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

Adventure-based learning program teaches Carthage students about teamwork and character

They were dropped off in a field with nothing but a radio, a chem light and a compass. They received some basic intel about their terrain and check-point. They were pointed in the right direction. And that was it. The group of Carthage students had to figure out the rest of the night navigation mission themselves.

Character QuestPhotos by Ken Sabbar, '10

"To be honest, we didn't even think about the fact that we were in a forest, God knows how far away from civilization, and technically had absolutely no idea where we were going in the pitch-black dark," recalls Heather Gilmore, '11, an exercise and sport science major from Des Moines, Iowa.

For Heather, the night navigation mission was just one highlight in a thrilling weekend of adventure-based learning.

She and 49 other Carthage students participated in Character Quest this summer. Character Quest is an experiential learning program that aims to develop leadership, character and teamwork skills in students. Participants travel to a wooded setting in northwestern Illinois, where they live in the wilderness, eat "MRE" field rations, engage in military-style paintball battles, and conduct ranger-style missions.

"This experience was amazing," says Heather. "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."

The Impact of Character

Character Quest is modeled after the training program for the U.S. Army Rangers. Sponsored by Carthage trustee Dean Matthews, '84, the program is tailored specifically for Carthage students. Through missions and challenges, students experience the principles of effectiveness and explore how personal character impacts life.

This year, 26 student-athletes, 24 members of Carthage fraternities and sororities, and two Carthage staff members participated in Character Quest over two weekends in July and August. They join the ranks of many other Carthage alumni and staff who have participated in the program, including Brad Andrews, vice president for enrollment and student life, and President F. Gregory Campbell.

Carthage staff members Gary Williams, associate athletic director; Jason Ramirez, associate dean of students; Nick Winkler, director of housing and Greek life; and Michelle Jorwic, associate director of student athletic services, provided a framework for leadership lectures, teaching, reflection writing and transparent conversations.

Satisfying, Humbling

Brett Harmeling, '10, an education major from Oostburg, Wis., was invited to participate in Character Quest because of his involvement in Greek life on campus. "I felt as though it would be a great opportunity to expand and help develop and define the leadership skills I already have," he says. "Throughout the weekend, we were taught teamwork, leadership and character development skills by accomplishing mission objectives as different squads."

Character Quest

After each mission, the whole group gathered to review the experience. Students also reflected on their experiences through journaling.

"The experience was incredible, and working through the toughest of circumstances as a team was very satisfying," Brett says. "Crossing the river was the most cleansing part of the weekend. The MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) were tough but also very humbling."

Brett says he learned to recognize and respect different personality groups, and how to get diverse personalities working together as a team. "Trust and communication are the building blocks to success," he says.

A Year-Long Project

Gary Williams, associate athletic director at Carthage, says the summer program provides students with an inspirational and energetic kick-off to the fall athletics season and school year.

But the work doesn’t stop when the weekend ends. In the academic year ahead, Character Quest graduates will meet for monthly leadership seminars and individual coaching sessions. They will become mentors for youth leaders at Harborside Academy, a Kenosha high school that also participates in Character Quest. Participants will continue to share ideas of how to incorporate the program’s lessons into everyday experiences at Carthage.

"It really has opened my eyes to a lot of things and made me realize a ton of stuff that I can do to better myself, as a person and a teammate," says Heather Gilmore. "Now it's time for the hardest part — and that's actually putting what I learned into practice."

More information about Character Quest is available at http://www.carthage.edu/characterquest/about.html.