The SHP structure also allows parents and each tripper the security of a social situation where the peer pressures from cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs are minimal because these substances are absolutely not permitted. In addition to the obvious advantages of experiencing different cultures, lifestyles, ways of looking at the world, and areas of different kinds of terrain, climate and natural beauty, travel also exposes teens to a myriad of problem-solving situations. One of the reasons that travel is inherently adventurous is its unpredictability. Our trips all include camping because camping offers a host of benefits to a teen program by fostering a closer group experience and an appreciation of nature. The very nature of camping, whether it's helping one another set up the tents, cooking over a campfire, cleaning, dealing with all kinds of weather conditions, etc., fosters a wholesome group interaction.
Opportunities abound for cooperation, consideration, and responsible thinking.
Without the distractions of TV, radios, and VCRs, the groups learn to make their own entertainment, and discover that they have great times interacting with one another without these artificial distractions. Many trippers blow this first experience with budgeting their own money and wind up short of spending money, but this can be a valuable learning experience - done in a safe atmosphere since their basic needs are still taken care of through the funds carried by the leaders. Trippers take turns on the cooking committee, and each committee must stay with the budget when buying the group food for that day. As the two letters , above, indicate, SHP trips help provide teens with a firm base for handling the increasing amounts of independence that will be expected of them as they enter high school or college.