Program Objectives |
Breakfree Programs |
How You Can Help |
Since many urban youth do not have the resources and do not have organized outdoor outings available to them, the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club initiated a program called 'Breakfree' to organize outings, provide equipment and staffing to initially, the local Poughkeepsie high school youth. This program is intended to augment the current programs of the chapter and build on the chapter's work in the areas of conservation, education and wilderness maintenance.
The Breakfree vision is to provide programs of various types that provide as broad a range of outdoor experiences as possible. The following program phases have currently been defined and are offered during the course of the school year;
Since the Breakfree program is intended to organize and staff outings, and provide essential equipment for the participating youth, it's success is dependent on the sustained involvement of people in three primary areas:
1. We need volunteers who will assist us in chaperoning the outings and developing youth programs. People are needed with skills in the following areas: outdoor skills, public relations, social service skills that enable you to work with youth at risk, community people who have experience working with the target population, and educators. And of course, we need volunteers who simply like to work with young people.
2. The program needs appropriate outdoor equipment that can be used by the participating young people: backpacks, tents (backpacking and larger family campground tents) day packs, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, stuff sacks, stoves, water bottles, etc. We have already solicited and received some donations of equipment from outdoor equipment companies, but still have needs in most equipment categories.
3. Operational expenses, such as transportation, food, lodging, and activity fees are associated with each outdoor program. Funding for these expenses become the third critical need that will determine a successful program.
If you are interested in volunteering, donating equipment or money please contact Tom Lint, at 845-266-3904, or e-mail him at htlint@aol.com.