The basic principle of the Great Hollow Wilderness School is the belief that experiential education provides opportunities for growth and learning for everyone in an environment which minimizes socio-economic and cultural barriers. GHWS is unique in that it has made a commitment to serve historically under-represented populations in the field of experiential education. As a result, our staff is a direct reflection of the people we serve. Great Hollow combines adventure-based programs with strong group process. From the outset, students are told that everyone has something to contribute, that in order to succeed everyone must work together, and that if they can succeed at Great Hollow, they can succeed anywhere. Participants encounter the ropes course, climb mountains, cook over fires, canoe, rock climb, and make decisions both good and bad. Through initiatives, activities and discussions, participants begin to see that they are responsible for their successes and failures; understand that their environment should not dictate their actions, and that with hard work and focus, all dreams are attainable. Most of all, they learn that no matter what barriers they are confronted with, they should never lose sight of their goals. We offer young people an opportunity to be proud, and to see intellect and ability where they have often seen self-doubt.

    As a result of testimony given by Upward Bound/ConnCAP graduates asserting the significant impact of the GHWS experience, the Connecticut Department of Higher Education continues to make funding available so more Upward Bound students can participate. Over the last 37 years, GHWS has dramatically increased its client base.  A testament to our success is the large number of Great Hollow graduates attending institutions of higher learning across the country, many of whom point to their experience at Great Hollow as one of the keys to their success.

Upward Bound is a federally funded, academic program designed to break the cycle of poverty. Established for first generation college-bound students from families with low or modest income, it encourages students to successfully complete high school, achieve acceptance to, and complete a course of study at an institution of higher learning. Upward Bound, and the state funded corresponding program ConnCAP are highly successful, college-based programs of rigorous academic instruction, individual tutoring, and counseling.

GHWS provides three to fourteen-day rite-of-passage experiences for incoming Upward Bound/ConnCAP students. Self-confidence, personal and social responsibility, goal setting, and perseverance are developed through a series of activities including technical rock climbing, whitewater canoeing, backpacking, caving, and camping.

Great Hollow Wilderness School is an adventure-based leadership development program. Since its inception, Great Hollow Wilderness School has served Wesleyan University’s Upward Bound Program and has expanded to serve middle and high school students from public and private schools, agencies, youth groups, specialized academic or redirection programs, and college students.

An experience-based education program at GHWS offers:

1. •Opportunities for students to challenge themselves in a setting free from the negative aspects of competition and with the encouraging support of peers
   

2. •Leadership development, experimentation with different leadership styles and followership
   

3. •Chances for students to bond and develop or renew friendships and supportive networks
   

4. •Relationship building, learning to trust, communicate, and work effectively with peers and faculty
   

5. •Discovery of new strengths and new perspectives for students to look at themselves, others, and their world.
   

Our staff is our primary resource for the delivery of quality, experiential programming. Recognizing the critical need for high caliber staff, we seek to recruit and attract diverse, mature, talented, enthusiastic, and committed individuals. Once a high quality staff is assembled, they will be trained in accordance with state guidelines, safety practices, and specific skill areas including facilitation skills, and methods for incorporating ideology and mission into all activities.

In addition to obtaining first aid and other appropriate certifications, all staff participates in a full, two-week training course prior to the start of the summer session. Training areas include all technical and soft skill areas of adventure-based programming: rock site management, ropes course management, white water canoeing, caving, back country travel, hiking and backpacking, processing, group dynamics, diverse training, situational leadership, and safety and judgment. Also included are lessons on developmental stages of learning, self-esteem in young children, games and initiatives for cooperative learning, emergency procedures and protocols, and conflict resolution to name a few.