Longwalk Oklahoma - The Levels
Feb. 8, 2009
Posted by Tom S. Hammack
The following sections describe each Level in the LongWalk Oklahoma Challenge curriculum. Level
1 trips are available for anyone interested in participating in the Longwalk Oklahoma
Challenge program. Level 2 and Level 3 trips have certain requirements for participants
that must be fulfilled prior to advancing to the next level. Please see the appropriate area
below for the specifics for each level.
All forms required by LongWalk Oklahoma for all Levels can be accessed
here...
Level 1
LOCATION: Greenleaf Lake, Oklahoma
REQUIREMENTS: A group of students that wish to learn leadership skills through backpacking and wilderness adventure that have at least two adults willing to accompany them on the weekend trip.
NOTE: Each participant must fill out all paperwork required by sponsoring organization and LongWalk Oklahoma. The group must meet (we strongly suggest and prefer including parents/guardians) with Lead Guide prior to their trip.
ITINERARY:
Arrive Greenleaf State Park near Braggs, Oklahoma Friday evening approx. 4:30PM
Group is divided into thirds, and assigned group responsibilities
Day 1 leadership gets camp set, cooks food, and assists in getting gear distributed and backpacks packed
Day 2 leadership gets breakfast cooked, packs loaded, site cleaned
Begin trip into the Greenleaf Wilderness
Camp Saturday night at Mary's Cove
Day 3 leadership breaks camp and leads us home by the high ridge route (approx. 7 miles)
Group is picked up between 2 and 3 PM
Group meets back in Tulsa for gear check-in
GOALS:
Learn basic backpacking skills
Have an opportunity to lead a group of peers and receive verbal evaluation by an adult guide as to strengths and weaknesses
Begin to gain insight to the process of ecology, muscle building, and behaviors that are productive and/or counterproductive
HAVE FUN AND LAUGH!
Level 2
LOCATION: Ozark Mountains, Arkansas
REQUIREMENTS: This group is composed of individuals from various Level 1 groups that
have completed a Level I challenge. Each participant must have a signed form from a school
administrator and a parent/guardian indicating they have shown improvement in both required areas.
NOTE: Each participant is responsible for raising funds for their portion of the trip (up to $100).
They must complete all LongWalk Oklahoma paperwork specific to the trip requested. This paperwork must be
completed and turned in at the parent and participant meeting prior to the trip. As with all trips, at
least two adult participants in addition to the Lead Guide are required.
ITINERARY:
Group leaves Tulsa (typically 5:00AM Friday morning)
Travel into Arkansas to the section of trail the guides and participants have chosen and set vehicles at end of trail
Participate in Level 2 challenge as defined by Lead Guide and participant guides
Trip will be completed by Sunday to allow time for return trip (including meal) and gear check-in in Tulsa.
GOALS:
Complete rigorous physical challenge
Learn more advanced backpacking skills
Lead portions of the trip - including wet creek crossings
Continue evaluation by adult leadership of individual personal leadership skills, including examples of challenges
faced since last trip
Peer evaluation of leadership skills
Hone advanced wilderness skills in preparation for Level 3 Colorado trip
NOTE: INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS CAN REGISTER FOR LEVEL II TRIPS THROUGH THE TRIP SIGN-UP PAGE ON THE
LONGWALK OKLAHOMA WEB SITE. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND DATE OF LEVEL I GROUP YOU PARTICIPATED WITH, DATE
(AND AN ALTERNATE DATE) YOU WISH TO GO ON YOUR LEVEL 2 TRIP, AND PHONE NUMBER WHERE YOU CAN BE REACHED. A LONGWALK
OKLAHOMA RESPRESENTATIVE WILL CONTACT YOU FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO PROVIDE MORE DETAILS.
Level 3
LOCATION: Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado
REQUIREMENTS: Satisfactory completion of previous Level 1 and Level 2 Challenges. Satisfactory
completion of a personal finance, time management, and exercise/nutrition curriculum as defined by
LongWalk Oklahoma leadership. Plan and complete (as a group) a community service project that is
approved by the LongWalk Oklahoma leadership.
NOTE: Each participant will be responsible for paying the appropriate fees as determined
through their personal finance class for their trip (not to exceed $500). Each group will require
a minimum of two adult sponsors in addition to the Lead Guide.
ITINERARY:
Group leaves Tulsa, OK. Friday evening
Arrive in Durango, CO. on Saturday
Leaving on trip as previously planned by participants and Lead Guide
Trip is completed on Thursday (Group meal will be a major priority)
We suggest traveling to Albuquerque for showers and lodging Thursday night
Arrive back in Tulsa on Friday afternoon
GOALS:
To stand atop the mountains in my life
To know that I can instill hope into difficult situations by the strength of the choices I make in my own life
To know what leadership truly is, and be willing to serve and lead others by my example
To understand my strengths and weaknesses and strive to grow in both areas
To be able to give and take peer mentoring and develop my ability to lead
To know I am capable and qualified to help lead future trips and participate in ongoing advanced leadership training
To be willing to share with others the lessons I have learned in my life
NOTE: PARTICPANTS MUST REGISTER FOR THIS TRIP SHORTLY AFTER COMPLETION OF THEIR LEVEL 2 TRIP THROUGH THE TRIP SIGN-UP
PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE. PLEASE INCLUDE WHICH LEVEL 1 AND 2 TRIPS YOU PARTICIPATED IN, AND A FIRST AND ALTERNATE
CHOICE OF DATES FOR YOUR LEVEL 3 TRIP, AND A PHONE NUMBER WHERE YOU CAN BE CONTACTED. A LONGWALK
OKLAHOMA RESPRESENTATIVE WILL CONTACT YOU FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO PROVIDE MORE DETAILS.
