PA's Annual Spring Fundraiser Bigger and Better than Ever!

PA staff and friends are looking forward to a evening of food, music, and libations -- and it's all for a good cause!

Savour, our annual Spring Fundraiser, promises to be an evening no one should miss. On the menu are culinary delights from Boston Area chefs and spirit-lifting rock 'n roll from the Fabulous Clams. All of this takes place at our beautiful campus overlooking Wenham Lake on Thursday, June 25th.

Proceeds support Project Adventure's teacher training programs and direct service educational programs for children and young adults. Tickets are still available, so invite all your friends!

PA Employees are Sparking their minds and Achieving Fitness!

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

John Quincy Adams

In an ongoing commitment to practice the very philosophy we teach at Project Adventure, the office and support staff has decided to get moving! For 15 minutes each day, staff are invited to engage in activities that increase heart rates and jump start minds. The activities happen in the afternoon, when we see ourselves "dragging" and in need of a pick-me-up.

How it works:

• At a designated time in the afternoon, anyone who can leave their desk are invited to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
• A variety of activities are encouraged so everyone can join in, whether it be a brisk walk or a group Adventure Activity.
• 15 minutes is all it takes! Everyone is on their honor and tracks their own time.

We view this effort as an opportunity to have fun, get moving, and improve health and wellness. Every person is different, and we are striving for a program that allows for individual progress, but at the same time encourages inclusiveness and group unity.

We continue to be inspired by Dr. John Ratey's book, Spark, which has made a definitive case for the relationship between exercise and increased brain activity. In the short time we have implemented this company-wide policy, the evidence is clear:

"After just a few minutes of activity, I get back to my desk and am buzzing with energy. I dive back in to emails and projects that, previously, I couldn't focus on. Who knew jumping around and laughing with my co-workers could help me get more work done!"

"What I've noticed, after just a week, is a heightened sense of clarity, an ability to prioritize and concentrate. No more black coffee!"

We all know what it's like to be buried in piles of work; some know it all too well. It is encouraging to know that taking a little time out for physical activity can actually help get through those piles of work!

Have a similar program? Tell us what is working for you! Looking to start one? It's easier than you think! Adventure activities can help you jump start your staff and we are happy to help. Email info@pa.org or call 978-524-4556 to hear more about the publications and equipment that inspire us!

Champions for Physical Education Partner to Answer the Call!

PE4life, the nation’s leading advocate for quality health and wellness based physical education programs, and Project Adventure, Inc., (PA) an innovative teaching organization providing
leadership in the expansion of Adventure-based experimental programming, have signed a strategic Program Partnership that will impact the health and fitness of children and youth across the United States.

Find out more about this exciting new partnership here.

Nike Innovation Grants Program

Nike - Jordan Fundamentals Grant ProgramThe Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program recognizes outstanding teaching and instructional creativity in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States that serve economically disadvantaged students. Innovation Grants, averaging $5,000, are available for individual teachers for projects that impact classroom innovation and improve instruction. Inspiration Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 are available to teams of teachers to support scaling-up the implementation of successful approaches developed with Innovation Grants. Applicants should create and implement an educational approach that supports improved student academic achievement and/or social, emotional, and behavioral interventionsApplicants from all 50 States and the District of Columbia will be considered with priority given to communities where the Jordan Brand or Nike, Inc. has a significant presence. At least 50% of the school’s student population must be eligible for free or reduced school lunch at time of application. Deadline: March 30, 2009Please Note: The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) does not administer this funding opportunity.Contact Nike directly for more specific program and grant details:http://www.nike.com/jumpman23/features/fundamentals/overview.html