What is Project Graduation?
Project Graduation is a program offered by many high schools in the United States in which organized, adult-supervised and alcohol-free activities are offered as part of a post-graduation party, as an alternative to student-run events that may involve alcoholic beverages or other drugs. Events often last through the night and students are checked for illicit substances before entry and are carefully monitored.
Project Graduation emerged in the Oxford Hills area of Maine in 1980. It was inspired by a series of tragic deaths in the community during the May and June commencement time of 1979. Maine’s Project Graduation has long been recognized as a prototype for the nation, helping to protect the lives of graduating seniors in all states.
Project Graduation Activities
Communities offering Project Graduation activities are often looking for fun activities for local graduates. Project Graduation activities include Casino Nights, Laser Tag, Overnight Cruises, Whitewater Rafting, paintball and many others.
Many New England schools travel to Maine for an overnight and Whitewater Rafting Trip for Project Graduation. After graduation, students and chaperones board a bus and head to a rafting outfitter’s base camp. All night activities and food are available until dawn the next day. The following day begins with breakfast and is highlighted by a thrilling whitewater rafting trip with classmates and favorite teachers.
Whitewater Rafting Overnight Event
Project Graduation at Crab Apple Whitewater is special. Crab Apple is a family business and carefully balances safety and fun for the graduates. Hosting Project Grads since the 1980’s, Crab Apple has many optional activities for the kids to keep them engaged overnight. The event is staged in the main base lodge at Crab Apple – two floors of space and comfort make a long night comfortable. Crab Apple staff stays up all night with the students to monitor the fun and keep activities moving. Food bars, snacks and meals are offered periodically throughout the night to keep the hungry teenagers happy. Activities may include karaoke, a DJ, yearbook signings, photo booths and more. A large living room area is open for board games, charades and cards. Most of the nights seemed to be filled with upbeat chatter and storytelling from the high school experience.
Project Graduation was invented in Maine in 1980 to keeps graduates in a safe and fun environment. Many other states have followed Maine’s lead and also offer Project Graduation events that are strongly supported by states and local communities. Organizers need to find a great venue with activities to engage the students. Check out Crab Apple Whitewater Rafting for your school’s Project Graduation at https://www.crabapplewhitewater.com/plan-your-adventure/group-adventure/school-group-rafting/adventures-and-rates/.