Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism
Instructor: Dr. Mark Wagstaff Phone: 831-7724
Office: Waldron
Hall 139 Office Hours:
10:00 to 12:00 daily
E-mail: mwagstaff@radford.edu Class e-mail: ru-rcpt421-01-fall@radford.edu
RU ABLE Director: Fred
Pierson Phone:
831-7721
E-mail: jkpierson@radford.edu
RCPT 421 Ropes Course Programming. (3) Credits
Three
hours lecture/laboratory.
Prerequisites or
co-requisites: RCPT 112, RCPT 210, RCPT 313, and permission of the instructor.
Students
will learn and apply the technical, safety, leadership and facilitation skills
essential to safe and effective ropes course programming. Emphasis is given to
understanding the theoretical underpinnings of ropes course philosophy. A
five-day training workshop is a required component of the course. See training
dates below.
A. Detailed Description of
Course Content
This
course covers a wide spectrum and representative cross-section of cooperative
warm-ups, non-traditional group games, trust activities, initiative or group
problem-solving activities, and low and high challenge ropes course elements.
Basic technical and safety skills will be taught, including spotting and the
variety and types of belay devices, techniques and systems. Emphasis is placed
on developing the necessary leadership and facilitation skills to implement
safe and effective initiative and ropes course programs. Additional emphasis is
placed on understanding the theoretical underpinnings of ropes course
programming, including the experiential learning cycle, the full value
contract, goal-setting, challenge by choice, and processing the adventure
experience.
B. Detailed Description of
Course Conduct
The
course begins with an orientation to the theoretical concepts underlying ropes course
programming and the experiential aspect of the course. Throughout the course
students are required to maintain an activity log. The log is the primary
source of information and insight for a self-assessment at the completion of
the course. During the five-day training, students must demonstrate specific
ropes course competencies in order to complete the course. Within two weeks of
the five-day training, students take a comprehensive exam that covers all
course material, readings, training information and the RU-ABLE manual.
Finally, the student is required to participate in a 28 hour laboratory
experience. The lab requirement involves assisting, co-leading and/or leading
in the implementation of ropes course programming though
C. Goals and Objectives of the
Course
Goal 1: To develop basic technical and safety
skills.
Objectives for Goal 1—at the end of the course
students will be able to:
·
Demonstrate proper spotting technique for low elements
·
Tie the following knots: bowline-on-bight, figure eight loop knot,
double figure eight, retraced figure eight, prussic knot, double fisherman and
butterfly knot.
·
Perform a standing hip belay
·
Perform a team belay
·
Belay using at least two of the following mechanical belay devices: sticht plate, ATC, GriGri, and/or
a Trango Pyramid.
·
Demonstrate appropriate belay techniques as a “second” belayer.
·
Distinguish between “dynamic” and “static” belays within the ropes
course context.
·
Identify at least five factors or considerations regarding the “on
ground” safety management of low and high ropes course elements.
·
Explain at least five procedures or strategies for the proper care and
storage of ropes course rope.
·
Properly identify and explain the function of all equipment items
essential to ropes course safety, including carabiners,
rapid links, helmets, harnesses, pulleys, ropes course cables and connections,
and tools for maintenance and inspection of elements.
Goal 2: To understand the theoretical concepts and
constructs underlying ropes course programming, including the experiential
learning cycle, the full value contract, goal setting, challenge by choice, and
processing the adventure experience.
Objectives for Goal 2—at the end of the course, and
with reference to her/his journal, the student will be able to:
·
Describe at least three techniques or strategies for implementing
challenge by choice.
·
Explain the four components of the experiential learning cycle.
·
Evaluate at least five methods or techniques for effective processing
of experience learning.
·
Evaluate three methods for implementing a full value contract.
·
Articulate the role and process of goal setting in the context of the
experiential learning cycle.
·
Critically analyze the theory and application of ropes course
programming to selected client groups.
Goal 3: To apply the basic skills and understanding
of ropes course programming.
Objectives of Goal 3—through the SL experience, each
student will:
·
Where possible, assist in the design a ropes course program for a
specific client group.
·
Assist, co-lead and/or lead specific initiatives and ropes course
elements under the supervision of qualified ropes course personnel.
·
Complete a self-evaluation regarding her/his participation in the lab
experience.
D. Assessment Measures
Assessment
is based upon participation in classes, labs, a five day training workshop,
successful demonstration of competency-based technical and safety skills, a final
certification exam (skills test and written test), completion of a
facilitation notebook, and completion of a service learning program.
E. Course
Ryan, B. (2005). The Guide for
Challenge Course Operations. Project Adventure.
Rohnke, K., &
RU-ABLE Operations Manual (5th ed.)
(available at the RU bookstore)
Martin, B., Cashel, C.,
Wagstaff, M. & Breunig, M. (2006). Challenge Course
Programming, Chapter 11. Human Kinetics.
