AMERICA’S PREMIER ADVENTURE PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH WITH ADHD & LD
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SOAR is an accredited boarding school, summer camp, and GAP year program. We serve youth and young adults with ADD/ADHD and other Learning Disabilities in locations across the country. Our adventure-based programs provide academic instruction, experiential education, and life skills development. Created in 1977 by an adult with learning disabilities, SOAR provides fun and successful experiences so that participants may gain greater awareness of their own strengths and improve self-esteem and confidence.
WHY SOAR? Because our programs provide:
Fun & Adventure “My son loved every minute and felt he was able to test himself in a meaningful way through all of the exciting activities.”
Community & Sense of Belonging “One of the most meaningful things for my son was
interacting with peers who accept him. Being around kids who have many of the same challenges he does was very powerful for him!”
Self-Confidence “My daughter gained a true belief in herself as a person. She was able to
Friendship & Social Skills “He had a great time and has spoken to several of his pals after
Life Skills “[My daughter] returned exhibiting more self-assurance and responsibility, as
take emotional risks. We were not expecting this and were simply awed.”
the course! This is huge for him!”
well as a better sense of organization.”
With the goal of success in mind, our program provides opportunities that build self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-reliance. Each student is challenged in a variety of adventure activities and pushed beyond their comfort zone with lessons learned from these experiences related to other aspects of their lives. Additional information, including applications for admission can be found at soarnc.org.
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soarnc.org TABLE OF CONTENTS: ABOUT SOAR....................................................................
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SUMMER CAMP NORTH CAROLINA COURSES.................... 4-5 WYOMING COURSES.........................................
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CALIFORNIA COURSES...................................
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Black + PMS 1807
FLORIDA COURSES............................................ 8 Including Christmas in the Keys Adventure
SPECIALTY COURSES........................................
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ACADEMY AT SOAR......................................................
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GAP YEAR AT SOAR......................................................
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GENERAL INFORMATION....................... back cover
YOUR JOURNEY TO SUCCESS STARTS HERE 33
NORTH CAROLINA COURSES All North Carolina Courses Include: ◘◘ Rock Climbing in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River ◘◘ High Ropes Course with Zip Line (ages 11+)
LLAMA TREK AGES 8–10, 12 DAYS
NC HORSEBACK RIDING AGES 11–18, 12 DAYS
NC CANOEING AGES 11–18, 12 DAYS
◘◘ 3-Day Llama Trek through Panthertown Valley ◘◘ 2 Days of Rock Climbing in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Creek Exploration ◘◘ Free Day—group choice of hiking, swimming, arts & crafts, gem mining or visiting the WNC Nature Center. ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River ◘◘ Low Ropes Course
◘◘ 4 Days of Horseback Riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains ◘◘ 2 Days of Rock Climbing in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Free Day—group choice of gem mining, swimming, or visiting DuPont State Forest or the Cradle of Forestry. ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River ◘◘ High Ropes Course
NC BACKPACKING AGES 11–18, 12 DAYS
◘◘ 4-Day Backpacking Trip in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ 2 Days of Rock Climbing in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Elective Day—camper’s choice of paintball, fishing, mountain biking, or primitive skills. ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River ◘◘ High Ropes Course
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◘◘ 4-Day Canoe Trip on Fontana Lake bordering the Great Smoky Mountains NP ◘◘ 2 Days of Rock Climbing in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Elective Day—camper’s choice of paintball, fishing, mountain biking, or primitive skills. ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River ◘◘ High Ropes Course
NORTH CAROLINA COURSES “SOAR excels in providing just the right amount of challenge to help kids develop confidence. Our son needed opportunities to interact in helpful and meaningful ways with peers, and this camp provided that most excellently.”
