Graduation Information
The following information will act as a general guide to help you anticipate what your student's graduation from ALE will look like.
During your son or daughter's graduation we will expose you to the same setting that she or he has lived in every day while at ALE. We invite you to join your adolescent in the wilderness environment, because we believe it gives you an opportunity to step out of your "comfort zone" and experience in a small way some of what your teen has experienced. This will help you to empathize and appreciate the challenges each student has faced during the past weeks. Through this experience, you will gain a sense of the ALE model of change.
We will hike with you to the area where your adolescent's group is camped. During the graduation, your son or daughter's group will demonstrate skills they have learned, and describe the processes they have utilized to help them along their journey of self-discovery at ALE.
Prior to the graduation process, your adolescent's Field Supervisor will coach you to use the model of communication that we have been teaching in the field. This model encourages respect, empathy and accountability. It has been our experience that this is a time for parents to practice communication skills, build trust with their teen, set boundaries, and acquire strategies that will help with the adolescent's next step after ALE. Your field supervisor will also review any transition plans or behavior contract that he or she has worked on with you.
The hike to your student's campsite is minimally strenuous - between an eighth and a quarter mile. Cameras and drinking water are encouraged. If a member of the family has any special medical requirements, please discuss this in advance with your student's field supervisor. The graduation is usually concluded by 12:00 pm, but this varies depending upon group size and other variables.
Itinerary
(This is a sample itinerary. Please speak to your child's Field Supervisor for actual times as they vary week to week)
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8:00am - Arrive at 82 Church St. in Saranac Lake,
where you will meet your student's field supervisor.
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8:40am - Drive to the field, approximately 20 minutes.
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9:15am - Hike to campsite where graduation will be held.
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9:30am - Graduation commences.
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11:30am - Graduation is concluded. Hike back to parking area.
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12 noon - Sort gear, gather student's belongings. Depart.
Who Should Attend Graduation?
Except for special cases, it is important for both parents to attend the graduation process. In the past, parents who are divorced have been able to cooperate in such a manner as to attend the graduation together. Siblings are also welcome. Please notify your student's Field Supervisor in advance as to whom will be attending graduation, so that we can plan accordingly.
What Should You Bring?
Summer weather: water bottle, one each short and long-sleeved shirt, one set of rain gear, one hat for sun/rain protection, sturdy walking shoes, lip blam or chapstick, insect repellant & sun screen.
Winter weather: water bottle, warm sweater (wool or fleece), one set of rain gear, one warm hat (wool or fleece), lip balm or chapstick, oe pair winter gloves, extra socks & thermal underwear (top and bottom).
What you should refrain from bringing:
Please do not bring food or snack items to graduation.
Tobacco use is not allowed at any time during our program.
In Conclusion:
We are looking forward to seeing you at Adirondack Leadership Expeditions. We hope that this information will help you to prepare for this important process. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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