2024 All Program Brochure

YOUR JOURNEY TO SUCCESS STARTS HERE.

SOAR LOCATIONS: NC, WY, FL & INTERNATIONAL

WHY SOAR? ADVENTURE SOAR creates the opportunity to explore the outdoors through a variety of high-adventure activities.

BELONGING SOAR provides support and understanding to participants so they can be celebrated for who they are.

CONFIDENCE SOAR helps participants to overcome challenges, step outside their comfort zone, and experience success resulting in increased self-confidence.

FUN SOAR offers fun and engaging outdoor activities in some of the most beautiful places on earth!

LIFE SKILLS SOAR gives participants opportunities to practice life skills, such as organization, time management, and goal setting that will benefit them in everyday life.

SELF-ADVOCACY SOAR teaches participants to advocate for their needs in day-to-day interactions and to seek assistance when needed.

SUCCESS SOAR celebrates the gifts and strengths of every participant and structures it’s programs to nurture success and build self-confidence.

PROGRAMS AT SOAR Summer Camp at SOAR offers a supportive environment where campers are encouraged to be themselves and are celebrated for their strengths. With a small group setting, we are able to guide campers through social interactions as they get to know one another and begin to form friendships. While most of our campers have ADHD or similar learning challenges, we extend the invitation to siblings as well!

The Academy at SOAR is an accredited private residential boarding school in the mountains of North Carolina for 7th – 12th graders. Our Academy is specially designed for students with ADHD and other learning challenges. Our unique teaching approach combines differentiated instruction in a small classroom setting supported by two-week experiential education expeditions. In addition to academic learning, our students gain essential social and life skills to help them become more successful individuals in and out of the classroom.

GAP Year at SOAR is designed for young adults that have graduated from High School or obtained their GED. GAP Year encourages participants to pursue new and existing interests and strengths, develop social skills via communal living, increase life skills through expedition planning and exploring the Western or Eastern USA, and practice independent living in a small group setting. Participants alternate between residential campus phases and expeditions.

ADVENTURE IS CALLING

SUMMER CAMP AT SOAR

SUMMER CAMP AT SOAR

ACTIVITIES

Archery & Throwing Tools, Alpine Tower, Backpacking, Canoeing, Caving, Fishing, High & Low Ropes Course, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Llama Trekking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, SCUBA Diving, Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Surfing & Whitewater Rafting

QUICK FACTS AGES: 8 TO 25 CAMP LOCATIONS: NORTH CAROLINA, WYOMING, FLORIDA, & INTERNATIONAL CAMPER TO STAFF RATIO: 1 TO 4 US PROGRAMS ACCREDITED BY THE AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

NC COURSES Llama Trek Adventure, Ages 8-10 Designed specifically for our younger campers, this course includes a 3day llama trek, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and much more!

Campers will experience new and exciting challenges and will develop independence, self-esteem, and social skills.

Classic Adventure, Ages 11-18 This adventure offers a wide variety of activities designed to promote social skills, organization, and self-confidence. Activities include a 3night backpacking expedition, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and an elective day.

Canoeing Adventure, Ages 11-18 The highlight of this exciting course is a 3-night canoe expedition.

Campers will learn teamwork, develop friendships, and increase their self-confidence as they participate in thrilling adventures, including our high ropes course, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and more!

Expedition, Ages 13-18 NC Expedition is designed to be slightly more challenging (therefore more rewarding), and offers a broader range of activities than some of our other course options. Campers will experience caving, mountain biking, rappelling, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, high & low ropes courses, and an extended backpacking trip.

Discovery, Ages 11-18 This program is the longest SOAR offers and combines the excitement of adventure activities along with classroom instruction. The classroom experience is designed to help campers develop the skills which allow for greater success in the academic classroom. However, there are still field expeditions which provide a chance for campers to test their strengths and participate in exciting adventures such as backpacking, caving, rock climbing, high ropes, rafting, and more.

Horseback Riding Adventure, Ages 11-18 This adventure provides campers the chance to horseback ride through the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains! Campers will learn communication skills & develop social skills as they learn to care for and bond with their horse as well as their teammates. Other activities include rock climbing, high ropes course, whitewater rafting and more!

