Over 1,000 Youth Participate in Nonprofits Team Building Program
NPCF Staff Writer Renard Carlos
Contact Information Rcarlos@npcf.org
Yes, you read the title correctly. Perhaps even more impressive is that this number of youths participating in Verdun teambuilding days was in May alone! Verdun's Executive Director Sean McElhinney said, "We had every fifth-grade class in Culpeper County." From zip lines and rope courses to swimming, Verdun gave students a day to disconnect from technology, embrace nature and the lessons within it.
Reflecting on Verdun's overall success, McElhinney said, “Verdun is a unique experience that provides opportunities for growth through play and adventure. You can see change in real-time as our program participants learn and use resiliency techniques to overcome their fears, deal with stress, and learn to communicate and collaborate. They see the positive impact of their collaboration, and it's truly impactful. And it’s all really fun!”
Verdun ensures affordability and accessibility with youth summer camps like Muddy Tracks, Adventure Camp, and Young Explorers, offering scholarships to families in need. Verdun’s numerous obstacle challenge courses are designed to build teamwork and individual confidence. He boasts that the Verdun team tagline, “It only takes one moment of bravery" encourages those attempting to overcome their fear of a given obstacle course challenge. This mantra is certainly something we all would do well to remember!
Bravery is also exemplified in Verdun’s Project SOAR (Success in Overcoming Adversity in Recovery), a free program that is open to anyone who is in recovery or experiencing mental illness. Program participants work with peer recovery specialists, creating lasting friendships while participating in outdoor activities such as backpacking and woodcarving.
Yet another opportunity to experience Verdun is their Summer Night Concert Series, starting on June 15th! For information regarding purchasing concert tickets, camping, or a new feature being offered this year called Adventure Pass tickets, which consist of a round on the Static Course, Climbing Tower, and Dual Zipline, visit their website at https://www.verdunadventurebound.org/. So, unplug from technology and take a trip out to Verdun Adventure Bound!