Activity management

Most students entering Wellspring Academies (formerly Academy of the Sierras) have been living a sedentary lifestyle – a lifestyle made easy and alluring by the conveniences of the modern world. As a result, in order to adopt an active lifestyle, students require structure, encouragement, and a very supportive environment.

Wellspring provides all of these in addition to athletic and recreational facilities. Residential and recreational staff members are sensitive to the physical limitations of the new students. Together, they work to design activities and exercises that students will find fun and invigorating.

The leaders in this process are the Activities Coordinator and Personal Trainer. Both work with new students to develop a realistic and fun activity plan that will allow him or her to achieve their activity goals. One such goal is 10,000 steps per day (as measured on a pedometer). Most students find they often exceed 20,000 steps per day (approximately 10 miles of walking).

All students have at least two extended periods of activity on weekdays, and weekends are scheduled with activities from the time students wake up until the end of the day. Students are encouraged to select activities they enjoy, and that they realistically will be able to continue after transitioning home.

There are always activities at Wellspring to keep students moving. Whether a scheduled activity such as water aerobics in the swimming pool, a pick-up game of soccer, a trip to the cardio room with a friend to watch a favorite TV show while on the treadmill, or a canoe trip, students adopt active lifestyles that will stay with them for life.

Time spent watching television, movies or on computers is supervised and limited, except in the fitness center when students are permitted to watch television while using cardio equipment.

Approximately one month prior to transition, students begin working on an intensive project with the Activities Coordinator to plan their activity program at home. Students work with the Activities Coordinator to research local activity resources, and then develop detailed plans for maintaining their current activity level on weekdays and weekends.

The range of activities is somewhat different across the two campuses, based on the facilities at each.

WELLSPRING ACADEMY OF CALIFORNIA ACTIVITIES

Wellspring Academy of California’s 68-acre campus and its proximity to Yosemite, King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Park provide a remarkable range of activity options:


WELLSPRING ACADEMY OF THE CAROLINAS ACTIVITIES

An unparalleled range of activities are available at Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas. Many weekends, students are off-campus on an adventure trip. A recent article in the International Journal of Obesity shows that adventure activities may be more effective for long-term weight control than traditional sports or activities.

Campus Activities


Adventure Activites

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