NC ACADEMIC DISCOVERY AGES 11–18, 26 DAYS
◘◘ 8 Days of Academic Instruction in Study Skills and Either Language Arts or Math ◘◘ 2 Academic Field Trips ◘◘ Funyaking on the Tuckasegee River ◘◘ 4-Day Backpacking Trip in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Cave Exploration at Worley’s Cave ◘◘ Rock Climbing in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River ◘◘ High Ropes Course
NC EXPEDITION AGES 13–18, 18 DAYS
◘◘ 5-Day Backpacking Trip in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Mountain Biking ◘◘ 2 Days of Rock Climbing in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Cave Exploration at Worley’s Cave ◘◘ Funyaking on the Tuckasegee River ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers ◘◘ High Ropes Course
NC TWICE EXCEPTIONAL ADVENTURE AGES 12–15, 18 DAYS
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◘◘ 4-Day Backpacking Trip in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Mountain Biking ◘◘ 2 Days of Rock Climbing in Pisgah National Forest ◘◘ Cave Exploration at Worley’s Cave ◘◘ Funyaking on the Tuckasegee River ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers ◘◘ High Ropes Course ◘◘ Stream Investigation Workshop ◘◘ Research Local Flora & Fauna
soarnc.org
WYOMING COURSES WY CANOE ADVENTURE AGES 11–18, 18 DAYS
◘◘ 3-Day Canoe Trip on Bull Lake ◘◘ 2 Days of Hiking, Rock Climbing, and Rappelling in Sinks Canyon ◘◘ 2 Days of Horse School and Trail Riding ◘◘ 3 Days Exploring Yellowstone NP ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Snake River
WY HORSEPACKING ADVENTURE AGES 11–18, 18 DAYS
◘◘ 2 Days of Horse School and Trail Riding ◘◘ 4-Day Horsepacking Trip through the Wind River Mountains ◘◘ 2 Days of Hiking, Rock Climbing, and Rappelling in Sinks Canyon ◘◘ Canoeing in Whiskey Basin ◘◘ 3 Days Exploring Yellowstone NP ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Snake River
WY ACADEMIC ADVENTURE AGES 11–18, 18 DAYS
◘◘ 6 Days of Academic Instruction in Study Skills and Either Language Arts or Math ◘◘ 2 Days of Hiking, Rock Climbing, and Rappelling in Sinks Canyon ◘◘ 2 Days of Horse School and Trail Riding ◘◘ 3 Days Exploring Yellowstone NP ◘◘ Canoeing in Whiskey Basin ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Snake River
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All Wyoming Courses Include: WY ENVIRONMENTAL ADVENTURE AGES 12–15, 18 DAYS
◘◘ 3 Days Exploring Yellowstone NP ◘◘ Geyser & Geothermal Workshops in Yellowstone NP ◘◘ Predator Workshop at the Grizzly & Wolf Center ◘◘ Canoeing in Whiskey Basin ◘◘ 2 Days of Hiking, Rock Climbing, and Rappelling in Sinks Canyon ◘◘ Petroglyph Workshop in Whiskey Basin ◘◘ Soak at Hot Springs State Park ◘◘ Dinosaur Museum & Dig ◘◘ 2 Days of Horse School and Trail Riding ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Snake River
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◘◘ Horseback Riding ◘◘ Rock Climbing/ Rappelling in Sinks Canyon ◘◘ Archery & Hatchet Throwing ◘◘ Riflery ◘◘ Exploring Yellowstone National Park ◘◘ Dubois Rodeo ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the Snake River ◘◘ Canoeing ◘◘ Natural Waterslide
CALIFORNIA COURSES California Courses Include:
“SOAR allows [my son] to meet other kids that are dealing with the same issues he is. He has the opportunity to learn how to deal with his ADHD without it being mom, teachers, doctors, or therapists telling him what he needs to work on."
