Outdoor Education Center opens training course
Eighteen people completed a Facilitator Training Course held on Sept. 13 and 14, sponsored by the Outdoor Education Center.
Everyone that completed any one of the technical group classes, such as land, water and challenge courses, was encouraged to be present. Other people invited to attend include those with a considerable amount of previous training and experience. These people had the option of being lead facilitators or assistant facilitators.
The training session was held outside on West Campus Friday, Sept. 13 with a general training for all facilitators from 9 a.m. to noon, and then with a group development/low ropes course training from noon to 5 p.m.
There was supposed to be another session held on Saturday at the same place and same time as the previous day. However, due to the rainy weather, the outdoor activities were postponed.
“We just did some stuff inside,” said Whitney Ward, the program coordinator. “We’ll have to postpone the [high course activities] to Oct.5. Basically, this course is a training program for facilitators.”
If they pass the course, they can work for the Outdoor Education
Program here at GC&SU. The Outdoor Education Center offers technical skills workshops mainly for people interested in enhancing technical abilities for use in teaching outdoor pursuits. It’s also for groups
interested in personal growth and team development.
“Training sessions are normally held once a month,” said Ward.
In the past, they weren’t held as often, but considering there is a new
course, it will be renovated after.
“We have to make sure the facilitators are updated,” he said.
The new course was built this summer.
“It’s hard to single out just one element,” said Ward. “there’s so many new activities that people haven’t done yet, so it pretty much depends on
the individual.”
“We have both high elements and low elements in the course,” said Craig Breyfouche, an undergraduate student in the course. “We have a tower, as well, that’s opening up in the next month or so. We’re excited about being out here and helping it happen.”
“There’s no competition in [the challenge course],” said Scott Robertshaw, a member of the program. “It’s focused on group development, team building, and being cooperative by using ropes, boards, and other elements.”
“My favorite thing about being a part of this is being able to appreciate the idea of experiencing outdoor education and helping people learn through participating and discovering themselves through this type of facilitation,” said Breyfouche.
The facilitators get compensated a little bit for their time, but according to Ward, nobody is exactly in it for the money.
“It’s just nice being with people and watching their joy and satisfaction as they learn new skills,” he said.
The people that are currently training will be the facilitators for the next rope courses. “Students from Washington County High School and a psychology class from Middle Georgia College will soon do the rope courses,” he said.
Anyone who wants to train to become a facilitator is invited to attend the next training event, which will be at West Campus (west of the softball field).
“If anyone wants to get involved in this program, they can talk to the Outdoor Education Center. They can get groups together and participate in various things on the course,” said Breyfouche.
“Just look for the climbing tower, you shouldn’t miss it,” said Ward.
Contact Whitney Ward for more details at 478-445-5186, email him at
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Sep 20 2002. Filed under News.
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