Outdoor Leadership Training: Guide School 2018

Adventure Guide School – Outdoor Training Leadership

An intensive two week training program for individuals 18 years old and older who are interested in learning more about working in outdoor youth ministry.

Since Rock-N-Water’s beginning in 1989 we have enjoyed training and hiring dozens of guides every year. We are thrilled to invest our knowledge of guiding and outdoor youth ministry into students enthusiastic about this mission field. We believe that outdoor programs can play a critical role in helping youth centers and youth leaders as they minister to the digitally connected youth of today.

Be you a world explorer, or a city dweller, our teachers can provide you with opportunities for growth.  There is no experience required for this two week outdoor education program course (9 days of instruction in experiential learning).

Goals & Objectives

This course is designed to provide students with the foundational skills and information necessary to become a Class III white water rafting guide, a top-rope climbing instructor, and to work in outdoor ministry. Instruction and exercises will vary each year based on the needs of each year’s specific community of participants. With the overall goal of helping train leaders to work in the outdoors and to lead outdoor education trips. Typically you will experience 6-7 days of river training and 2-3 of rock climbing training.

Topics Covered:

The course will focus on basic rafting, climbing, and outdoor recreations skills including

• Safety
• Injury and incident prevention
• Communication
• The big picture
• Environmental concerns
• Equipment rigging and care
• Working in outdoor youth ministry
• Creating education programming

Participants are of course encouraged to pursuit further outdoor experiences after the course. Be ready for a great workout during this class as we will often be both figuratively and literally running from one adventure to the next.

Options and Opportunities

Potential graduates of this outdoor leadership training Guide School are encouraged to apply for paid summer employment at Rock-N-Water if they are interested. Applications submitted by December 31st receive highest priority.

There will be an optional 8 hour basic Wilderness First Aid & CPR class on the Saturday after training for those that are interested for $80.

Partial scholarships towards the price of guide school might be available to participants that are applying to be on staff.