Experience the Outdoors

Overview

ETO is currently available in Sarasota, Fl. To launch this program in your community visit the “Join The Movement” page & apply to become a certified AFA coach to learn more.

Every challenge faced is an opportunity for growth. Experience The Outdoors is a backpacking-based program designed for both parent & child to develop essential survival skills, endurance, & confidence together. Through progressive hands-on learning, participants will master hiking technique, fire building, tent setup, & essential back country skills. With three progressive tiers—INTRO, TREK ON, & SUMMIT—your child will train their bodies, strengthen their minds, & develop a problem-solving mindset that will carry into all areas of life.

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Outdoor Education

Nature is full of wonder, but understanding it is key to navigating it safely. In the Outdoor Education portion of this program, participants will learn how to safely explore & respect mother nature. From identifying wildlife & knowing which animals to approach with caution to understanding the constellations that have guided explorers for centuries. Athletes will gain hands-on experience in trail navigation, birdwatching, & recognizing key survival markers that deepen their connection to the outdoors & themselves.

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Physical Growth

Growth isn’t instant; it’s earned. In the Physical Endurance portion of the program, athletes will develop their strength week by week, increasing their hiking capacity by adding weight to their packs, trekking higher elevations, & covering greater distances. Through this progressive approach, they will witness firsthand that effort & consistency lead to real progress, reinforcing a mindset of resilience in both the outdoors & in life. Giving them the confidence to persevere & develop independent problem solving through obstacles.

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Survival Skills

Preparation is the key to navigating life. In this portion of the program, athletes will learn the fundamentals of survival. From building a fire in different conditions, pitching a tent in unpredictable terrain, to packing efficiently. Beyond the outdoors, our methodical approach translates into essential life skills such as cooking, making their bed, preparing for school or work, developing a sense of preparedness, self-reliance, & more. Through this process, participants gain the ability to take responsibility for themselves, fostering independence & resilience in all areas of life.

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EXPLORE OUR PROGRAM TIERS

Intro

Tier 1 | Beginner

The first step in the journey, where athletes are guided to develop foundational outdoor skills, gain confidence in survival techniques, & build hiking endurance.

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Intro

Building Outdoor Confidence

In INTRO, athletes will:

Successfully hike one mile carrying 15+ pounds in their pack, gradually adapting to the physical demands of backpacking.
Demonstrate the ability to perform core survival skills—building a fire, pitching a tent, & packing a backpack—with minimal assistence from an AFA coach.
Learn basic medical protocols, recognizing how to respond to minor injuries & communicate emergency’s.
Gain wildlife awareness & safety understanding.

By the end of INTRO, athletes will be able to complete all skills with assistance, preparing them for TREK ON, where they will become more independent.

Trek On

Tier 2 | Intermediate

Leadership takes the forefront in this tier. Removing all hands on assistance, your athlete will demonstrate their ability to execute all learned skills independently.

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Trek On

Strength, Independence, & Leadership

In TREK ON, athletes will:

Hike two miles with 25+ pounds in their pack, progressing their strength, stamina, & ability to navigate longer distances.
Independently perform all survival skills, taking charge on next steps rather than relying on instruction.
Apply basic medical protocols in real-time situations, confidently assisting a fellow athlete or coach.
Continue advancing their wildlife awareness & navigation, reinforcing their ability to make safe, informed decisions in an outdoor environment.

By completing TREK ON, athletes gain practical experience in outdoor leadership & problem-solving, proving to themselves that they can independently execute all the skills learned.

Summit

Tier 3 | Advanced

Taking individualized skills & bringing it all together as your child & their fellow outdoor adventurers work together to thrive in a real-world outdoor expedition.

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Summit

Mastery Through Teamwork

In SUMMIT, Athletes will:

Demonstrate full competence in navigation, safety, & outdoor preparedness, as they begin their real life outdoor expedition.
Work as a team to set up & breakdown an entire campsite, collaboratively assigning roles. (ie: pitching tents, preparing gear, & organizing the space) without any coach assistance.
Plan, prepare, & cook dinner, utilizing survival & teamwork skills while receiving coaching guidance for safety & efficiency.

SUMMIT is the culmination. Every participant will graduate with the skills, confidence, & resilience needed to take on any adventure—both on & off the trail.

Who is this program for?

This program is designed for athletes with exceptionalities & their parents/guardians who are ready to take on an adventure together. Participants must be able to commit to the program schedule, engage in physical activity, & work towards progressive outdoor goals.

What happens if we miss a session?

Consistency is key, but we understand that life happens. If a session is missed, athletes can receive a summary of the key lessons & skills to practice at home. However, progression through tiers depends on skill mastery, so commitment is highly encouraged. Lastly, we do not make up or issue partial refunds for missed sessions.

Does my child need prior outdoor experience to join?

No prior experience is required. This program is designed to start at an introductory level & progressively build skills so that all athletes, regardless of experience, can grow at their own pace.

What level of physical fitness is required?

The program is structured to increase endurance gradually. In the INTRO tier, athletes will hike 1 mile with 15+ lbs, while in SUMMIT, they will hike 3 miles with 25+ lbs. Each athlete is encouraged to push their own limits while receiving support & accommodations as needed.

What gear is required?

AFA does provide the tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, & packs for the duration of the program. A full gear list will be provided upon registration. If needed, we can offer gear recommendations & resources for support.

How do I know if my child is ready for the next tier?

Coaches provide evaluations & feedback throughout the program to give each athlete the best opportunity to advance. If needed, an athlete can do the same tier again to be sure they continue to progress at a rate that continues to build momentum.

INTRO: Be able to hike 1 mile with 15 or more lbs in their pack as well as memorize all the materials needed & all the steps for the 3 main survival skills (Building a fire, pitching a tent, & packing their bag). This demonstrates to us that they are physically prepared & fully understand how to accomplish the survival skills, they just need more repetition to master it independently.
TREK ON: Be able to hike 2 miles with 25 or more lbs in their pack. Independently complete the three main survival skills with minimal (Inquiry-Based Learning) to no assistance.
SUMMIT: Be able to hike 3 miles with 25 or more lbs in in their pack. Independently set up camp with their fellow adventure athletes, demonstrating teamwork, communication, & independence within putting all the survival skills to use in a real-world situation.

How do you ensure safety during outdoor activities?

We cannot guarantee complete safety because life itself is full of risks, unknowns, & challenges. What we can promise is that we are preventative, proactive, & intentional in minimizing risks while also recognizing that moments of adversity can be powerful teachers. If something goes wrong, we are there to support your child through the process of getting back up, learning from the experience, & growing stronger because of it. With that being said, our trained adventure coaches follow safety protocols, including:

Emergency preparedness & first-aid training.
Structured risk management procedures.
Close supervision & hands-on guidance for all survival skills.
Pre-established emergency communication plans with parents.

Experience the Outdoors

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAM TIERS

Intro

Trek On

Summit

Your 3-step application process

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