TAASC Outdoor program in Asheville

My three homeschooled children were privileged to have experienced TAASC when there was a chapter in Black Mountain in 2001. At that time, their ages were 11, 10 and 8. The highlights were: rock climbing (blind folded!), a 5 day canoe trip in heavy downpour, wilderness first aid, caving over night, and the weekly meetings where they learned new adventure skills, worked together as a team to problem solve, or planned their next service project. Our family endorses TAASC and would recommend it to any homeschool families looking for enriching experiences for their kids. Fortunately, it is right here in Asheville now!! There is more information about the program below with contact numbers. Or feel free to contact me: Janet Hart ( jhart7@bellsouth.net)

The American Adventure Service Corps (TAASC) uses an innovative approach to youth programming.

Where else have you heard of young people helping paraplegics climb a 600 foot rock face, or kids paddling over 700 miles in two expeditions to the ocean and raising over $6,000 for Habitat for Humanity and flood relief efforts, or youth members climbing a team total of 75,000 feet to raise $4,000 for the Nature Conservancy?

The above examples and so much more are actually happening! The American Adventure Service Corps (TAASC) is an incredible opportunity for youth to learn valuable life lessons such as compassion for others, mental and physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, community service, respecting and caring for our environment, and a sense of adventure and zest for life. One of the greatest outcomes of TAASC is the continual injections of self-esteem that occur over the years to really build a solid foundation of self-confidence.

TAASC is a year-round, non-profit organization that utilizes adventure education and community service to enhance young people's development of values, character traits and life skills. It is a co-ed program for ages 8 through 18 and is open to those who are motivated and committed to active participation in a weekly meeting, one weekend adventure trip per month and a summer wilderness expedition.

Throughout the year the youth will participate in outdoor adventure activities like climbing, caving, paddling, hiking, map and compass and much more. Service projects like river clean-up, volunteering at Manna Food Bank, visiting with the aged in our community and helping the animals at Habitat for Humanity, add up to a long list of dynamic opportunities for youth to develop a strong service ethic.

TAASC has been running successfully for 10 years in Morganton, N.C and has been operating here in Asheville for the past 7 months. The Asheville program is currently looking for new members. If you are
interested please contact me for more information.

Thank you,

Greg Gillett
Director TAASC
(w) 828-299-9844; (cell) 248-346-3902;
evergreentaasc@bellsouth.net