DESCRIPTION: Portable Challenge Initiatives Training | Portable challenge initiatives are an invaluable component of any adventure program, and are tools that facilitators can use with all client populations—especially those who might not be able to come to a ropes course but are still seeking those powerful “Aha!” learning moments! This training will benefit both new and experienced facilitators, and will include the following components:

• Experiential: participate in portable challenge initiatives to gain a better understanding of the participant’s experience and how to facilitate these activities.
• Soft Skills Training: the role of the facilitator, opening a group and setting the tone for a rich, successful learning experience; group contract/boundaries; how to avoid common facilitator “traps” and other tools.
• Working with Groups: learn about group dynamics including stages of group development; understand the experiential learning cycle; tools for working with various client populations.
• Program Design: principles of good program design; adapting to group dynamics and modifying variables such as tempo and intensity of activities to create an impactful program; trouble-shooting and redesign.
• Processing/Debriefing Skills: questions to ask to facilitate the “Aha!” moment(s); learn different methods of processing during a program.