Several companies in the United States are offering training and certification courses in October and November. The following is certainly not an exhaustive list. Check with your nearby outfits that offer training to see if courses are being offered.
High5 Adventures Level 1 and CCM Training
High5 Adventures, based in Brattleboro, Vt., has space available in three training sessions this fall.
Adventure Basics: Level 1 Training, Sept. 27-Oct. 1, and Oct. 19-23
During this five-day training, participants will learn both the basic technical skills of operating a challenge course as well as the facilitation skills essential to sequencing a program to maximize learning outcomes with participants.
Adventure Basics provides an important first step for both understanding the flow and interplay of a group experience and for learning the skills to run an effective challenge course program. This workshop will help you prepare and review for the Level 1 Challenge Course Practitioner Certification exam. (Testing is optional: you must register for the exam separately.)
Cost is $795, which includes registration, workshop manual, and lunch during the workshop. More information here: https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/multi-day-workshops-and-trainings/products/adventure-basics-level-1-training
Managing an Adventure Program: CCM Training, Nov. 15-17
This workshop is designed to help adventure professionals not only manage a program effectively, but also to develop the ability to think critically and proactively about its many facets and details.
The workshop is intended for anyone who has primary responsibility for the management of a challenge course: program directors, risk managers, athletic directors, and lead training staff. It is ideal for anyone who is in charge of the operations of an adventure program using a challenge course.
This workshop prepares challenge course practitioners for challenge course manager certification, which is optional. You must register for the test separately.
Cost is $540, which includes registration, workshop manual, and lunches during the workshop. More information here: https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/multi-day-workshops-and-trainings/products/managing-an-adventure-program-ccm-training
PRCA Level 1 & 2 Training Session at Butter and Egg Adventures
Butter and Egg Adventures in Troy, Ala., will host a Professional Ropes Course Association (PRCA) training session Dec. 12-16, 2022. Both low and high ropes certification will be available at this workshop, which will be taught by Gus Denzik and Tom Andrews of Pro Image Adventures-Dare to Grow. Training will include dynamic and static belay, rescue, and group facilitation.
Cost for the program is $600 per person. Optional bunkhouse lodging and meals will be available for those who wish to stay on property; meals (breakfast and lunch) and lodging are $125 per person. Other accommodations are available nearby.
Register at butterandeggadventures.com/prca-training. Deadline is Nov. 30. A minimum of 8 people will be needed for the workshop to take place.
Rope Works Basic Skills and Level 1 Certification Training
Rope Works is hosting training in facilitation concepts/low-course elements and level 1 certification Nov. 14-16 at the Texas A&M ChallengeWorks in Bryan/College Station, Texas.
This training is an introduction to the operation of games, initiatives, and spotted challenge-course elements. It will have an emphasis on skill sets that include: proper spotting and sequencing, set-up/take-down of low course activities, and operational procedures for the low course elements.
Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepai41_TW854Pzqv3EEmpdqnuKrs3F-FjAk9_9HLGLBG1SQw/viewform
Synergo Facilitator Level 1 & 2 Certification Trainings
Synergo is hosting ACCT level 1 and level 2 facilitator certification training in Portland, Ore., in October. Level 1 sessions take place Oct. 10-14, level 2, Oct. 17-21. Training involves hands-on instruction and practice in hard and soft skills in an interactive outdoor learning environment.
Synergo’s level 1 practitioner training is geared toward beginner facilitators and summer camp challenge course facilitators. It introduces trainees to effective communication, ACCT industry standards, belaying techniques, course set-up and take-down, course maintenance, and program design.
Level 2 training is for intermediate facilitators and year-round challenge course staff. Trainees will dive into advanced facilitation techniques such as rescues, rappelling techniques, access climbing, local operating procedures, and group needs assessments.
For more info and to register: teamsynergo.com/training; (503) 746-6646.
ABEE Level 1 Certification Training
ABEE is offering a Level 1 certification training that will take place across multiple courses throughout the Stevens Point School District in central Wisconsin Oct. 24-28.
A Level 1 certification is designed for people who are new to the industry and are seeking the training needed to facilitate a challenge course program. This Level 1 training will cover low and high ropes course element operation on indoor and outdoor ropes courses, including some specialty elements: gravity zip line, flying squirrel, and leap of faith. The certification will last for one year.
All training criteria are in accordance with ABEE policy and current ACCT Standards.
To participate and complete a Level 1 certification, participants must:
– be at least 18 years old;
– complete the training;
– pass a written test with a score of at least 80 percent;
– pass a skills test.
The cost is $500 per person. Contact: Teresa Bence (715)-345-5445 or [email protected].
Alpine Towers Level 1 and 2 Certification Training in New Jersey
Alpine Towers is holding Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) Level 1 and Level 2 challenge course practitioner full certification training at YMCA of the Pines in Medford, N.J., Nov. 7-11.
ACCT Level 1
This certification requires no previous experience and is good for one year. It signifies that the practitioner can deliver routine programming and is proficient in core technical skills.
Requirements: Participants must be at least 18 years old, complete 40 hours of training, and pass a written and practical skills test.
ACCT Level 2
This advanced certification requires previous experience and either a Level 1 certification or equivalent 40 hours of documented training within the last year. Certification is good for three years. It signifies the practitioner can deliver advanced programming and is technically proficient.
Requirements: Participants must be at least 18 years old, have an up-to-date portfolio documenting 200 hours of course facilitation, and complete the 40-hour Level 2 training.
There are several package options available for overnight or commuter participants. Packages can include lodging, meals, course and/or testing. Course and testing only is $900.
To register, contact [email protected], or call 828-772-0206.
