Our Mission
Our setting and facilities are remarkable, but the true heart of the 100 Elk program is the staff. We set no limitations on the participants, but allow each to soar in their own way. Whether it be getting past a difficult section of the ropes course or removing the fear that enables them to mount a horse and take a few steps, the staff are right there, supporting each step with understanding. Each staff member brings their own strengths, but a common element is their pure enjoyment of watching students learn and grow both in knowledge and character.
Overarching Guidelines
100 Elk staff sets these goals daily:
- We expect that each student will come away from their experience with a heightened awareness of those around them, a sense of self-worth and accomplishment, and a new appreciation of teamwork.
- We work towards each student gaining an appreciation for the outdoors and therefore live with a greater respect and care for the environment.
- We want students to feel valued and respected while here and take home what they've learned.
- We know that each student will have an incredible amount of fun!
Staff
100 Elk staff are experienced outdoor educators from all over the country. Each has had specific and extensive training in the activities that 100 Elk offers, and comes ready to provide the safety, the care for the students, and large quantity of fun inherent in each activity.
The ropes course. – It seems to be the most challenging for the kids and where I saw the most growth in kids and counselors. It offers so many variations and is so much fun.”
— Matt Munhall, New Hampshire, Staff Spring 2008
Getting kids to understand, witness, and experience the value of pushing themselves and being pushed to be better. ...seeing our energy, patience, love, our ability to see past limitations for others, our discipline, hard work and joy.”
— Eric Olsen, Michigan, Staff Spring 2008
Everyone who comes here notices how well they are supported and how harmoniously things go.”
— Robert Horner, North Carolina, Staff Spring 2008
100 Elk is demonstrating the real-life application of leaving behind physical limits. We had several students this season do the ropes course with a cast on their leg.”
— Scott Browning, Illinois, Staff Spring 2008
The most valuable part is the various ways we incorporate, whether directly or indirectly to the kids, teamwork into each rotation. I think its so important and vital to kids’ lives to be apart of a team outside a school’s realm. Learning to be a conscious leader as well as a good follower/listener are essential tools.
We need to keep 100 Elk around in general because kids learn life lessons and aren’t subject to usual personality restrictions placed on them from teachers or peers. Another valuable part of the program is our expectation that the kids challenge themselves.”
— Stacy Rader, Michigan, Staff Spring 2008
Everything about the meals. The sitting around talking together, manners, cleaning, and the songs learned!! The songs set the stage for allowing them to be silly with their school. The cleaning gives them responsibility and makes them more aware of their surroundings and impact. Sitting down at a table and eating and enjoying each other might not be something they get at home. Asking to be excused and not taking huge amounts may be as well. We all get to feel like a family.”
— Beth Bergstrom, Iowa, Staff Spring 2008
The best, most valuable part of 100 Elk is its very positive outreach
to the surrounding communities. In just about 99% of the evaluations we
receive back from 100 Elk participants are brimming over with gratitude
and are eager to make next years reservations right then and there! 100
Elk has such a positive impact its hard to imagine it not around! I
remember a simple archery class for some “at risk” kids from Buena
Vista. At first they were very timid and not wanting to talk but by the
end they gave the entire 100 Elk staff hugs and some were even crying
because they didn’t want to leave! I’ll always remember that and they
probably will too. It’s a wonderful thing to be apart of such a
spectacular program that brings so much joy and learning into others’
lives.”
— Ryan Kingsbery, Texas, Staff Spring 2008
We are united in our purpose, spirit, and true light. This light of joy, creativity, order, selflessness, brotherly love, shining freely to all who come here is the essence of 100 Elk! Regardless of the excellent activities and instruction, it is the unified brilliant example we all live that draws out, and brings out the best in all children, young and old. And this drawing out of the true qualities is the best education possible.
— Matt Wilson, Toronto, Canada, Staff Spring 2008