AWE

Adventure and Wilderness Experiences

Adventure and Wilderness Experiences (AWE) is an FRCS experience-based program that exists to use on and off campus experiences to develop both a student’s character and the school community. AWE’s objective is for students to have a better understanding of self and cultivate their unique design in an active environment. Our hope is these experiences will help students develop skills to impact the world for Christ.

AWE Catalog

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”
~ Psalms 24:1

Why AWE?

Soul Care

Adventure and wilderness experiences provide an advantageous atmosphere for enhanced personal care.

Time: Our hope is that student’s experience a “rest” from their traditional routines. Students will be given time for restoration and recovery by being with others, sharing stories and enhancing closeness.
Expand Identity: Our hope is that students come to better understand who they are. Students will examine their individual strengths and weaknesses, and how God has gifted them uniquely.
Reveals the Glory of God: Our hope is that students will experience the Creator through His creation. The goal will to be in God’s presence, gain a glimpse of His perspective, and be reminded of our own finitude.

Character Development

Adventure and wilderness experiences create an opportunity to address challenges and choices for resilience.

Challenge: Our hope is that students will be challenged to further develop resiliency. This will be done by student’s contemplating goals, needs, encouragement, support, fear, anxiety, success, and failure. Challenge encourages creative thinking that helps students move from passivity to engagement.
Confidence: Our hope is that students will experience something new and uncomfortable. Confidence is developed when there is a clear link between behavior and outcome.
Life Metaphors: Our hope is that students will learn to reflect, process and apply their experiences to their everyday life in a way that is transformative.

Shared Experiences

Adventure and wilderness experiences provide a distinctive environment to practice community.

Collaboration: Our hope is that students grow in the art of collaboration. Students will be taking risks as an individual and a group. Therefore, students will need teamwork and trust to be successful.
Empathy: Our hope is that students learn to better value others. Students will participate in experiences with others that will require students practice the virtue of compassion in a team environment.
Fun: Our hope is that students have fun! Students will engage in experiences that are exciting and memorable.

Who can and should participate in an AWE outing?

All students grade 7-12! Students are encouraged to examine the AWE catalog carefully and choose an outing that is most appealing. After students have chosen their desired outing, students will be placed in groups of 5-7 students to participate in that adventure.

When will AWE outings occur?

AWE outings run from 7:40am-3pm (generally) during the school week. The outings are organized by seasons so that the students can choose the time of year that best works for their schedule or for a particular outing. After students have chosen an outing, Mr. Wall will confirm with students, parents, teachers, and coaches the best day for that group of students. It is important to carefully consider what time of year is best for a student’s choice.

Are there fees for AWE outings?

There are NO additional fees for any AWE outings. Students are required to have the gear from the outing’s gear list to participate. However, if a student does not personally own that gear, FRCS will do their best to provide gear needed. If gear can’t be provided, students are responsible for renting or obtaining gear for their chosen outing.

What happens when a student misses a day for AWE?

Students will be EXCUSED for an FRCS AWE outing. Teachers are aware that all students have this opportunity and will be informed of the date/time for each student’s scheduled outing. Students must still collaborate with their teachers to ensure that all work missed is completed on time as per the Family Handbook.

How does a student sign up for an AWE outing?

Students should email or meet with Mr. Wall () with their chosen activity and level. After the student’s request is made, Mr. Wall will reach out to the students and their families to finalize date options, gather chaperones as needed, and communicate any details pertaining to the AWE outing.

Important Note for Parents

If your student has a medical condition that may require an intervention (ex: diabetes, seizure disorder, fainting), please consider whether retreats or practicums at altitude are in their best interest. If accommodations need to be made to attend the practicum, retreat, or AWE of choice, please check in with the school nurse to be sure this is communicated with the chaperones so we can care for your student well.

Adventure and Wilderness Experiences

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” ~ Psalms 24:1

Why AWE?

Important Note for Parents

Academic Pages

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”
~ Psalms 24:1