Effective learning occurs in an environment where what is learned can be put into practice and the learner can receive accurate feedback and reinforcement. An essential component for learning is a person’s conscious decision to achieve some particular goal during the group experience. By using a goal setting process and developing individual personal action plans, groups members are helped to define what they want to achieve, how they are going to accomplish this and what evidence will serve to demonstrate that they have achieved a specific goal. The full value contract asks for the following commitments and presumes specific expectations for all group members and facilitators. Read More

Effective learning occurs in an environment where what is learned can be put into practice and the learner can receive accurate feedback and reinforcement. An essential component for learning is a person’s conscious decision to achieve some particular goal during the group experience. By using a goal setting process and developing individual personal action plans, groups members are helped to define what they want to achieve, how they are going to accomplish this and what evidence will serve to demonstrate that they have achieved a specific goal. The full value contract asks for the following commitments and presumes specific expectations for all group members and facilitators.

1. An agreement among the group members to work together to achieve the individual and group goals that have been developed and share during the group experience.
2. An agreement to adhere to certain physical and psychological safety guidelines must be discussed and agreed upon by the group.
3. An agreement to give and receive honest feedback. Each person agrees to listen to and try to integrate ones feedback when his/her behavior does not match the behavior identified as a goal. Similarly, each person agrees to give honest feedback to others when their behaviors do not match what they identified as goals. This involves caring enough about oneself and others to communicate in a fashion that will be productive and facilitate growth.
   Inherent in this process is the belief that every group member has value and by virtue of that value has a right and responsibility to give and receive open and honest feedback. Withholding or refusing to listen to constructive criticism my be viewed as and example of devaluing oneself and others.
4. An agreement to increase awareness of a devaluing or discounting of oneself or others and to make a direct and conscious effort to confront and work toward changing this behavior. Again, appropriate and constructive criticism is an essential ingredient in the full value contract. However, members must learn to participate in this process in an open and responsible manner. It gives us a challenge to oneself or from another to look at one’s own behavior at the discrepancy between what one says and what one does or at the degree to which one is being honest with self and others.

The challenge course is designed for groups to come together in a positive environment to allow for personal and group growth. Although your day may vary depending on time and group goals, most courses consist of three sections. Read More

The challenge course is designed for groups to come together in a positive environment to allow for personal and group growth. Although your day may vary depending on time and group goals, most courses consist of three sections. Field games and initiatives build the base for the day. This is followed by the more intense low course, which uses physical elements to pose group and individual problems. The last part of the day may focus on the Alpine Tower, a 50 foot tall climbing structure that provides several exciting individual and group challenges. You can ascend the tower (you can utilize hanging elements, cargo nets, ropes, and platforms) to help you feel a sense of adventure and accomplishment. No matter what your day may bring, setting goals is the key to taking something back to work, home or for yourself. We will talk and ask each individual to participate in evaluating each element. Remember, we are facilitators of the process. You hold the key for making the day one to remember.