The ABLE (Adventure Based Learning Experiences) program is devoted to enhancing critical skills and self-concepts that contribute to success within academic classes and outside of the school environment. These skills and concepts include: self-esteem, self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership. The pedagogy is adventure based. The courses are group oriented, experiential programs that are customized in-house for DVFS students. The courses provide high school credit and are required for graduation.
ABLE offers various courses throughout the year.(
current ABLE year’s offerings) Some are extended trips such as sailing in the Florida Keys, hiking the Inca trails in Peru, exploring the rain forest in Costa Rica, canoeing in Canada, and bike touring in Maryland. Others are a series of individual days closer to home including rock climbing and local ropes courses.
In the middle school, we provide an introduction to ABLE through teambuilding and orienteering at the start of the year and experiential education days in the middle of the year.