1.
Mandatory Attendance
a.
Monday, August 29th 6:00 – 9:00 – Training preparation and Quiz
b.
Monday, September 5th 6:00 – 9:00 –
Quiz
c. Wednesday,
September 7, 7:00PM - 10:00PM
d. Thursday,
September 8, 8:30AM - 10:00M
e. Friday,
September 9, 8:30AM - 10:00PM
f.
Saturday, September 10, 8:30AM - 10:00PM
g.
Sunday, September 11, 8:30AM – 4:00PM
h.
Additional classes
(1) September 26 – Certification Exam
(2) October
10 – New Games Workshop
(3) November
14 – Technical Skills Review
(4)
December 5 – Class Evaluation and Debrief
i.
Ropes Course Service Learning: Schedule with Fred
Pierson
2.
Participation: 40%. Participation addresses and includes the
following:
·
Preparation for and commitment to the course are
essential to its success. Students will be evaluated according to the course
behaviors outlined below (see “course expectations”). (15%)
·
Preparation includes reading and initial quiz
(10%)
·
Participation includes successful
completion/demonstration of basic competencies. Evaluation will be based upon
observation and skill assessment forms.
·
Submitting facilitation notebook/journal.
Due during certification exam. (20%)
·
All late work will be penalized 10% per day.
3.
Lab Experience: 30% points. Serve as an
instructor for RU-ABLE by co-facilitating client groups. Students will schedule
hours with lab director,
4.
Comprehensive Certification Exam: 20%. (September
26th)
5.
Submit portfolio log by last day of class or when
student no longer accumulating hours. 10% of final grade See sample portfolio log. (Before December 5th)
G. Course
Expectations
Although the following
is not a complete list, it does represent basic expectations regarding student
participation during the course.
Students are expected
to:
Come prepared:
·
Dress properly for the weather, including: raingear and extra clothing to
adapt to changing conditions; a hat and/or cap (protection from rain, bugs,
sun, cold)
·
Dress with loose-fitting, comfortable, and functional layers of
clothing which will allow you to adjust to changing conditions
·
Bring an old pair of jeans for performing the standing hip belay (nylon
rope will glaze/melt nylon sweats; rope will burn through cotton sweats)
·
Bring a bandanna (many uses)
·
Bring proper footwear (sneakers, tennis shoes; no sandals or sandal like shoe of
any type are permitted on ropes course elements; boots are okay (soles
with deep lugs may catch on wire cables)
·
Bring a water bottle or two with your beverage of choice
·
Bring snack foods
·
Bring a notebook & pen (for journal writing)
·
Bring your RU ABLE Operations Manual
·
Bring a daypack or small rucksack (for carrying everything around)
·
Bring a bag lunch and dinner
·
(Optional): Camera (great framing with blue skies)
·
(Optional): Bring snug fitting leather or leather-palmed gloves for
belaying
Come Rested and Ready for Active Participation
·
Stay hydrated and well-fed during the training
·
Structure your evenings to get adequate rest and sleep; plan to got to
bed as early as possible
·
Moderate any habits that will interfere with your ability to function
at optimal levels
Arrive on Time
·
Do whatever it takes (e.g., multiple alarms; a wakeup call) to get to
West Campus on time
·
Attendance is mandatory (there is no way to make up lost time with this
particular group)
Share the Load
·
Help carry ladders to and from the course
·
Help carry game and initiatives equipment
·
Help put equipment away and inventory at the end of the day
·
Keep your eyes and ears open and take initiative to help as needed
·
Help coil ropes and rope harnesses
·
Help with the sorting and inventory of equipment
Leave Unnecessary or Potentially Harmful
Objects at Home
·
Leave valuables at home
·
Leave sharp objects at home
·
Remove jewelry unless permanently attached and not susceptible to being
grab or caught
Learn as a Team
·
Appropriately assist, guide, teach, coach in the learning and mastery
of the RU ABLE curriculum (the more we help each other learn, the quicker we
cover the curriculum, and the more we generate opportunities for advanced
learning)
·
We will all complete or not complete the curriculum as a group; either
all will receive certificates of completion or none will. We are accountable as
a team. So share and assist in the learning!!!
RU-ABLE Certification
Upon the successful
completion of all requirements outlined in this syllabus, students will receive
the RU-ABLE Basic Facilitator Certification. Certified individuals are
qualified to work as employees for the RU-ABLE program. Successful completion
of this course also allows students to register for the advanced course in the
spring. Successful completion of advanced course requirement and adequate
experience allows students to receive Head Instructor Certification.
Available Handouts:
RU ABLE 2011 Training Schedule
RU ABLE Waiver and Assumption of Risk Form
General Technical Information (Equipment
and Skills)
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