Character Quest is an experiential learning program for Carthage students.Through missions and challenges, students develop leadership and teamwork skills.The program is modeled after the training program for the U.S. Army Rangers.Ranger style tactics help to develop team skills.Students engage in military-style paintball battles. Students return to Camp Quest after a paintball battle.It's an inspirational kick-off to the fall athletics season and school year.
Character Quest

Outdoor Experiential Learning

Commando Training

Participants eat "MRE" (Meals Ready to Eat) field rations during Commando Training.

The Outdoor Experiential Learning phase is the first step in the certification process. This requirement is completed during the summer and lasts three days. Participants are engulfed in a "hands-on" learning environment that provides opportunities for self discovery of team, leadership and character effectiveness.

The program is modeled after the U.S. Army Rangers training program. Participants, living in the wilderness, engage in experiential learning, eat "MRE" field rations and conduct ranger-style missions. Through different missions and challenges, students experience the principles of effectiveness and explore how personal character impacts life.

"This experience was amazing," said Heather Gilmore, '11, who participated in Character Quest in August 2009. "I really didn't have any idea what I was getting myself into when I agreed to do it. But I loved how everything we did tied together. Each little mission and after-action review taught me more and more, and it really made me think about things in a completely different way."

Read more about Character Quest's Commando Training


True Test of Character

"It was one of the hardest things I've done in my entire life. You're on your own. You have none of the comforts of home. You're out of your element, and you really have to depend on people that you don't know that well. ... It's really a true test of character. In just four days, I grew so much."


— Lauren Hansen, '10
Student Government President
Majoring in Communications

Program Requirements

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"The experience was incredible, and working through the toughest of circumstances as a team was very satisfying ..." Read more.