancement to the next level. Skills are acquired through workshops, field experience and camping trips conducted by licensed Adirondack Guides, Foresters, Fish and Wildlife Biologists, Forest Rangers and individuals skilled in the out-of-doors.

The 4-H Adirondack Guide Program is highly dependent upon adult volunteers including, program advisors, natural resource professionals and first aid and lifeguard instructors. This commitment by adults also has the added benefit of enhancing intergenerational experiences, which strengthen understanding between youth and adults.

Results
Since 1985, 111 teen boys and girls have participated in the 4-H Adirondack Guide Program. As with any youth program, it is difficult to quantify long-term impact on the lives of youth.

Sometimes the positive results of a particular program on a youngster's life are not evident for a number of years. For example, a 4-H member who, as an adult, comes back into the 4-H program to volunteer as a 4-H Club Leader, because of the positive experiences gained as a youth in the program.

Sixteen teens have graduated to the Senior Level. Three of the former guides have received their license as a New York State Guide. One of these Guides has been a guide in Alaska.

In 1991, two of the Guides volunteered to serve as advisors on a three day 4-H Wilderness Exploration Trip for 9-11 year olds. Due to the Guides' professionalism, and instant rapport with the younger campers, the teens contributed significantly to the trip's success. In 1992, the response was similar. As a result, Guides are regularly used on trips, giving the younger campers positive, teen role models.

Guides have obtained Lifeguard positions as a result of Red Cross Lifeguard Certifications received through the Guide Program.

The results have been positive-reports back from parents on the positive influence of this program on their youngsters is testimony that the program is meeting its goals. Two examples are: (1) A former Senior Guide was required to participate in a map and compass course as part of his Air Force basic training. Shortly into the course, it became clear, to his military instructor, that he already knew the material being taught. As a result, the former Guide assisted in teaching the remainder of the class; (2) A Senior Guide was hired as an Alaskan guide in charge of a 20 person canoe due to his involvement in the 4-H Adirondack Guide Program.

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