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Welcome to the E.D.G.E. Challenge Ropes Course
The E.D.G.E. (Experientially Designed Group Effort) program strives to be the premiere leadership and personal effectiveness experiential learning program in the Central Valley. It is a program that responds to a pressing need in today's unpredictable world - the need for effective leaders in all professions and organizations. Using a centrally located ropes course as the base of operations, the program offers group-oriented activities that foster teamwork, leadership, self-esteem, creativity and personal awareness. Beginning with energizing games, the group involved moves through a series of low element initiatives that foster problem solving, trust, and cooperation. Through these activities, the group builds a foundation for working together and individuals learn introspective techniques for leadership and interpersonal skills. Then individuals, with the support of the group, tackle the culminating experience, the high ropes elements.
What's waiting at the E.D.G.E.?
Low Rope Elements. The E.D.G.E. facility is comprised of several utility poles connected with cables. Low elements are just inches off the ground and are set up to provide groups with intriguing problems requiring some physical effort but primarily the collective wit and cohesiveness of group members.
High Ropes Elements. A group's experience may also include activities focusing on individual perceived-risk challenges. Through a supportive atmosphere provided by facilitators and group members, participants have the option of taking themselves to the E.D.G.E. by leaping off a 30-foot pole to grab a trapeze or balancing across a 25-foot log, 35 feet off the ground. These peak experiences provide the participant with many transferable insights which are processes in a non-threatening manner.
E.D.G.E. Safety
Our facilitators know that trust, support, and security, both emotional and physical, are essential to a successful experience. Safety is an integral part of the program. Facilitators are thoroughly trained in standardized risk management procedures and safety is firmly entrenched in every facet of the E.D.G.E. experience. The course is inspected and certified annually; routine inspections are conducted daily and monthly.
What if I choose not to go over the E.D.G.E.?
Only you can make that decision. We all have our own individual thresholds. All E.D.G.E. activities are challenge by choice - an acknowledgment that each individual has a right and responsibility to choose his or her own level of participation. None of the facilitators or group members will prompt you to do anything beyond your willingness. That kind of supportive environment is essential in order for learning to occur.
Who should be looking over the E.D.G.E.?
Several valley organizations ranging from athletic groups to businesses have already participated in the E.D.G.E. program. Any group with 10 to 18 members is ideal (though arrangements can be made for other size groups).
- Business & Corporations
- Student Organizations
- Fraternities & Sororities
- Athletics Teams
- College Academic Programs
- Youth Groups
- Community Organizations
Why the E.D.G.E.?
The edge is a powerful metaphor in experiential learning - that moment before a peak experience which is the crux of self-discovery and learning. The E.D.G.E. course combines the latest practices in leadership and personal effectiveness education. Aims center on improving goal setting techniques, leadership, active listening, communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, decision making, and idea development. Enhanced self-awareness is promoted through direct feedback and reinforcement.
Program options include one-, two-, and three-day courses with each program tailored to the specific need of the client group. Nonetheless, all courses include:
- Goal setting and safety discussion
- Warm-up activities (ice-breakers)
- Initiative and group problem solving activities
- Processing and debriefing (discerning what has been learned)
RLS 75: Adventure Ropes Experience
This popular one-unit class meets one day on the ropes course for a complete experience in teamwork, trust, and high ropes. (All high elements are challenge-by-choice.)
* Welcome to the E.D.G.E
* Waiver
* Agreement Form
Contact:
Dr. L-Jay Fine
Ropes Course Director
Email: L-Jay Fine
Phone: (559) 278-2629
Fax: (559) 278-5267
OR
Ryan Soares
E.D.G.E Challenge Course Manager
Email: Ryan Soares
Phone: (559) 278-2838 or (559) 301-6356
Fax: (559) 278-5267