Adventure-Based Advising
BUILDING CONNECTIONS THROUGH ADVENTURE-BASED LEARNING
ADVENTURE-BASED LEARNING IS A POWERFUL TOOL for fostering meaningful connections among students and enhancing advisory programs. By engaging in new and sometimes challenging activities, participants experience moments of vulnerability that encourage authenticity and strengthen relationships — all while keeping fun at the heart of the process. This five-day institute, offered in partnership with Peers Not Fears, LLC, is designed as a train-the-trainer model, ensuring participants not only learn strategies but also practice them as students, preparing them to implement and train others in their schools. Participants will learn and practice techniques to use advisory time effectively to build strong student-advisor relationships, gain hands-on experience by facilitating adventure-based activities designed to build confidence and connection, and leave equipped with resources to develop and enhance advisory curricula. To support participants in putting these strategies into action, Peers Not Fears will provide ongoing guidance throughout the 2025-26 school year, helping to strengthen connections and maintain accountability.
Monday
Foundations and Connections
Register, settle into your dorm room, and meet the cohort for icebreakers to build rapport. Spend time focusing on the foundations of adventure-based learning and advisory challenges before heading to a cocktail hour and gourmet dinner at Pomfret's dining hall.
Tuesday
Trust and Teamwork
Dive into trust-building activities and hands-on initiatives to explore the principles of adventure-based learning, fostering teamwork and connection.
Wednesday
Leading the Way
Transition to facilitation with group leadership exercises. Build skills in debriefing, problem-solving, and leading adventure-based activities.
Thursday
Expanding and Adapting
Explore a variety of adventure-based learning resources, from portables to low ropes courses. Focus on scaling challenges, adapting activities, and facilitating thoughtful group reflections to enhance learning outcomes.
Friday
Practicing and Closing
Practice facilitation in a supportive setting. Reflect on the week’s work and solidify strategies for applying adventure-based learning in advisory programs.
Meet Your Facilitators
Lorraine Connell
Lorraine Connell is a distinguished expert in teen leadership coaching, with over two decades of experience in education and leadership development. As the founder and owner of Peers Not Fears, LLC, she specializes in nurturing leadership skills in high school students through intentional, research-based programs. Lorraine challenges the traditional notion that leaders are born, emphasizing the importance of practice, resilience, and intentional growth. Her programs integrate social-emotional learning to create inclusive, empowering environments that foster personal and professional development. Lorraine's innovative approach and empathetic coaching style have made a significant impact, transforming individuals and communities by building confidence, enhancing skills, and empowering students to see themselves as leaders. She is dedicated to continuous learning and inclusivity, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to lead and succeed. Lorraine holds a Master’s degree in Education, is a certified chemistry teacher, and is known for her engaging presentations and adaptability to the unique needs of diverse groups.
Justin Connell
With twenty years of experience teaching in both public and independent schools, Justin Connell brings a dynamic and student-centered approach to education. Throughout his career, he has taught a range of science courses and designed elective courses tailored to meet the unique needs of his students. He is passionate about igniting curiosity and excitement in every student he teaches.