STAFF DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION

Training that covers the technical skills needed to operate a high ropes course, climbing tower, or group initiatives and low ropes course can be obtained from a variety of professional challenge course vendors. Depending on the size and type of challenge course installed, initial training will range from one to five days. The cost of training will run between $1000 and $4,000 for up to 12 participants before travel expenses are included. Additional training that covers the educational underpinnings, methodology, and art of facilitation are also available and may be included with the original training. In addition to facilitator training, new programs may consider additional training for their course manager and supervisors. As an example, the average employee at S.T.E.P.S., Inc., a leader in challenge course training and program management, receives more than 100 hours of coaching and training before they lead a series of group initiatives on their own with a client. Obtaining mentoring status or to act as a trainer to other staff, S.T.E.P.S. staff must have completed more than 400 programs (or proved relevant experience) and must pass rigorous technical and educational skills tests, peer reviews, and receive excellent marks on client evaluations.

Additional workshops and training are offered throughout the year by many professional challenge course vendors. Whereas larger programs may choose to develop their own internal training programs, smaller programs should budget funds for training on an annual or bi-annual basis. A system of follow-up training and supervision should be sought to ensure that skills are maintained and safety and program standards are not compromised. It is recommended that large programs that elect to training internally partner with a professional builder or make use of professional trade organizations like the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) to establish a peer review process to ensure staff and program operations are in alignment with industry standards.

It should never be expected that even five days of rigorous training will sufficiently prepare a facilitator to safely or effectively manage a challenge course program. Ongoing assessment and development programs should be structured ahead of time to ensure that standards are met by all staff.

 

For more information on our challenge course consulting and development services, please call
(248) 481-2568 or visit us on the web at our main site, http://www.adventuresmithinc.com.