Dale Oen Academy: Mastery through nature and fellowship

Dale Oen Academy is a unique program for young people who, for various reasons, are not attending high school and who want a different school life built around mastery, community, and challenges. With nature and society as their learning arena, they get to test themselves both physically and mentally – and grow as human beings. Our goal is to build personal character and create resilient young adults who believe in themselves and their abilities. A belief in themselves they may not have had before. Our job as educators is to place these uncertain young people into situations where they feel they might not measure up – and then help them prove themselves wrong. That they actually can do it. That they are enough. That they can achieve more than they think. Again and again. Mastery experiences – repeated over and over. In this way we provide tools they can use later in life, and a sense of mastery they can carry with them into new challenges.

An adventure across fjords and mountains

The program at Dale Oen Academy lasts for 9 months, starting in October. As a way of marking the approaching end of the year, we recently set out on a longer final trip with nature as our playground. A journey designed to give experiences of mastery, time together as a group, and an opportunity for the youth to show the incredible growth they have had. The trip took us to some of the most beautiful landscapes on the west coast of Norway.

We began with the Dronningstien – a spectacular mountain trail with panoramic views over Hardangerfjord. But the hike offered much more than just beautiful scenery. Responsibility, care, and teamwork were at the center. Who made sure their bag reached the top? Who carried the group gear? The food? Did someone offer to help another carry their load? Did anyone show gratitude for receiving help? Did someone step in with support when things got tough along the way? All of these questions and more became the foundation for good reflections when we arrived.

At the top, a unique experience awaited: sleeping under the open sky. With the stars above and the fjord as our view, the evening was filled with reflections, stories, and meaningful conversations. Such moments create togetherness and memories for life.

The next day brought a new challenge: Via Ferrata in Tyssedalen. For many, this was truly a step outside the comfort zone. Climbing iron ladders and steel wires high above the ground demands courage. Taking that step beyond your comfort zone is something we have worked on all year. Because it is in the very moment your toe touches the ground outside your comfort zone that growth can happen. You must seek out the uncomfortable! And many did just that on this day. With fear of heights packed in their bags, they set out – and eventually reached the top, now carrying joy and a powerful sense of mastery instead.

A taste of mastery – and curry

After long days out in nature, food tastes even better. And what is the clear favorite from the outdoor kitchen? The most popular dishes? Real Turmat’s kebab stew, chicken curry, and spaghetti bolognese are without doubt the top choices among the explorers.

Fellowship that lasts

These trips are about more than physical activity. They provide a chance to build character, test limits, and experience what it means to take responsibility – both for yourself and for others. When you work together, sweat together, and experience nature as a group, strong bonds are created.

So even though the year at Dale Oen Academy is nearing its end, and the explorers are heading off in different directions, they will always carry a connection to each other and to the Academy. They have shared an entire year. A year that has given them difficult situations, direct feedback, enormous challenges, but also mastery, joy, unity, tools to face life, confidence in their own abilities and their future – and most importantly: friends for life.