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 Challenge Course and Facilitator Selection Guidelines for the Consumer The purpose of this document is to assist the consumer of adventure/challenge programs in the selection of safe, high-quality programs and is provided as a service to consumers by the Northwest Challenge Course Network. It is recommended you discuss these questions with the challenge course manager and answer them to your satisfaction. Program: These questions address the quality of the program and the way the program will assure the quality of your experience. Does the staff have experience and knowledge of the type of group you will be bringing to the course?
- Does the staff have experience and knowledge of the type of group you will be bringing to the course?
- Will the program allow you to visit their site before signing a contract?
- How will the staff foster an environment where learning is supported by all in the group?
- With what organizations is the program affiliated? (Association for Challenge Course Technology, Association of Experiential Education, American Camping Association, Northwest Challenge Course Network, etc.)
- With what other organizations and groups have the staff worked with?
- What other kinds of teaching or client centered work do they do?
- How do staff stay abreast of current standards and techniques?
- How will the program value the needs of your particular group?
- How will the staff assess and meet the needs of your group?
- Does the program carry general liability insurance covering the Challenge Course?
- Can the Challenge Course give references?
Safety: These questions address the manner in which the program maintains a safe environment. - Where, when and by who were the staff trained in adventure/challenge course activities?
- when did the course do its last internal and external inspection and safety reviews?
- What level of first aid and CPR certification do the staff have?
- What medical and liability forms does the program require for each participant before the start of the Challenge Course experience?
- If the program works with youth, do they require program staff to have a state background check?
- Are safety procedures documented in the facility’s program manual?
- Is the site accredited or pursuing the accreditation by the Association of Experiential Education, Wilderness Education Association, American Camping Association, Project Adventure, or another organization?
- Does the program maintain a regular training program and have a training manual? Does the training manual contain the policies and procedures for running adventure/challenge programs on their site?
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