What ages is TAASC designed for?
The American Adventure Service Corps is designed for children ages 8 through
18, with a majority of high school graduates, in college, continuing their
involvement through age 22.
Is TAASC co-ed? Yes
Is TAASC non-discriminatory?
Of course! Membership is open to any youth member and family who are committed
to being active.
Is there a TAASC program in my area?
The American Adventure Service Corps is committed to growing and making
its program available to children through the United States. To find out
if there is a program in your area, contact the TAASC national office.
How do youth members join?
First, there must be a TAASC program in your area. Contact the national
office and we will put you in touch with the program director if there
is one in your community.
Is it safe?
The programs are supervised by some of the finest and most experienced
professional, outdoor educators in America, most have extensive experience
working for Outward Bound. There is risk in participation in adventurous
activities, but state-of-the-art equipment, safety policies, staff and
training, results in activities that are much safer than high school sports
such as soccer.
What equipment do I need?
TAASC supplies all the necessary outdoor gear such as kayaks, canoes,
backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, etc. Members need to provide their own
personal boots and clothes (financial assistance is available for personal
clothing). Many members get so turned on to the outdoor skills that they
slowly begin to acquire some of their own equipment.
How often does TAASC meet?
There are weekly TAASC meetings for the different age groups and service
projects, trips, and committee meetings going on at various other times
during the week and weekends.
What if my son or daughter wants to join but they are involved in
numerous other extra-curricular activities?
We have found that to be an active and committed TAASC member, a young
person should maybe only be involved in one or two other activities (outside
of school) in addition to TAASC. Doing two sports and TAASC is often too
much. Questionnaires to TAASC members indicate that in their opinion TAASC
has been more valuable to their lives than sports or other youth programs
because of the high levels of adventure, service and fun.
Is TAASC associated with a religious movement, service group or other
youth organization?
No. TAASC is an independent, non-profit incorporation.
Can parents go on trips?
Yes, in most cases. We have a good deal of positive parent participation
on the age 8 to 12 years old activities. Some of the more eager and active
parents come along on the older kid trips. We love family involvement,
but there comes a time when the older kids need to develop on their own
and do some activities without their parents along.