The Adam Kreiger Adventure Program provides special opportunities that enable people of all ages to realize Adam's zest for living and to discover the courage within themselves and face the challenges in life.


Read more below to find out:

Who was Adam Kreiger | What is an 'Adventure Program' | Who do We Serve | FAQ | Staff | Contact Us | Useful Links


Who was Adam Kreiger?

Adam Kreiger '91 was an active and integral student and athlete at Hopkins School. In the early 1990's, Adam was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Despite his prognosis, Adam was not consumed by the struggles to follow. Rather, he used past life experiences, along with tremendous support from his family, friends, and the community to embrace and cope with the challenges he was facing.

Over the next few years, Adam would go on to graduate from Hopkins School, enroll at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and work through his illness.

Adam's impact on others was evident and powerful in their interactions with him. Not only had he bonded a community in New Haven, CT, but he continued to transfer his spirit to those whose lives he touched in Cambridge, MA as well. Above all else, Adam wanted other people facing challenges in life to have the chance to experience their own adventure and aim to reach their full potential, as he had many opportunities to do in his own lifetime.

After Adam's passing in 1993 and in honor of his profound memory and legacy, in 1994, Hopkins School and the Adam Kreiger Fund joined together to create what currently exists as the Adam Kreiger Adventure Program.

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What is an 'Adventure Program'?

Adventure in this context provides people with an opportunity to learn something about themselves, others, and the environment around them. This can be accomplished through a number of activities that involve varying levels of strategy, cooperation, trust, and ultimately group effort. Most of the program takes place on or within a few feet from the ground.  It is designed to push participants to further realize their own potential, as well as that of their group. These games, initiatives, and problem-solving activities make up the Challenge Course.

Our state-of-the-art Challenge Course, installed by Karl Rohnke, Project Adventure, Inc. and Northeast Adventure, LLC. has over 30 low and high elements (structures that are made up of any series or combination of wires, ropes, cables, tires, and wood.) Both indoor and outdoor activities focus on a wide range of objectives which may include establishing group trust, cohesion, and/or communication. Nearly all the activities are designed to incorporate feasible challenges; physical as well as mental. Through some of the latest developments in Challenge Course technology, we are able to offer suitable and enjoyable programs for participants of all abilities. Each program differs based on the goals and objectives of the participants and will be handled at a pace that is appropriate and suitable for each respective group.

Click here for photos of our Challenge Course.

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Who do we serve?

Enhancing Life at Hopkins:

Due to Adam's legacy, our beautiful campus setting, and the enduring support of the institution that helped create AKAP, many of the people we serve are in the Hopkins Community. Since it is a vital addition to traditional classroom academics, components of AKAP are threaded through various aspects of the academic curriculum and the athletic team experience. It also provides developmental leadership opportunities for both staff and students on campus.

In accordance with the Hopkins mission, the Adventure Program also works to 'develop...the foundation for a lifelong love of learning' and 'nurture the development of character essential to leading a rich and purposeful life.' The foundational philosophy of AKAP is premised on a belief that many people can learn more effectively through direct experience in addition to thoughtful reflection and analysis of that experience. By providing individuals and groups with a series of sequenced challenges in a safe environment, the program's goal is to build the skill set for participants to:

• Become effective leaders
• Find productive conflict resolution approaches
• Be confident members of high-performance teams
• Appreciate and take ownership of the group process
• Understand responsibility to themselves, others, and the community
• Encourage conscientious risk-taking beyond perceived limitations
• Excel at their endeavors

Click here for photos of Hopkins faculty, staff and students on the Challenge Course.

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Community Groups

AKAP can be used effectively for various community groups, schools, and professional organizations. Activities can be tailored to developing community-based solutions for difficult social issues (i.e. bullying, community policing, diversity, and collaboration).  Groups looking for unique professional development activities can also benefit from AKAP; executive teams, office staff, school administrators, and healthcare providers have all used the program in the past. Through their AKAP experience, such organizations can better familiarize themselves with co-workers, as well as fine-tune their groups' productivity and efficacy. Those who are willing to utilize AKAP also have the opportunity to explore new concepts and find growth amongst their peers and colleagues.

In accordance with Adam's vision, we aim to reach people in the community who may not have experienced an Adventure Program before, and could benefit from its facility and programs offered.

In addition, we'll also be happy to come to your facility and run similar programs and activities based on your needs.

Click here for a list of our friends and clients in the New England Community.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

How much does it cost?

Programs are priced differently and according to the length of day and needs of the organization.  We are also able to provide lunch upon request for a nominal fee.  Please call our office for specific program fees.

