Charlestown Explorations is a program that offers youth ages 14-19 the opportunity to develop and practice daily living skills in a structured, supportive and positive environment five days a week. The program includes weekly participant-planned field trips and team-building activities as well as participation in group community service projects. The participants will practice how to navigate public transportation and use it to travel to various activities throughout the city. Program curriculum is integrated into the activities and focused on improving stress management skills, social competence, and increasing self-awareness. Activities take place in small groups with a high staff-to-youth ratio to provide participants with individualized coaching.
The goals of the program are as follows:
- To give participants a fun filled experience in a structured supportive setting.
- To help develop independent living skills.
- To provide direct feedback about the use of communication, organizational, and social skills.
- To increase participants’ social and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities.
- To offer varied experiences in community settings.
- To create an age-appropriate environment that supports a sense of empowerment, in which self-monitoring and self-advocacy can be discussed and practiced..
- To be responsive to feedback provided by participants and their families about their needs.
This camp with MGHfC Aspire must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.