Coastal ◘◘ Surfing ◘◘ Sea Kayaking ◘◘ Snorkeling Expedition ◘◘ Sea Kayaking ◘◘ Backpacking ◘◘ Rock Climbing ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting
CA COASTAL ADVENTURE AGES 11–18, 10 DAYS
◘◘ 1 Day of Surf School ◘◘ 1 Day of Surfing or Rock Climbing—camper’s choice ◘◘ 4 Days Exploring Channel Islands NP, including Snorkeling, Sea Kayaking, Sea Cave Exploration, and Day Hiking ◘◘ 1 Day of Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Deep Sea Fishing in Morro Bay
CA EXPEDITION AGES 11–18, 15 DAYS ◘◘ ◘◘ ◘◘ ◘◘ ◘◘
Sea Kayaking at Moss Landing Visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium 4 Days Exploring Yosemite NP Rock Climbing in Lake Tahoe 4-Day Backpacking Trip into the Desolation Wilderness ◘◘ Whitewater Rafting on the American River
CA SURFING ADVENTURE AGES 11–18, 10 DAYS
◘◘ 6 Days of Surfing Instruction ◘◘ 1 Day of Snorkeling in the Channel Islands ◘◘ 1 Day of Rock Climbing or Stand Up Paddle Boarding
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FLORIDA COURSES Florida Keys Courses Include: ◘◘ ◘◘ ◘◘ ◘◘ ◘◘
Sea Kayaking Snorkeling Fishing Tour of Key West Swimming
FL KEYS ADVENTURE AGES 11–18, 10 DAYS
◘◘ Snorkeling, Sea Kayaking, Swimming, or Fishing on Sunshine Key ◘◘ 3 Days of Sea Kayaking, Touring, Snorkeling, Fishing, and Exploring Dry Tortugas NP ◘◘ Snorkeling at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
FL SCUBA OPENWATER AGES 14–18, 10 DAYS
“I can’t even tell you how much SOAR has done for [my son]. When he came home this year, he was so much more confident, especially because he made friends who were “like” him. He felt accepted. And he also felt accomplished. Basically, he had some idea of
how awesome he really is.”
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◘◘ 2 Days of SCUBA Instruction ◘◘ 2 Days of Openwater SCUBA Diving ◘◘ 4 Days of Additional Diving, Swimming, Deep Sea Fishing, Key West Touring, Snorkeling, and more—group choice.
CHRISTMAS IN THE KEYS AGES 8–18, 6 DAYS
◘◘ Snorkeling, Jet Skiing, Sea Kayaking, and Fishing on Sunshine Key ◘◘ Snorkeling at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary ◘◘ Touring Key West ◘◘ New Year’s Eve Celebration
SOAR also offers the opportunity to become SCUBA Openwater Certified on our Christmas in the Keys SCUBA Adventure! Similar to our summer openwater course, campers will spend most of their days in SCUBA instruction and diving.
SPECIALTY COURSES POSTGRADUATE ADVENTURE AGES 18–25, 18 DAYS
This adventure brings young adults together in an environment that encourages independence and offers support in developing organization skills, social skills, life skills, and leadership skills. Campers will begin their adventure in western North Carolina and travel to the Outer Banks where they will work together to plan their activities. The team will also give back to the local community through a service learning project.
BELIZE AGES 14–18, 10 DAYS
COSTA RICA (OFFERED IN 2017) AGES 14–18, 11 DAYS
ADIRONDACK ADVENTURE AGES 12–15, 11 DAYS
NC WHITEWATER INTENSIVE AGES 14–18, 10 DAYS
This adventure takes campers to historic sites of Central America including the preserved Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, Cahal Pech and Xunatunich. Campers will explore Belize’s tropical rain forest, home to jaguar, howler monkeys, tapirs, toucans, parrots, orchids, and much more. Activities include hiking, cave tubing, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving.
This adventure takes campers on a 4-day canoe trip across Sarnac Lake in the beautiful Adirondack region of New York. Campers will also have the opportunity to go mountain biking at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, a U.S. Olympic training site. Other activities include rock climbing near Keene Valley and white water rafting in the Hudson River Gorge.
This adventure immerses campers in a tropical paradise, allowing them to experience a different culture, new cuisine, and see local wildlife. Campers will spend time in San Jose and La Fortuna, with opportunities to swim and surf the warm waters of the Pacific, hike in the rain forest, see an active volcano, and do a canopy tour!
This adventure allows campers to further explore the world of whitewater and perfect their skills under the instruction of experienced guides! Campers will learn to read rapids, practice eddy turns and peel outs, and have the opportunity to run three of western North Carolina’s most thrilling rivers!