Post Graduate Adventure, Ages 18-25 This program is specifically designed for young adults as they navigate the transition into adult life. This unique program provides instruction in organization, goal setting, independence, life skills, and social skills. This course takes advantage of various regions of North Carolina, and includes both adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the Outer Banks coast.

TO VIEW ALL AVAILABLE COURSES VISIT SOARNC.ORG

SUMMER CAMP AT SOAR

WY COURSES Canoe Adventure, Ages 11-18 This course is packed with exciting adventures in the Wild West. Campers will develop teamwork and social skills, improve self-confidence, and push past their perceived limits as they explore this incredible area. Activities include visits to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, a 3-night canoe expedition, horseback riding, a Rodeo, rock climbing, rafting and much more!

Horsepacking Adventure, Ages 11-18 This is the ultimate Western Adventure! This course is full of exciting adventures designed to promote leadership, social skills, and self-esteem.

Campers will participate in a 3-night horsepacking expedition in the Shoshone Wind River Range, experience a rodeo, and visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton NP. Other activities include rock climbing, whitewater rafting, riflery, archery, and much more!

SUMMER CAMP AT SOAR Discovery, Ages 11-18 The Discovery course provides campers the opportunity to participate in both academics and incredible adventure activities! Academic sessions are designed to help students identify learning styles, develop study skills, and practice academics. The field expeditions provide a chance for campers to test their strengths and participate in exciting adventures such as horseback riding, rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, and exciting visits to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.

Post Graduate Adventure, Ages 18-25 This program is specifically designed for young adults as they navigate the transition into adult life. This unique program provides instruction in organization, goal setting, independence, life skills, and social skills. This course takes advantage of various regions of Wyoming and includes both adventures in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.

Twice Exceptional, Ages 12-15 This one-of-a-kind adventure is for campers who love to learn about the environment, as it incorporates visits to museums, a dinosaur dig, and environmental lessons in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as nearby nature centers. Campers will learn about themselves and the world around them as they explore the Wild West. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, archery, riflery, canoeing, and much more!

All Girl Adventure, Ages 11-18 This is SOAR's newest course and features an adventure experience unlike ever before. This course is an all-female course that will explore various areas of Wyoming, including the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, and much more!

TO VIEW ALL AVAILABLE COURSES VISIT SOARNC.ORG

ADVENTURES IN EDUCATION

ACADEMY AT SOAR

ACADEMY AT SOAR

COURSES OF STUDY

The following is a list of available courses of study. In addition, students needing Spanish I or II, may enroll in our Summer Spanish Immersion course.

Math Middle School Math 2-3, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1A and 1B, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Algebra 2 w/ Trig, Geometry, & Pre-Calculus Science 7th & 8th Grade Science, Environmental Science, Earth/Space Science, Biology, & Chemistry Humanities 7th & 8th Grade History, World History, American History 1 & 2, & Government Language Arts English 7th-12th Grade Electives Physical Education & Health, Outdoor Leadership, Life Skills/Independent Living, College & Career Prep

QUICK FACTS GRADES: LOWER & UPPER SCHOOLS PROGRAM DATES: SEPTEMBER TO MAY SMALL GROUPS, SMALL CLASSROOMS 8 EXPEDITIONS: 7 US & 1 INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITED BY COGNIA

ABOUT THE ACADEMY THE ACADEMY IS AN ACCREDITED ADVENTURE-BASED PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BOARDING SCHOOL LOCATED IN WESTERN NC. WE SERVE STUDENTS WITH ADHD & LEARNING DISABILITIES THAT ARE IN 7TH-12TH GRADE. The Academy at SOAR serves students with ADHD and other learning disabilities (LDs) that include but are not limited to ASD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Executive Functioning challenges. Many of our students are kinesthetic or experiential learners and benefit from a hands-on approach to learning. The Academy utilizes the natural environment and adventure activities to allow students to experience success and personal growth.

Our student-centered model promotes active learning through instruction in Academics, Adventure, Self-Advocacy, Independent Living Skills, Experiential Learning, Field Studies, Community, and Empowerment. We currently have a Middle School for grades 7th - 8th and an Upper School for grades 9th - 12th. While each school is based on a similar model, there are differences so we can provide the necessary support to different age groups.

