The Challenge Discovery team spends this time of year reviewing technical information, energizing our staff, and challenging ourselves. Generally, we do this by gathering together at the course, for recertification training. Just like we do when working with our participants and students, we choose Experiences that pushes our team outside of our COMFORT ZONE, so that we Learn, Grow, and Change.

Just like we want to give our participants the chance to develop, we put the same energy and opportunity into our staff. Here is a sneak peak into our organization…On most ropes course programs, you will see Facilitators, and Ground Facilitators. Facilitators are the individuals who lead each small group through their Challenge Discovery experience. However, Ground Facilitators serve as the support member for the Facilitator team. Many might see them as the “leader”, but leadership is funny that way. Leadership at Challenge Discovery is based on service, not on individual glory. The Ground Facilitator is a leader, but their role is to keep everyone on the same page, not to simply give orders. This service oriented mindset is the idea behind the Ground Facilitator role. They provide support to our Facilitators, are a point of contact for participants and coordinators, and generally fill in the gaps wherever they are needed.

At our recertification training this year, we had an interactive and full team discussion surrounding this information to develop our current Ground Facilitators, and inspire our Facilitators to see their next steps forward with Challenge Discovery. This season, you may see many of the same faces, but they may be serving in different roles. If you are interested in working for a company that believes in the power of staff development, and invests in our staff, check out information on our Facilitator role.

We also take the time to practice in the Odyssey Course. We are always focused on managing the risks of climbing in the course. To do that, we practice rescues from the course on EVERY program. Additionally, during our recertification training, each facilitator tested out of their individual lowering, and then the team was challenged with a group lowering task, from the most difficult place in the course. This group challenge allowed new ideas to be shared, modified techniques to be utilized, and generally…true collaboration.

Ben executes a practice rescue, lowering Lori to the ground.

We are excited to be using an updated zip line system, installed by the University of Richmond. A portion of our day was spent in reviewing the changes to this system, and taking a few rides for ourselves. We are excited to utilize this system in the upcoming season. Check out more pictures on our Facebook Page.

Heather takes a ride on our updated zip line system!