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SOAR’s specialty courses are open to SOAR alumni and/or campers with the maturity and experience level to be successful on the course. Our specialty courses are a great opportunity for campers to explore a specific activity and further develop their outdoor skills. Acceptance is conditional upon the approval of the course director.
CARIBBEAN SAILING/SCUBA AGES 14–18, 10 DAYS
This adventure takes place on board an amazing 44-ft catamaran as campers sail from island to island, starting in St. Thomas. Each day is filled with diving, fishing, exploring and a variety of shore excursions on different islands. SCUBA opportunities at sites including ship wrecks and coral gardens are an option for certified divers.
soarnc.org
ACADEMY AT SOAR Our Mission
To provide academic instruction, experiential education, interpersonal life skills development and outdoor adventure-based programming to youth living with Learning Disabilities, and/or Attention Deficit Disorders through their participation in the Academy at SOAR.
Learning to Thrive
The Academy at SOAR is an adventure-based school for grades 7–12 that offers a unique combination of academics, adventure, and life skills development to prepare students academically, socially, and emotionally for adulthood. Our student-centered model provides students with the tools and experiences needed to experience success in the following components: Academics, Adventures, Self-Advocacy, Life Skills, Project-Based Learning, Field Studies, Community, and Empowerment. Emphasis is placed upon applying knowledge to real situations, developing the whole person, and role modeling the competence to thrive in society. As a result, students enter their future with an empowered sense of self-awareness, a zest for learning, and self-sufficiency unknown before.
GAP YEAR AT SOAR THE GATEWAY TO YOUR FUTURE
The GAP Year at SOAR is specially designed to empower young adults ages 18–24 with ADD/ADHD or other Learning Disabilities through adventure, travel, and independent living. This program meets the needs of those who have graduated from high school but are not quite ready to step into a university or work-force setting. Participants are provided a structured environment in which they may pursue areas of interest and strengths while taking a step back to clearly consider their future and the steps to get there. Gappers will alternate between living at SOAR’s Eagle View Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming and exploring the western United States.
This combination provides the opportunity to develop and experience: • I ndependent Living Skills • Community Involvement • High Adventure Activities
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Expedition Planning College Coursework International Travel Volunteer Opportunities
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Want to learn more? Visit us at soarnc.org or contact our Admissions Office at 828-456-3435 or admissions@soarnc.org.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BALSAM, NC PERMIT #1
SOAR
PO Box 388
Balsam, NC 28707 828-456-3435 Fax: 828-456-3449
soarnc.org
LOCATIONS:
SOAR has two outdoor education centers, one located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Balsam, North Carolina, and the other in the majestic Wind River Mountains just outside of Dubois, Wyoming. In addition, we offer programs in the Florida Keys, near Northern and Southern California, New York, Peru, Costa Rica & Belize. Note: SOAR is permitted to utilize Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest through an Incidental Business Permit with the National Forest Service. SOAR contracts with a guide service to provide llama treks within Panthertown Valley in the Highlands Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. SOAR is permitted to provide day-use trail rides in the Shoshone National Forest through a Special Use permit with the National Forest Service. Day rides are conducted with all courses. SOAR contracts with an outfitter to provide Horsepacking (Progressive Pack Trips) services in the Shoshone National Forest as part of the Wyoming Horsepacking Adventure Courses.
ENROLLMENT:
Applications may be found at soarnc.org. Here you will also find additional information needed to prepare for courses, including gear lists, our parent handbook, and travel information. All applications are reviewed by our Admissions Director. Parents will be notified upon acceptance. A non-refundable deposit must be submitted with the application, and will only be refunded if the participant is not accepted into the program. Please review our Financial Policies prior to submitting your application.
MULTIPLE COURSES:
Summer courses may be combined for a longer adventure. For an additional fee, campers can stay between courses at either our Balsam Base or Eagle View Ranch in Wyoming.
FINANCIAL AID:
Limited scholarships are available for our Summer courses and our Academy at SOAR. Applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid early, as this fund is limited. In addition, private loans are available through third party lending for our programs. Contact us at 828-456-3435 to learn more.
connect with us! @soaradhd
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