What Are The Components of A Project GO Activity?
In order to create safe outdoor experiences where youth are engaged and have the opportunities for exploration and reflection, Project GO activities must incorporate the following components:
1. Get kids outdoors.
2. Be open to ALL youth while targeting the under-advantaged by eliminating barriers to participation including registration fees and transportation.
3. Recruit, screen, train, reward and evaluate adult volunteers who are passionate about the outdoors and our natural resources.
4. Maintain a ratio of 1 adult to 5 children.
5. Allow youth to explore LOCAL landscapes and natural resources.
6. Allow youth to use five senses to discover nature.
7. Allow opportunities for youth to initiate self-guided experiences.
8. Allow 5-10 minutes for reflection and journaling.
9. When available, provide locally grown snacks.
10. Introduce youth to public recreation areas and outdoor skills so that they may grow to incorporate outdoor recreation into their lifelong fitness routines.
11. Empower youth by incorporating meaningful service projects.
Besides incorporating the components previously identified, all Project GO programs must work to incorporate the 8 Keys of Quality Youth Development as identified by the Center for 4-H Youth Development at the University of Minnesota. These are:
1. Youth feel physically and emotionally safe.
2. Youth experience belonging and ownership.
3. Youth develop self-worth.
4. Youth discover self.
5. Youth develop quality relationships with peers and adults.
6. Youth discuss conflicting values and form their own.
7. Youth feel the pride and accountability that comes with mastery.
8. Youth expand their capacity to enjoy life and know that success is possible.
