New River Academy Gap Year
“And that has made all the difference.”
Who should apply? If you are a kayaker who recently graduated high school then the New River Academy Gap Year is an unmatched program. Simply stated, this is “hands-on” the best kayak program offering the highest level of leadership, academic, and logistics development for gap year students.
Goals:
- To have fun in a positive and rewarding environment.
- To offer hands-on leadership skills in a fashion that best prepares students for colleges and future careers.
- To explore and learn from rich and vibrant cultures.
- To develop ambassador skills on local, regional, and international levels.
- To academically challenge and inspire students.
- To lead via hands-on negotiating international logistics planning.
What will a gap year student learn?
There are three components broken into categories. Here are the three components: Academics, Athletics, and Leadership.
Academic goals: to take advantage of cultural and educational opportunities within each region we explore in a fashion that is both inspiring and challenging.
Independent Study- gap year students will choose an independent study project. It should be something they have always wanted to learn but maybe never had the time. Past projects have included: guitar, playing keyboard, logging river logistics we paddle in textbook fashion, herbatology and wilderness survival course advanced placement or university courses for college credit, learning poi, Students will make their own syllabus to map their goals, choose their text, design their own grading method, and have a regular check system for their progress.
Foreign Language- gap year students are required to take a foreign language course. It is recommended that a minimum of one Spanish hour be taken. Spanish is a highly motivational course within the New River Academy environment. Every student and teacher wants to learn Spanish for future South and Central American exploration.
Video or Photo Media- gap year students are required to take a Video or Photo Media course. Students will walk away from a semester with a newfound passion, skill, and recorded memories. Our destinations are photogenic and often students are published by the outdoor industry.
Athletic goals: to become physically fit, to challenge oneself, and to improve daily.
Kayaking- the kayaking the New River Academy offers is unmatched. Whether you are just learning to run class III or mastering the helix you will be challenged and encouraged by your peers and coaches. Students will learn everything from how to master the latest and greatest tricks to how to boof and run waterfalls. Structured kayaking in a safe environment is at the core of the New River Academy day.
Safety- gap year students will first participate in safety courses and later develop swift-water rescue techniques. River safety protocol is learned at the beginning of each quarter as the primary focus of the New River Academy kayak program.
Training- New River Academy students train daily either on or off of the water. It is not always easy waking for morning workouts. At the end of the day and semester students are proud of their physical well-being and are provided with motivation to continue this healthy lifestyle. Training is not always running or strength training. See our alternative activities for examples.
Leadership goals: to instill ambassador qualities and to teach fundamental leadership skills that will best prepare students for college and future careers.
“Ever wondered how kayakers get around internationally? Do they hire a driver, ride a bus, rent a van, and take a train…” We will teach you the secrets that will make any trip enjoyable, safe, and most economical.
International Logistics- gap year students will have the opportunity to completely plan the big three logistics concerns: food, lodging, and transportation. Students are taught negotiating rules to follow that will benefit them in every life negotiation scenario. The thrill of negotiating in a foreign language with real money is “priceless.” Students will also learn what to look for, what to avoid, the value of the logistics person, how to hire river shuttles...
Student Leadership- gap year students naturally become leaders of the New River Academy. They are given additional responsibilities that bring them rewards in turn. The student leaders learn and plan the entire schedule of the New River Academy with a goal to maintain a high group moral, offer a clean and stable educational and training environment, and provide inspiration for all to progress.
Service Projects- each quarter student leaders plan service projects. These have included: river cleanups, offering gifts at Pucon orphanage, teaching Chilean students how to paddle, and New Zealand hurricane cleanup…
Alternative Activities- one day per week New River Academy is required to take a day off from paddling and plan an alternative (to kayaking) activity. Student leaders will learn how to and then plan the logistics for these activities. These are often the most memorable activities and include: volcano hikes, visiting colleges, exploring the rainforest, viewing a serpantarium, relaxing in a hot spring, going wakeboarding, planning a horseback ride…