Philosophy
Verdun Adventure Bound’s core philosophy is growth and development reflected in nature.
Verdun is committed to providing an outdoor educational experience that enhances the ability of participants to become balanced, ethical and responsible members of the world we share. The is achieved through learning from the environment, overcoming obstacles, and interacting with fellow human beings.
Verdun’s approach is centered on placing groups of participants outdoors in controlled-risk situations that present them with physical and emotional challenges. In overcoming these challenges, participants develop new skills, strengthen existing one and discover how to interact in trusting, mutually supportive ways.
The outdoors is our classroom. All exercises emphasize safety first and contain educational components that help create a strong sense of environmental conservation and stewardship.
History
Verdun Adventure Bound was founded in 1999 by Dr. David M. Snyder to develop and promote the Adventure Bound Philosophy – the natural philosophy of growth and development reflected in nature. He envisioned a facility set in the beautiful Virginia Piedmont, offering varied programs designed to help individuals grow and become stewards of the natural world.
His primary focuses were serving and enhancing the lives of children and young adults living in Culpeper, Fauquier and Rappahannock counties. In its decade-plus of existence, the organization and its dedicated volunteers and community supporters have enhanced the lives and outlook of many children and young adults from the Piedmont region and beyond.
Here’s what the Culpeper Times had to say about Verdun Adventure Bound (.pdf) in its December 30, 2010 issue.
