Massachusetts DPS Update: State Inspector Visits

We're reaching out to our friends in the state of Massachusetts to let you know of a few developments from the MA Department of Public Safety (DPS).

While the DPS has not exercised the right to perform their inspections in the nearly 5 years since the legislation was passed, we have recently been informed via the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) that state inspectors from the Massachusetts DPS has visited and performed inspections at two or more high schools in the past month. These inspections included a review of all paperwork, a cursory look at equipment and a visual inspection of the challenge course. All 6 state inspectors were present at both inspections.

What does this mean for you? If you operate a belayed challenge course or climbing

Color Swatches

Here's another Print & Play processing tool for your bag of tricks. This is a classic processing idea that's been around for years but we've made it easier than ever to get a set of your own. The fun swatch names and color arrangements make it a perfect method for engaging your participants in meaningful discussion. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Click the link to Download the PDF:Swatches Blog.pdf

The Sea of Doom

Variations aren't just wonderful but essential to effective facilitation. In order to meet the specific needs of a group we have to have the knowledge and willingness to adapt the experience to adequately challenge the collective skill of the group. Having a few Variations in your back pocket will undoubtedly help increase effectiveness while keeping the program new and challenging.

Fear: Good, Bad or Ugly?

Part 3: Taming the Amygdala

History

Early in my career as a challenge course facilitator, I think I had a telemarketer's philosophy when facilitating on a challenge course. This was probably due to the fact that I was once told by a friend who work for a period of time as a telemarketer, that he was not allowed to hang up the phone until the person on the other end said no three times. I adopted that attitude to my challenge course work.

For full article, download a PDF here: FEAR: Good, Bad or Ugly.pdf

TERA/Mid-south AEE Conference

I was recently invited to present a pre-conference workshop and an opening games session for the Texas Experiential Ropes Association and Mid-south Association for Experiential Education regional conference. I had a wonderful time meeting all of the conference attendees. As promised, click on the link for a pdf of the activities we played during the pre-conference as well as the opening games session. Thank you for all for the passion and energy you give to the experiential education field.

TERA Mid South AEE Activities you should know.pdf