Outdoor Leadership Training: Guide School 2019

Adventure Guide School: The First Step in Outdoor Leadership Training

This is an intensive 1-2 week training program for individuals 18 years and older who are interested in learning more about working in an outdoor youth ministry.

Since Rock-N-Water’s beginning in 1989, there has been training and hiring dozens of guides every year. It is thrilling to pass on lessons of guiding outdoor adventures and what youth ministry looks like in the great outdoors. Besides, we believe that outdoor adventure programs are playing a critical role in helping youth centers and youth leaders as they minister to the youth of today.

Are you a world traveler? Might you be a city dweller? No matter what place you are coming from the instructors will provide you with opportunities for growth.  There is no experience required for this outdoor education program course (9 days of instruction in experiential learning).

Goals & Objectives

This course is designed to provide students with the basic skills and information necessary to become an Adventure Guide. Class III white water rafting guiding,  top-rope climbing instructor, and success in outdoor ministry are all topics that are covered. Instruction, practice exercises and intensity will vary each year based on the needs of each year’s participants. Most importantly, the overall goal is to train Christian leaders to guide adventures in the outdoors in a practical and safe manner. Typically participants will experience 6-7 days of river training and 2-3 of rock climbing training.

Topics Covered:

The course will focus on elementary and intermediate raft guiding, outdoor rock climb guiding, and outdoor recreation skills including but not limited to:

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

To participate you will need to have a moderate to high fitness level. Each participant will need to be prepared  for a great workout during this rigorous course. These courses often have you both figuratively and literally running from one adventure to the next. All guides are encouraged to continue pursuing further outdoor training and experience following the course.

Options and Opportunities

First, 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.

Second, 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. First Aid and CPR are required for all Rock-N-Water staff.

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