SOAR

SOAR believes all individuals identified with learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit disorders (ADD, ADHD, AD/HD) possess inherent talents, abilities,...See more » SOAR believes all individuals identified with learning disabilities (LD) and attention deficit disorders (ADD, ADHD, AD/HD) possess inherent talents, abilities, and gifts, which we harness during our summer camps, fall and spring weekends, winter break program and semester courses. The SOAR model is founded on two fundamental principles. The first principle is youth with LD and ADHD flourish when they are encouraged to focus on their strengths in an experiential setting, such as summer camp and outdoor adventure activities. The second principle is that youth with LD and ADHD must develop and utilize strategies that enable them to deal with the challenges associated with LD and ADHD. Students participating in SOAR's summer camps, weekend, winter break and semester courses take part in adventure experiences as diverse as camping, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, SCUBA diving, sea kayaking, and horseback riding. These activities provide the venue for developing problem-solving skills; effective communication strategies; increased self-awareness and general social skills. By achieving this success at SOAR, each student builds essential self-esteem and self-confidence that translates into all walks of life. Even though SOAR serves youth with LD and ADHD exclusively, our students do not view SOAR as a LD or ADD summer camp or an LD or ADHD adventure program. As a matter of fact, our students will probably not hear the terms learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder or the acronyms, LD or ADHD, during their SOAR experience. SOAR moves past the labels and focuses on strategies for dealing with the challenges associated with LD and AD/HD. Likewise, SOAR focuses on the gifts and abilities of each youth - strengths that will launch them into a life filled with opportunity and success.See less »