SOAR offers a balance between learning and adventure year round. The Spanish Immersion course provides students with an opportunity to earn foreign language credit during the school-year summer break. This Academy at SOAR course is open to all students even if they are not enrolled in the Academy. The Spanish Immersion course provides a unique opportunity to learn the Spanish language through first-hand experience, by being immersed in the incredible culture of a Spanish-speaking country.

ACADEMY AT SOAR

ADVENTURES IN EDUCATION AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SCHOOL LIKE NO OTHER The Academy at SOAR operates on a cycle that rotates their time between focused academics on campus and expedition field study. Each expedition provides students with opportunities to discover their world and uncover abilities in themselves they may not have realized. Unlike traditional school settings, an outdoor adventure school setting is rich in opportunities to push past perceived limits, utilize teamwork and communication skills, and practice problem-solving skills with real-world applications. Evidence suggests that spending time in nature can ease symptoms associated with ADHD and learning disabilities, and we find this to be true.

While at the Academy at SOAR, academic and adventure components are closely linked utilizing project based field studies designed to meet the experiential opportunities encountered while on expeditions. Students take an active role in their education, and will participate in exciting adventure activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, backpacking, SCUBA diving, whitewater rafting and much more.

This model has been adapted in an effort to ensure the quality of academics while on expedition.

Expedition curriculum, in addition to each student’s individualized curriculum, is adapted to ensure relevance to each expedition locale. For example, students backpacking on the Appalachian Trail will typically read Cherokee folktales about the region, learn about Civil War battle sites nearby, calculate average daily miles per hour or plot their course on a grid, and study deciduous trees commonly encountered on that portion of the trail. Though great care is taken to relate material to expedition locations, the overall goal is to provide a consistent level of instruction for students regardless of their location—classroom or trail. Additionally, we seek to connect each lesson to the National Core Curricular standards.

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE

GAP AT SOAR

GAP AT SOAR

ABOUT GAP AT SOAR The GAP Year at SOAR serves young adults, we call Gappers, with ADHD and other learning disabilities (LDs) that include but are not limited to ASD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Executive Functioning challenges. This program was created to meet the needs of those who have graduated from high school but are not quite ready to step into a university or work-force setting.

Gateway Adventure Programs (GAP Years) are gaining popularity for young adults to find out who they are, what they would like to do next, and make plans for the future. The GAP Year at SOAR provides this opportunity for young adults with ADHD/LDs that may need a more hands on approach as they navigate adulthood. Our combination of adventure and life skills development provides the opportunity for gappers to develop and experience independent living, community involvement, high adventures activities, expedition planning, college coursework, international travel, and volunteer opportunities.

While attending the GAP Year at SOAR, emphasis is placed on developing the life skills needed to experience success as an independent adult. We understand the social and executive functioning challenges that many of our gappers face and work with them during all aspects of our program to better understand the challenges and how to overcome them. From learning to prepare healthy meals, to budgeting, to keeping personal spaces clean and organized, to learning to develop positive relationships, gappers are able to learn and grow through real life experiences. While on residential phase and on adventure expeditions, participants are surrounded with support from their mentors while also learning to be independent adults.

GAP AT SOAR

ADVENTURES For over 40 years, SOAR has specialized in high adventure programming for youth and young adults with ADHD and other Learning Disabilities. The expeditions provide incredible opportunities for participants to challenge themselves, experience once in a lifetime adventures, learn valuable lessons, and practice independent living skills.

Expedition planning is completed by staff in the beginning. Over the course, planning is transferred to participants (with staff oversight) until the final expedition which is planned and run by the participants with staff only acting as support. Participants decide and plan where their expeditions will take them and what activities they will participate in on the trips. This gives them ownership of their experience and makes each year new and unique. Activities may include rock climbing, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, rafting, fishing, hiking, exploring national parks, and wilderness skills.

Expedition planning taps into the whole world of executive functioning. Students research several travel destinations and activity options. They then make phone calls, set up reservations, work with a budget, provide the gear and food logistics, and learn to deal with the many unknowns that come up when traveling.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME? APPLY ONLINE TODAY! TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION VISIT SOARNC.ORG.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AT 828-456-3435 ADMISSIONS@SOARNC.ORG

WWW.SOARNC.ORG 828-456-3435 | ADMISSIONS@SOARNC.ORG