What are Group Dynamics? |
Group Dynamics refers to the interactive nature of individuals within the contexts of a group. These interactions between individuals within the group are distinctly different than in one-on-one interactions. Group Dynamics also refers to the study of the nature of groups. |
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What Affects Group Dynamics? |
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The dynamic of any group can be influenced by the personalities of each of its members, and by what the group is specified to do. The influence of the group on the individual can be strong/weak, influential/ineffective or overwhelming/insignificant, depending on the nature of the group and the participation level of the individual.
Group Dynamics may also influence the behaviour of the individuals depending on their position within the group, their task within the group and their behavioural pattern with regards to the group. |
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How Are Group Dynamics Addressed in the Contexts of Experiential Education? |
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The majority of Outdoor Education ( Experiential Education) activities are performed in groups. These groups, usually ranging in size from 10-14 individuals, complete the majority of these activities as a unit. It is through these groups and the interaction of individuals within the group that the learning of leadership qualities, the ability to communicate, share, organize and discuss, are learned from one another. The dynamic between the individuals itself is as powerful a learning experience as any analysis or debrief following the activity. |
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What sets Berkshire Outdoor Center Apart from its Competitors? |
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Leadership Development programs at the Berkshire Outdoor Center specifically focus on the development of leadership skills within the individual, and the related dynamic within the group. The majority of our activities are done in small groups of around 12 individuals, and each activity is debriefed, giving the individuals within the group the opportunity to analyze the role each of them played, the nature of the interaction between them, and the nature of the group as a whole.
The Berkshire Outdoor Center emphasizes cooperation, teamwork and the group effort in all the activities that we do. The Berkshire Outdoor Center runs all of its activities based on the philosophy of Experiential Education - that hands-on experience builds knowledge, skills and values. Our programs run outdoors, are student-centered, and are fun, safe, healthy opportunities for students to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them.
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Philosophy of Challenge By Choice - The Berkshire Outdoor Center follows the popular philosophy of Challenge By Choice. While participants are encouraged to participate in the activities, each participant chooses his or her own goals and challenges for the course. Participants are never coerced or required to participate. Participants choose their own level of participation - encouraged only to consider stepping outside their comfort zone. Facilitators assist in helping participants experience some level of success. Tailorable Programs - We tailor our programs for every group that attends. Leadership Development packages include low and high ropes courses. Other Outdoor Education packages include teambuilding and low ropes courses. Any of our activities can be added to any of our packages. For example, a few schools that attend our fall programs love the high ropes courses focus, but like to add ecology (nature) and kayaking (adventure) to the activities for their students. Full Listing of Activities Offered by Berkshire Outdoor Center World-Class Facilities - The Berkshire Outdoor Center operates world-class facilities in a gorgeous rustic setting in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.
- Our ropes courses are state-of-the-art and are located on each of our two beautiful camps - Camp Becket and Chimney Corners.
- Our brand new $5.5 million Chimney Corners Dining Hall is the perfect venue for meals and meeting spaces. One of our three climbing towers is even located inside this magnificent building!
- Our rustic Camp Becket Dining Hall overlooks the beautiful Rudd Pond for simply gorgeous views.
- We have three spectacular ponds, and we own all the land around each of them, so activities on the ponds are exclusively those of the Berkshire Outdoor Center.
- Our camps are on 1,350 acres of forested conservation lands. The property includes an extensive wetlands system and even a pristine peat bog - the perfect venues for Environmental Education programs.
- Our accommodation includes more than 70 rustic cabins arranged into 7 villages - with over 700 beds and four winterized lodges with up to 165 beds.
Exceptional International Staff - Our instructors are the best asset to our programs. A diverse range of staff from a variety of countries return year after year to run our Outdoor Education programs. The extensive cultural diversity and interesting perspective each of them brings to our organization and to our guests is truly an exceptional contribution to the programs. And our seasoned veterans are the best staff in their field, passionate about living and working here in the Berkshires. |
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