CHALLENGE SONOMA ADVENTURE ROPES COURSE TO HOLD WORKSHOP INTENSIVE FOR ROPES COURSE TECHNICIAN TRAINING
Local non-profit holds bi-annual training for leading and facilitating outdoor challenge events in the Oak and Redwood forest above Sonoma Dev. Center
Sonoma, Calif., January 14, 2008 -- Challenge Sonoma Adventure Ropes Course (CSARC) announces its Spring training workshop for learning the skills necessary to lead and support participants in outdoor challenge events on a ropes course. Dedicated to the development of team-building and cooperation in kid’s organizations such as schools and camps as well as adult organizations such as government and business, Challenge Sonoma provides activities training in a variety of natural settings, including a meadow, an oak forest, and a redwood grove.
Through a long-standing partnership with the Sonoma Developmental Center, Challenge Sonoma is fortunate to operate their programs in a pristine and beautiful location high on Sonoma Mountain. Trainees learn how to facilitate a variety of “challenges” that encourage participants to problem-solve together and overcome personal fears in a supportive group experience. According to CSARC president John Arntz, “Ropes course leaders learn skills that can be utilized in any of the hundreds of ropes and adventure courses that have grown up around the country since the 1980’s. These programs are popular because they help people experience the value of supporting each other as we take risks and grow. Only by challenging ourselves do we raise the bar on our personal goals and achievements.”
Course instructors include Diana Rhoten, well-known for her kid’s adventure and theater camps and local theatrical productions, and Jim Tonery, past Sonoma Valley School District teacher at Flowery Elementary School, as well as a legion of loyal course volunteers who enjoy sharing their skills and knowledge with newcomers. The curriculum includes technical aspects such as gear training, belaying (also used in rock climbing), rescue techniques, facilitation, and event management. At the end of the training, participants can test their skills for being leaders at the Challenge Sonoma Adventure Ropes Course programs.
Included in the training are opportunities to experience the various low and high events, such as the Mohawk Walk, Low V, and Trust Fall in the Oaks, and the Vertical Playpen, Multivine, and Zip line in the Redwoods. These elements provide an opportunity to experience team support in a secure environment and become more comfortable with taking risks. Individuals who take this leadership training course gain increased self-confidence while safely challenging themselves in a fun outdoor setting. These skills apply to life in general and last a lifetime.
Spring training begins Thursday, March 5th from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. and continues March 6th, 7th, and 8th from 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Sonoma Developmental Center. Contact Diana Rhoten, CSARC Trainer at 707-484-7759 for information, or email Challenge Sonoma at info@challengesonoma.org. Materials fee is $75.00, with some scholarships available. Must be 15 years or older and in generally good physical condition.
Challenge Sonoma Adventure Ropes Course
CSARC is a non-profit group that has been in continuous operation since 1984. In 2000 they completely rebuilt the course with the support of community members and businesses intent on maintaining this valuable community resource. Challenge Sonoma leaders are all community volunteers who are individually selected. Leaders must complete a rigorous training program and apprenticeship prior to being qualified as solo leaders. Their ropes course is located on Sonoma Mountain, above the Sonoma Developmental Center, which is approximately 4 miles North of the town of Sonoma. Their mission is to support the school children and youth-at-risk in the Sonoma Valley by providing an unequaled outdoor experience that forwards their learning and gives them the opportunity to step up to the best that they can be in our community. CSARC offers premium ropes course programs to community and business groups to help defray the costs of supporting Sonoma Valley youth. Visit the CSARC website for more information: www.challengesonoma.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT JANNA RAYE AT 707.996.8997
http://www.challengesonoma.org/
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