Leaders' attitudes and actions set the tone for each expedition. Longacre’s intense commitment to hiring good people, planning multi-dimensional adventures, and making sure that trips go into the field prepared to handle emergencies establishes a culture of caring. Frequent hugs, detailed trip sheets and other structures send a message to both kids and leaders: you are important. This group is important. Together, we will succeed, come what may. Longacre’s expectations for everyone are high, and they are communicated at every level. The philosophy of growth through challenge is supported by an integrated culture of leadership, responsibility and honest communication. If I were to try to sum up the culture in one phrase it would be, "We are here for you."

From Day One, the atmosphere is about being who you are in a company of friends. From the first trust-fall on the low-ropes course, to the policy of no-interruptions in Group and the shared responsibility for cook-crew, Longacre works to create a safe, supportive atmosphere where mutual trust and respect can grow. I know that feeling comfortable enough to take risks—on the physical, social and emotional dimensions—was what helped me to tap previously undiscovered reserves of self-confidence during my early adolescent expeditions with Longacre. I discovered that I wanted to be strong, both physically and emotionally. Then, I found out I could be. I climbed a rock-face that made me cry the first time. I crawled through a tiny passage in five cave floors below the ground, despite claustrophobia. I biked one hundred and five miles in one day. I was complimented in Group. I was criticized in Group. I found peers who would listen to what I had to say, which profoundly affected me. For the first time, I could imagine breaking out of my defensive shell of shyness. At Longacre, I wasn’t locked into being “super-nerd-Suesse” or limited by an expectation of success within a purely intellectual curriculum. As my horizons expanded, I began to consider the possibility of my being a social success, instead of an outcast. Moreover, I discovered my love for events that tested my physical endurance. Both of these hard-won realizations have become the foundation of who I am as an adult. My own experiences became a source of confidence and motivation. I knew I could do amazing things when given the opportunity.

Longacre's Culture
Each of the following elements helps to create an atmosphere of support that is integrated with Longacre's philosophy and structure. This coherence of philosophy, culture and practice is powerful for both leaders and adolescent participants. For teenagers, such consistency is critical to creating an environment that supports risk-taking and learning. Moreover, the emphasis on group dynamics and thoughtful participation ensures that everyone will have responsibility for each expedition's success. Some specific aspects of Longacre's culture include:
Leadership and Modeling
Responsibility and Cooperation
Effort & Support
Honest Communication & Feedback
Safety

Leadership and Modeling
Modeling Behavior - Leaders are chosen for their maturity, their skills, and their demeanor. Longacre's literature states, "We expect that, when kids tell the tales from the summer, parents will think, 'Wow, I'm very happy that my kid had that person for a leader.'" Thus, the importance of hiring individuals who really care about kids cannot be overemphasized. The leaders serve not only as guides on these outdoor adventures, but as role-models, mentors, and facilitators. As a teenager, I idolized my leaders: DanO, Melissa, Bryan, Scott, Jim, Jane and many others. This awareness of how closely kids would scrutinize my actions pushed me to "walk the talk" when I myself became a leader.

Scott, Jim and Jane were my heroes...then as now. Their spirit
of joy and unfailing support helped me imagine what to
do when I myself became a trip leader (Summer 1989)

Responsibility and Cooperation
There is an intense collaboration on leader teams, which are co-ed and usually two ­ four people, reflecting Longacre’s commitment to effective group process at every level. Kids are not the only ones who are expected to work together. In fact, the organization was co-founded by three directors who share a passion for cooperation. Jobs are shared by kids and leaders alike; nobody is excluded from the work required to make each expedition a success.
 

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Effort & Support
While on expedition, everyone is expected to expend extra effort. According to the brochure, "This is what makes Longacre Expeditions what it is." Effort and support comes in all forms, whether it be helping to clean up camp or pushing oneself to finish the day's mileage. As a camper, I appreciated the incredbile generosity of my leaders. As a leader, I went out of my way to support the kids. I described how this felt in my application for Bank Streeet.

I'll never forget the day Jim changed the itinerary to
include a Century Ride. Then, when we were too tired to
record our accomplishment in the journal, he did it for us with
style. Check out that exclamation point! (Summer 1989)

After the last day of biking, our leaders and support staff loaded the
bikes back onto Clyde for the ferry trip back to the mainland. Organizing
the logistics of these expeditions is no mean feat! (Summer 1989)

Honest Communication & Feedback
Longacre's goals of growth through challenge and imparting the skills of feelings level communication are clearly defined and well broadcast to families and leaders. In practice, this means that activities like Group and Benchmarks are taken seriously. Leaders work hard to ensure that kids learn about how their actions affect other people in the group. This information is conveyed in a manner so that they can use it. Feedback is treated as a rare gift. "Rare" because it comes in a form that allows kids to hear it and act on it. "Gift" because it allows kids to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, how their actions impact other people. In my application for Bank Streeet, I described a moment on one expedition when an incident of teasing resulted in a profound discussion about how teasing can damage friendships.
 

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Safety
Finally, I can't end a section about Longacre's culture without mentioning safety, which is always the "number one priority." Encompassing both physical and emotional safety (though physical safety is always the highest consideration), this aspect of Longacre's culture guides pre-season preparation for leaders, staff training, and all interactions with the kids.

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