Finlayson Field Centre – High Challenge Ropes Courses A day at the Challenge Course is an opportunity for discovery about yourself and the people you come with It will involve : TEAMMWORK COOPERATION COMMUNICATION POWER OF POSITIVE GOAL SETTING

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE COURSE THE CHALLENGE COURSE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR SELF AND OTHERS. IMAGINE AN ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND 25 TO 30 FEET IN THE AIR/10 METRES. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW FAR, FAST OR HIGH THAT YOU CLIMB, JUST THAT YOU TRY YOUR BEST. THE CHALLENGE COURSE IS MADE OF HYDRO POLES, AIRCRAFT CABLES, WOOD AND ROPE. THE COURSE IS INSPECTED EACH DAY BEFORE WE CLIMB.

WHAT TO EXPECT YOUR DAY STARTS WITH A QUICK WELCOME AND INRODUCTION TO STAFF AND GEAR GEAR IS PUT ON AND INSPECTED BY FIELD CENTRE STAFF WE THEN HIKE UP TO THE CHALLENGE COURSE, 5 – 10 MINUTES, WITH ALL YOUR STUFF. THERE IS A PORTOLET AT THE COURSE AND A PICNIC SHELTER WHERE WE EAT LUNCH YOU ARE INTRODUCE TO THE CHALLENGE COURSE THEN WE START TO CLIMB WE CLIMB AS MUCH AS WE CAN, EAT LUNCH AT THE COURSE AND CLIMB MORE UNTIL BUS TIME

DISCOVERY ABOUT SELF AND TEAM The day will provide an opportunity for you and your class to have experiences that may be different than at school It is a chance to work with and learn about people in your class

THE CHALLENGE COURSE ITSELF The Challenge Course is made up of 10 different elements. Each element will involve 1 – 4 climbers. We will only be climbing on 1 -3 of the elements during a visit , depending on time Climbers are always on a belay system when they leave the ground. The belay system may include the Field Centre Staff as well as students from your class. The belay system is what keeps you safe when climbing. You will not fall to the ground if you slip or fall off an element Field Centre Staff are trained/certified to operate the Challenge Course

TEAMWORK COOPERATION While at the Challenge Course you will need to work as a team in order to successfully accomplish goals This may include spotting individuals, belaying fellow classmates or teachers and encouraging each person to do their best

COMMUNICATION – POWER OF POSITIVE Communication is a key concept of the day Positive communication is stressed Stay away from "don't, can't" Use safety terms such as On Belay, Spotters Ready Listen, empathize, support each other "DON’T LOOK DOWN" AND "I AM GOING TO LET GO OF THE ROPE" ARE NOT FUNNY 30 FT IN THE AIR

TRUST A day at the Challenge Course involves Trust Trust of Field Centre Staff Developing Trust with fellow students you may not know very well Trusting yourself, to climb and participate the best that you can

CHALLENGE BY CHOICE Challenge By Choice ?????

CHALLENGE BY CHOICE Challenge By Choice means that you set your own goals You are responsible for how high you climb and what part of the element you wish to try Participation is not an option while on the ground, but once in the air the choice is yours But….challenge yourself, we do not want you to think later "I wish I would have done more "

BE PREPARED FOR THE DAY There are a number of things you should do to prepare for a safe and fun day on the Challenge Course All climbers must wear long pants that cover their ankles All climbers must wear lace up closed heel/toe shoes. No slip-on shoes. All climbers must wear a base layer shirt that extends over or can tuck into the waist/hips of their pants All pockets must be empty, anything that dangles must be taken off. Watches, tight fitting, small items of jewellery are fine All long hair ( hair that can touch in front of your face) must be pulled back into a low ponytail or braid No hats with peaks or buttons under your helmet. Toques are allowed. Only gloves with leather grip palms can be used for climbing/on rope All climbers must bring a water bottle and ample food for the day. Please try to bring a litterless lunch as all garbage and recycle items will be going home with you. Electronics are not permitted on the Challenge Course except for cameras No spikey or oversized belt buckles.

CLIMBING GEAR Everyone that comes to the course must wear a helmet (even if not climbing) All participants climbing must wear a harness All equipment will be supplied by the Field Centres Field Centre Staff will inspect all equipment

ITS YOUR DAY It is up to you and your fellow classmates how the day goes The more effort, focus and positive energy you put into the day, the more you will take home from it It is not important how fast , far or high you go…..just that you did your best. Do not compare yourself to anyone else Leave with a sense of joy in yourself, your classmates and your team CAN'T WAIT UNTIL WE SEE YOU