The Backpack for Adults – Spotlight

The flagship course of Backpack Productions is inarguably The Backpack: Essential Tools for Life, a human formation course for anyone with an interest in having a healthy and balanced mind, relationships, and spirituality. Combining psychology and neuroscience with Catholic teaching, the curriculum is broken into three sections which walk the participant through relationship with self, relationship with others, and relationship with God. 

Some of the major topics covered in this course include: 

• Emotional Regulation Skills
• Boundaries 
• Neuroplasticity 
• Self-Awareness 
• Conscience
• Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships 
• Contemplative Prayer
• Relationship with God

“I wish I knew all of this when I was 15 instead of 54. I am living so differently now. For me, there is my life before the Backpack and life after the Backpack.” -past participant 

Frequently Asked Questions about The Backpack

What age range is the Backpack suitable for? 
The Backpack is suitable for anyone 12+.
It has been run with younger individuals, however discretion is advised around topics such as sexual boundaries or addictions. Every child develops at a different pace, therefore caregiver/guardian input or oversight would be judicious in the context of pre-pubescent children. 

In what contexts can The Backpack be run, or has been run in the past? 
The Backpack has been run in the following settings: 

• Schools
• As a Transition Year elective 
• Parish groups
• Youth groups
• Community colleges
• Online via Zoom
• Rehabilitation centres
• Addiction recovery centres
• Prisons
• Confirmation preparation
• Retreat centers
• Summer camps
• At home with families
• Mental health and wellbeing modules 

"This was a lovely program that showed me how to manage emotional responses to situations in a better way, how my thoughts affected my feelings, and how to change and reprogram my thoughts in a more positive way. It has better equipped me to handle challenging situations. I feel very privileged and grateful to have been able to take part in all three programs." -past participant

What is the difference between The Backpack for Adults and The Backpack for Teenagers? 
The Backpack for Adults and The Backpack for Teenagers are essentially the same course, following the same curriculum but with adaptations made by the facilitator for adult versus teenage experiences. While both courses share the one workbook, there is a different set of video lessons for teenagers and adults. These video lessons are tailored to the different demographics.  

Who can be a Backpack facilitator? 
Anyone can be a Backpack facilitator! While an education or facilitation background certainly doesn’t hurt, there is a full suite of resources available to support the facilitation of this course, making it accessible for anyone to start a group in their local school, parish, or community setting. Backpack facilitators in the past have ranged from teachers and trained educators to mothers and fathers, parish volunteers, chaplains, therapists, Confirmation facilitators, or participants of the course who go on to bring the program into various areas of their communities. Click here to see the full suite of resources available or email contact@thebackpack.life for more information on how to facilitate the course. 

What are all the resources available for The Backpack?
Backpack resources include: 

• The Backpack Workbook
• The Backpack Facilitator’s Guide 
• 26 posters to reinforce each lesson
• USB stick containing all video lessons
• The Map (an accompaniment book to the Workbook)
• Access to course materials via the online platform Thinkific 
• posters, fliers, and text suitable for advertising the programme
• promotional videos
• a website with supplementary materials and resources
• support from The Backpack team and experienced facilitators
• and more

How can I take the course?
The Backpack can be taken by individuals independently via the online platform Thinkific, or in a live online group via Zoom. Many people opt to go through the Backpack together in a prayer group, in a group of friends, or as a family.

If I miss a session or can't attend a live class, are the sessions recorded?
Yes! Live online sessions are recorded so participants can catch up on the course at their own pace, whenever is convenient for their schedule. 

"This virtual course is a wonderful tool for life at any age to increase your self esteem and manage your thoughts. It helped me to improve my relationship with myself and others. It helped me to build my interior life. Just take it!" -past participant 

Click here or email contact@thebackpack.life for more info on courses or to sign up today!