A typical day on the ABC course would start with a fun icebreaker involving getting to know one another’s names, leading to a problem solving activity where participants might have to do something like work blindfolded to put a giant puzzle together. Once the group has established a level of trust and cooperation, they have the opportunity to climb each of the 10 high elements. From the “Giant’s Swing”, which allows the participant to do what the name implies, to the “Pamper Plank” where the individual climbs a tree and walks out on a platform where they then attempt to jump out to catch a trapeze bar. The “Vertical Play Pen” is an element where two people work together to help one another climb tires, ropes and beams while the whole thing sways.

One of the cornerstones of the Adventure program is the creation of a Full Value Contract which asks each participant to verbally agree to Play Hard (Give it your best shot), Play Fair (Don’t cheat yourself or others), Play Safe (Look out for one another’s emotional and physical safety). The youth also participate under the umbrella of “Challenge By Choice” which allows the individual to participate at a level at which he feels comfortable.

The ABC program currently and primarily services the Residential Cottages, Intensive Treatment Programs, and the Burnham Safe Center. In recent years the ABC program has grown to include providing team building days to various departments throughout the Berkshire Farm Community such as the group homes, prevention programs and various staff team building departments.