What should we bring?

As a general rule, especially in colder months, it's always better to bring more than you might need or dress in layers you can remove if necessary (jackets, gloves, hats, etc.).  Make sure to check the weather before the day of your program for specific temperatures (zip code is 06515).  We ask that you wear comfortable clothes you can move around in as well as comfortable close-toed shoes that are conducive to you spending the day outdoors in the woods.  We ask you to try and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day and sunscreen to protect your skin (especially in the summer months).

What if it rains?

We do not have consistent access to indoor space, therefore we operate on a rain or shine basis.  Usually we will schedule a rain date when you book with us in the event of thunderstorms or particularly inclement weather.  Otherwise, we put on our rain gear and enjoy a passing shower! 

How can we prepare for the day?

Review all the necessary paperwork to ensure you have filled out everything.  Our Participant Waiver Form must be filled out COMPLETELY and signed (by a parent or guardian if the participant is under 18 years of age) in order for you to participate.

Depending on the needs of your group, think about why you or the coordinator of your trip might have chosen to come to AKAP.  How can you get the most out of this experience?  How can you be open-minded to something new and challenging?  What might you want to learn about yourself or your group members?

What if I am afraid of heights?

To be fearful of heights is extremely common, justified, and understood by Challenge Course Practitioners across the field.  It is important to remember that as a result of these fears, people are either more likely to think they are unable to do something, or they are less willing to attempt a task.  Many of the activities in the Adventure Program are located at heights no more than 1-2 feet off the ground.  We are more than willing to tailor the program so that it meets the needs of your specific group.  Regardless, throughout your experience, we would ask that you keep in mind the 'Challenge by Choice' philosophy.

Challenge by Choice (CBC) indicates that we will not force you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable to the point of misadventure.  We want your experience with AKAP to be an enjoyable one.  Keep in mind that each person has varying levels of what they see as challenging and your body is usually capable of a lot more than you might think.  The CBC philosophy allows you to choose your level of challenge in each activity, knowing that you will be asked to stretch your limits and go a bit beyond what you think you are able to do. 

How do I know I'll be safe?

Given the nature of our activities, Facilitators and participants take increasingly more precautions as your level of challenge rises.  It is important to remember the difference between perceived risk and actual risk.  Generally, our perceived risk among some of the activities on the Challenge Course is much higher than the actual risk.

Additionally, each Facilitator is First Aid and CPR certified, and there are 3 Licensed Athletic Trainers at Hopkins School on call during the school week and most Saturdays.  As far as our equipment is concerned, the Challenge Course must pass annual inspections and meet the standards set by ACCT - Association for Challenge Course Technology.

Where are you located?

The Adam Kreiger Adventure Program sits on about 44 acres of undeveloped land owned by Hopkins School in New Haven, CT.  We are 3 miles from downtown New Haven at 986 Forest Road.  The Challenge Course is situated in the woods on campus adjacent to the athletic fields and just beyond the Forest Road parking lot. 

For directions to Hopkins School, click here.

Where do we park?

During the school week, up to 400 students, faculty and staff park on campus.  As a result, we highly encourage you to carpool.  In the event that you need to bring your own vehicle(s), you should come through the Forest Road entrance, continue past the numbered reserved spaces and park in our far gravel lot. 

If your group is coming on buses and/or being dropped off, please come through the Forest Road entrance and drop off at the bottom of the large set of stairs.  Your Facilitator(s) will meet you there.  

Click here for a map of Hopkins campus and our parking lots.   

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Staff

With about 30 different Facilitators working for us throughout any given season, all the years of expertise combined reach well into the hundreds!  These valuable and talented staff come from all over Connecticut with varying backgrounds and degrees, and our average Facilitator age is about 35.

The Director, Shelly Gibson, joined Hopkins' Faculty in 2007. She holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from The Pennsylvania State University in Psychology and Philosophy and received her graduate degree in Outdoor Education at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. In addition to running all aspects of AKAP, Shelly advises 10th grade, coaches Winter Track, and runs a 'Leadership Challenge' course over the winter & spring terms with Junior School Athletics.

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Contact Us

Our office is open consistently during regular business hours and our Facilitators are generally willing to work 12 months a year, 7 days a week.  To learn more about the Adam Kreiger Adventure Program, contact Shelly Gibson at 203.387.3495.


Useful Links

Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT)
Association for Experiential Education (AEE)
The Connecticut Challenge Course Professionals
High 5 Adventure Learning Center
L.E.A.D.
Northeast Adventures, LLC.
Reviewing & Activities
Riverfront Recapture
The University of Edinburgh - Outdoor Education


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