Over forty-five years ago Soar was founded by Jonathan Jones, an adult with a learning disability who believed that focusing on an individual’s strengths, rather than deficits, was critical in ensuring success.
Jonathan and his wife purposely wanted SOAR to be a non-profit organization to have the capacity to reach out to families in need. Over the years SOAR’s programs have adapted for the specific needs of the LD and ADHD youth we serve.
Our understanding of this population is in everything we do at SOAR—it’s in the way we approach challenges and adventures, in the way we structure each day, in the way we handle conflicts, and in the way we celebrate each participant’s abilities.
SOAR is the world’s premier ADHD and Learning Difference adventure program offering accredited ADHD Summer Camp Courses. SOAR is also home to The Academy at SOAR, our private boarding school and GAP Year at SOAR. Our outdoor adventure based programs provide academic instruction, experiential education, and life skills development for youth and young adults ages 8-25.
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By John Willson, M.S. LRT/CTRS, visit soarnc.org
Understanding Experiential and Kinesthetic Learning Preferences
For many students, traditional education—centered around lectures, textbooks, and rote memorization—does not effectively foster engagement or long-term comprehension. This is particularly true for students with ADHD and learning differences, who often thrive in environments that emphasize experiential and kinesthetic learning.
Experiential learning is a process in which students gain knowledge and skills through direct experience and reflection. This hands-on approach allows learners to connect concepts with real-world applications, making the information more meaningful and easier to retain. John Dewey, the father of our educational systems, understood the power of experiential education and the importance of learning through experience, utilizing a hands on approach.
Kinesthetic learning, a subset of experiential learning, involves learning through movement and physical activity. Kinesthetic learners benefit from interactive experiences such as hands-on projects, role-playing, outdoor exploration, and team-building exercises. This approach is particularly effective for individuals with ADHD, as it leverages their natural inclination toward movement and engagement, turning potential distractions into assets for learning.
SOAR: Pioneering Experiential Learning for Students with ADHD and Learning Differences
One of the most outstanding programs that embraces experiential and kinesthetic learning is SOAR (Success Oriented Achievement Realized). Established in 1977, SOAR (soarnc.org) provides unique learning environments tailored for students with ADHD and other learning differences. Through adventure-based education, SOAR empowers students to develop self-confidence, problem-solving skills, social competence, and resilience.
SOAR offers three primary programs, each designed to nurture growth, academic success, and life skills through experiential learning:
1. The Academy at SOAR: A Strength-Based Approach to Learning
The Academy at SOAR is an accredited boarding school for students in grades 7-12 who have ADHD and /or learning challenges. Unlike traditional schools, the Academy employs a strength-based, hands-on curriculum that incorporates outdoor adventures and real-world applications to make learning both engaging and practical.
Key Features of The Academy at SOAR:
- Adventure-Based Academics: Subjects like science and math are integrated into field studies, outdoor activities, and real-world experiences, making concepts easier to understand.
- Small Class Sizes: With a 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio, students receive individualized attention and customized learning strategies.
- Executive Functioning Development: Students engage in time management, organization, and goal-setting exercises to strengthen executive functioning skills essential for academic and life success.
- Outdoor Expeditions: Students spend two weeks in a regular classroom environment and then embark on 14-day expeditions, including backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing, to develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
- Emphasis on Social Growth: Through structured social interactions and mentorship, students build confidence and develop essential interpersonal skills.
By incorporating movement-based learning and adventure education, the Academy helps students improve focus, build self-esteem, and achieve academic success in ways traditional classrooms often fail to provide.
2. The Gap Year at SOAR: Building Independence and Life Skills
For young adults (ages 18-24) who could use some additional time to transition successfully into college, careers, or independent living, SOAR’s Gap Year Program provides a structured and supportive environment designed to foster growth, self-reliance, and acquire the life skills necessary to find success as they embark on whatever path they choose.
Why Choose SOAR’s Gap Year Program?
- Experiential Learning & Travel: Students participate in service projects, outdoor expeditions, and internships in locations across the United States, Costa Rica, and beyond.
- Executive Functioning Coaching: A core focus is on time management, organization, and independent living skills, ensuring students develop strategies for success in higher education or the workforce.
- Career and College Readiness: Students receive guidance on resume-building, interview preparation, and college applications, along with financial literacy and budgeting lessons.
- Hands-On Problem Solving: The program fosters self-advocacy and decision-making skills through real-world challenges and responsibilities.
- Mentorship and Social Development: Participants engage in team-building exercises, personal coaching, and leadership training, enhancing their social confidence and emotional intelligence.
Through a combination of travel, outdoor adventures, and real-world skill-building, SOAR’s Gap Year Program empowers young adults to develop confidence, independence, and the tools needed to thrive in life beyond high school.
3. Summer Programs at SOAR: Adventure-Based Learning in Action
SOAR’s summer camps provide an immersive, adventure-based experience for youth ages 8-18 with ADHD and learning differences. These programs emphasize personal growth, skill-building, and outdoor exploration.
Highlights of SOAR’s Summer Programs:
- Outdoor Adventures: Activities such as backpacking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and horseback riding teach perseverance and resilience.
- Small Group Dynamics: Campers are grouped into small teams of six to eight participants with two instructors, ensuring personalized attention and the development of meaningful friendships.
- Skill Development: Campers gain skills in problem-solving, teamwork, perseverance, communication, and leadership while fostering independence and confidence.
- Personal Growth & Reflection: Each camper participates in goal-setting activities, personal reflections, and focus on their gifts as they recognize their achievements.
- Supportive and Understanding Environment: Camp staff are trained in ADHD-friendly teaching strategies, ensuring a positive, encouraging experience for every participant at a ratio of one instructor for every four campers.
SOAR’s summer camps provide an ideal opportunity for children and teens to engage in experiential learning, embrace challenges, and develop a strong sense of self in a supportive and fun setting.
Why SOAR’s Approach Works for ADHD and Learning Differences
SOAR’s programs are uniquely effective because they align with the strengths and needs of students with ADHD and learning differences:
- Movement and Engagement: By incorporating physical activity and real-world experiences, SOAR ensures that learning is dynamic, engaging, and impactful.
- Hands-On Learning: The experiential model allows students to see, touch, and experience concepts firsthand, making retention and understanding more natural.
- Structured Support & Independence: Programs balance structured guidance with opportunities for self-reliance, teaching participants essential life skills.
- Confidence and Social Skills: By fostering teamwork, self-awareness, and leadership, SOAR helps students develop the confidence and interpersonal skills needed for success.
A Transformative Educational Experience
For students who struggle in conventional educational settings, SOAR provides an alternative that nurtures strengths, builds confidence, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential. Through its Academy, Gap Year, and Summer Programs, SOAR continues to redefine learning by integrating adventure, experiential education, and personal growth into every experience.
If you or a loved one could benefit from an environment that embraces kinesthetic and experiential learning, SOAR offers a pathway to success that is engaging, effective, and truly transformative. To learn more, visit soarnc.org.
