By: Annika Nygren | Discover Term Program Director

Middle school, aptly named for the in-between years when kids often feel, look, and act in unusual, awkward, and silly ways. While this phase of maturation can be bumpy, it is exactly the time when kids need to develop the skills, independence, confidence and mental frameworks that will set them up for the most growth and momentum in early adulthood. Discover Term exposes students to three forms of mastery (self, academic, and physical) that we believe are critical for middle-schoolers to learn about and begin to practice that will empower them to discover and maximize their potential in life.

Developing Self Mastery, Academic Mastery, and Physical Mastery requires building new skills, knowledge, attitudes, and experience. At Surf Term and Powder Term, students create new physical and mental health habits, modes of self-direction, time management, project execution, and leadership skills, which combined together manifest into a truly magnificent transformation.

To begin a journey of mastery in these areas, Discover Term uses adaptive learning platforms, physical training, and cross-discipline projects.

What is Academic Mastery?

Every student can achieve academic excellence if given the right mix of challenge and agency to suit their needs. We embrace hybrid courses that combine the latest self-paced, adaptive learning platforms and Socratic, discussion-style education. We also create authentic, place-based learning experiences (like Project Reef and Project Rainforest) that allow students to see the value of their skills and knowledge in action. 

At Discover Term, your student has left the traditional classroom and entered a learning environment where time outside is valued as much as studying - and studying is not limited to the inside of four walls. To maximize each day, our students learn how to make their academic hours count to get out in the water and on the snow. 

Each day, students sit down at the start of Study Hall and set a goal for themselves. They then work towards that goal for an hour and finally reflect upon how they did. Without the distraction of phones and unlimited screen time, students begin to hone in on what best supports their concentration and learning.

We support academic mastery at Surf Term by using the latest in adaptive learning platforms to provide academic rigor and challenge to each individual at the edge of their comfort. Self-paced learning within platforms like Khan Academy (Math), NoRedInk (Grammar), and Lexia (Writing) have proven to accelerate individual knowledge and comprehension. By removing artificial constraints and limitations for how fast or slow someone learns a specific topic, individuals can move quickly through areas they find easy to master and take longer on more complex topics. 

Whenever possible, Discover Term chooses to create authentic learning experiences in the real world that result in meaningful work. Building on learning pioneers like Maria Montessori – learning accelerates when your work is significant. At Surf Term, this means planting trees to help with reforestation and working alongside turtle experts in the local community. At Powder Term, this looks like simulating an avalanche rescue and speaking with experts in mountaineering and safety. 

What is Physical Mastery?

A healthy mind and body elevate each other—and we believe the two are equally important. Our rigorous athletic programs get teens off the couch and into the outdoors for a restorative and unforgettable experience. Best of all, participants can explore and expand their physical and mental limits as they experience the deep fulfillment of pursuing mastery of a single skill.

Our expectation is not to create world-class skiers or surfers in five weeks. Our objective is for every student to gain the building blocks and understanding for achieving mastery in their own lives - both in and out of the waves or on and off the slopes. 

At Surf Term, this comes in two primary forms:

1. Surfing in the ocean with Safari Surf School and reflecting upon what we’ve learned in our surf journals

2. Surf Term training and recovery – which includes mental and physical training like meditation & visualization, mindfulness, stretching, yoga, and recovery techniques.

At Powder Term, this comes in two primary forms:

1. Skiing/snowboarding on the mountain in small, ability-based groups with coaches and reflecting upon what we’ve learned in our ever expanding ski/snowboard journals

2. Powder Term training and recovery - which includes mental and physical training like meditation & visualization, mindfulness, stretching, yoga, and recovery techniques.

In all terms, students spend 3+ hours daily practicing their sport. Each term has a blend of focused coached and student-directed sessions. We record videos of the students to provide video analysis and feedback. Training is completed in the elements and from the comforts of our lodges, including land practice of techniques and visualization. 

The goals of the Discover Term surf and ski/snowboard experiences are to introduce a mastery mindset and equip students with tools they can practice for mastering any physical skill they decide to focus their attention and energy to. These building blocks are transferable to endeavor that our students may decide to go out and conquer in life.

What is Self Mastery?

Ultimately, the most impactful growth is in self-mastery. The skills and practices gained from physical and academic mastery pillars flow into the immense development of character and independence of Self at Discover Term.

On-campus, communal-style living fosters independence and self-reliance while empowering participants to forge deep friendships that last a lifetime. There is no better (or faster) way for teens to learn how to respectfully communicate, collaborate, and advocate for their needs and preferences than in this dynamic group setting.

Away from home, everyday routine, and family, Discover Term students learn about themselves and their needs rapidly. They wake up early each morning, ski, snowboard, or surf, then shower, and make breakfast; then, it's time to hit the books. It's up to them and their time management to be on time and advocate for something when needed. With limited computer time, students learn to make every minute of study hall count to use their time efficiently. This leaves the rest of the day to play, explore, read, or pursue a personal hobby such as guitar or art!

Some questions the students explore are:

• How do you relate to others?

• How do you relate to yourself?

• What do you do in the face of a challenge?

• Who am I?

• What is the life I dream of?

• What are the steps I can take to get there?

Discover Term students walk away after five weeks with lifelong friendships, refined self-awareness, and a more profound sense of purpose and direction. They leave inspired, motivated, transformed, and ready to take their education and lives into their own hands! 

Read here about several students and their family's reflections after Powder Term and Surf Term.