LifeQuest Transitions

(LQT) is an organization specializing in the development of programs and techniques to facilitate growth and change, through the use of an adventure-based learning model. Through the microcosm of adventure racing, which is a multi-discipline event requiring a combination of two or more disciplines; including orienteering, trekking, mountain biking, paddling, climbing and related rope skills, LQT teaches those in, or approaching a transitional phase of life (through choice or circumstance), to develop self-empowerment skills. This model of adventure and discovery provides varied environments for coaching individuals to expect and plan for change, and to develop skills for critical analysis, a skill necessary for making positive choices.

The adventure-based learning model is main stream, evidence-based, effective, and widely utilized. This is because the adventure-based model supports a synergistic effect with combined body and mind learning and provides opportunities outside the typical range of human experience. Generally, adventure-based learning models use outdoor environments to facilitate individual experiences as catalysts for change; this often results in short-lived benefits from the experience. The LQT model differs by addressing the need for a systematic approach beyond the event, combining the adventure experiences with on-going physical and motivational coaching and helping the soldier apply that which they experience during the program to practical situations in their own lives.

History

LifeQuest began as an adventure racing team. In late 2009, the team was approached by Lt. Col. Andrew Grantham of the Ft. Carson Warriors in Transition Battalion (WTB) who asked if LifeQuest could develop a program for the transitioning soldiers at his post. After careful research of the issue, LifeQuest worked closely with the Ft. Carson WTB to design a program aimed at helping this unique generation of soldiers. A pilot program was implemented in September 2009. The outcome was overwhelmingly positive and as a result, LifeQuest partnered with World Team Sports, a nonprofit 501c3 organization to become a program for the sole purpose of serving our American wounded soldiers. This program was specifically designed after an adventure based training model.   Less than one year later, just over 200 soldiers from the Ft. Carson WTU are enrolled in the program. LifeQuest is currently working with WTB headquarters in Washing D.C. to expand services to all WTB s world wide.

 

LQT Focus – Wounded Warriors and Families

Wounded soldiers in the United States military suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, often with accompanying physical injuries, have been recognized as needing additional transitional rehabilitative services. The Army Warrior Transition Battalions (WTB) were created to address this specific need. LQTs program is designed as a compliment to the Army’s transitional programs, which works with these men and women to help ensure a successful life-transition from wounded soldier to healthy soldier or veteran serving in the civilian community.

The second group that warrants concentrated attention is the family and children of these soldiers. LQT is focused on facilitating growth and change through adventure camps and an on-going health and fitness programs that bring the families of these soldiers together. By addressing the development of transitional life skills within the family, LQT will help foster the foundation that will enable the children and families to effectively reform the bonds strained by deployment and trauma experienced by the soldier. LQT currently provides camps for children and is developing camps for families and mentor-child pairings, for both civilian and military populations.

 

 

  		•