The mission of the Underway Outdoor Adventure Program is to provide shared adventure and individual growth through experiential education and adventure based learning. Underway uses group processes to help participants increase self-confidence and self reliance as well as awareness of self and the environment. Individual or group experiences are not measured by end results, but by the attempt by an individual or group to attain challenges that they have set forth for themselves.
Underway Outdoor Adventure courses can be designed to meet specific needs, goals, and interests of educational, social, therapeutic, and private organizations. In keeping with our philosophy and capabilities, these courses generally last from a half day to 10 days or longer. The amount of time you spend for a program will be based on your goals.
We have a long history offering our services to schools, churches, the University, community, and business groups. Our successful history has made it possible for us to offer our services throughout North America. Programs include rock climbing, high ropes course, teams courses, caving, canoeing, backpacking, campouts, and various outdoor education programs to meet your group's needs.
Wild Outdoor Week Summer Camp Series is an experiential adventure camp that emphasizes learning and individual growth through outdoor adventure. The camp is based out of Touch of Nature Environmental Center through the Underway Outdoor Adventures Program. We offer two different camps.
Wild Outdoor Week (W.O.W.) is an experiential adventure camp that emphasizes learning and individual growth through outdoor adventure. This camp is an introduction to the outdoors and a sampler of all the programs subsequent Wow Camp weeks have to offer. The camp is based out of Touch of Nature Environmental Center through the Underway Adventure Program. Our wild week of fun will include team building, canoeing, rock climbing, high ropes course, hiking, and lots of swimming!
Wild Outdoor Week (W.O.W.) Southern Adventures Camp will explore all of the incredible outdoor locations in and around the Southern Illinois area. Places visited will include: Giant City State Park, Little Grand Canyon, Panther's Den Wilderness, Bald Knob Wilderness, Garden of the Gods, as well as treks into the Shawnee National Forest. Aside from the exploring, participants will learn the basics of camping, trekking, and surviving in the outdoors. The camp will conclude with an overnight experience where participants will put their knowledge to the test.
Looking for a fun and exciting way to introduce your group to each other or are you looking to improve team work and explore how your group communicates, cooperates, and solves problems? Then the Team Activities are just for you!
Break the Ice with our Team Initiatives that are designed to break down barriers and get people cooperating and trusting each other. This is a fun way to build camaraderie and cooperation in your team. Or challenge your group even further by experiencing the Teams Course! Our Teams Course is designed to challenge participants in a series of obstacles that focus on group decision making, communication, trust, cooperation, and more. The Teams Course is a series of powerful leadership and team building experiences designed to maximize individual and team potential. Experiences are specifically designed to improve group interaction, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Courses can range from three hours to a full day! Call us for prices and available dates. If your group is unable to travel to our program site, then we can bring an abbreviated version of this course to a location near you.
Set your goal and obtain it by climbing one of the many scenic cliffs found near Touch of Nature Environmental Center. Experience a new challenge as you strive to reach the top and feel the accomplishments as you rappel back down the cliff. Programs can range between a half day climb to an overnight climbing expedition
Our high ropes course can give you a challenge and thrill of a lifetime, with three different levels from 20 to almost 40 feet high! Experience the challenge of 11 strategically arranged obstacles that allow you to conquer your fears in a highly secure environment. We have the luxury of being able to allow groups to do just one or all of the levels. Finish this activity with our breathtaking Zipline...it's fast and exciting! Courses are available as half day programs (two levels and the zipline) or full day programs (three levels and the zipline)
Experience wilderness on an Underway Outdoor Adventure backpacking trip. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the backcountry as you hike through the natural areas of Touch of Nature, Giant City State Park, Shawnee National Forest, and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Or you could find your group quietly gliding across the waters of a southern Illinois lake or river. Half day to multiple day trips are available.
Familiarize yourself with the basics of land navigation while having lots of fun! Learn how to take a bearing with a compass. Determine distance and terrain traits with a topographical map. Can you get yourself and your group to the end of the predetermined course? Challenge yourself!
Learn the sticky business of making maple syrup. Gain knowledge in tree biology while instructors demonstrate tree selection, tapping, sap collection and the boiling-off process involved in the art of making nature's sweet treat. Learn the tradition, folklore and pioneer skills of sugaring off during this informative and fun workshop. Best of all, sample the syrup!
Treat yourself to a scrumptious pancake breakfast followed by a 2-hour maple syrup workshop. Through a delightful adventure of hands-on and cooperative experiences, learn the tradition, folklore, and pioneer skills of sugaring off.
Included during the workshop:
- Tree physiology.
- Maple tree identification.
- Legends and lore surrounding maple syrup harvest.
- Techniques used for making maple syrup.
- Festive atmosphere surrounding this labor-intensive, spring ritual.
Interested in the great outdoors and how to survive a real wilderness situation? Through this workshop, learn the basics about food, water, shelter, fire building, tracking, nature observation and primitive tools - all out in the wild! This session can be tailored to your needs.
How do plants and animals survive the sub-freezing temperatures of winter? What serves as food for wildlife in these harsh conditions? Look for tracks of animals that brave the cold. Learn to identify trees by their buds and bark. Look closely and you will find a winter wonderland of wildlife.
