Aerial Adventures

Course Management | Risk Management | Customer Focused | Staff Training

Applicable certifications:

ACCT Level II Facilitator | Idaho Licensed Guide | Class B CDL | First Aid and CPR

Nestled in the beautiful Boise National Forest along the North Fork of the Payette River, the Cascade Raft Co. Ropes Challenge and ZipLine course offers stunning views, thrilling adventures, and flying ZipLines. The course is comprised of 11 challenge elements and 7 ZipLines.

I helped design and build our Ropes Course in 2019. Our Tree-to-Tree canopy tour invites participants to conquer fears while enjoying the exhilaration of an obstacle course 40 feet in the air. Since its completion in 2020 I have been creating and implementing staff training for the course as well as leading our large groups.

As a Ropes Course Manager, I was responsible for overseeing the daily operations, safety, and success of a ropes course facility. This role required a balance of leadership, technical expertise, and administrative skills to ensure a safe, engaging, and high-quality experience for participants and staff. 

In this role I managed the inspection, maintenance, and repair of all ropes course equipment and structures, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.

I supervised and trained a team of guides and facilitators, promoting a culture of safety, professionalism, and customer service. I designed and implemented programming tailored to the needs of diverse groups, including team-building, leadership development, and recreational experiences. I also created the staff and participant protocols to accommodate groups of up to 60 participants. 

I developed risk management plans and emergency response protocols, maintaining a safe environment for participants and staff. In addition I authored the staff manual and training plan. This role required a commitment to safety, innovation, and creating transformative experiences, ensuring the ropes course operated as a trusted and impactful facility.

Creating and implementing staff training has allowed me to teach the importance of safety for guides and participants alike on the course, interpersonal skills for the guides while also maintaining control and authority in any type of group, public speaking, communication, and technical skills required for guiding the course.

Leading smaller groups gives me the opportunity to put my training protocols in practice. I connect with participants from all walks of life and ensure they get the most out of their adventure experience. I must have clear and concise communication with the other guides to ensure the safety of everyone on the course. Maintaining authority ensures that I am respected and heeded when giving safety instructions, while also being fun and entertaining for the participants so they can have a great time.

As the Large Group Coordinator for our course I am responsible for managing the guides, protocols, participants, safety and flow of up to 60 people at a time. In large group situations I give safety briefing, speaking in front of over 60 people at a time and ensuring they understand the information I am giving them. I also coordinate the participants moving through the course, while maintaining clear and open communication between 7-10 guides at a time. I am responsible for the safety of the team, the participants on the course, and the participants on the ground. I create, test, and perfect Large Group Logistics to move 30-60 people through the course in 3 hours.

During the 2023 season I hope to expand smaller trips from 12 to 18 people and large groups from a maximum of 60 to up to 100 people. To do this I will need to ensure comprehensive guide training and competencies as well as create new flow patterns for large groups and the logistics for them.

As a Ropes Course Guide, I facilitated adventure-based learning and team-building experiences for groups of all ages, skill levels, and sizes. My role involved ensuring the safety, engagement, and personal growth of participants while navigating various high- and low-element ropes course elements. 

In this role, I conducted thorough safety briefings, equipment checks, and demonstrations to ensure participant safety, guided individuals and groups through physical and mental challenges, fostering teamwork, confidence, and communication. I also monitored and maintained all ropes course equipment and elements to comply with safety standards. I adapted coaching and guidance techniques to meet the needs of diverse participants, ensuring an inclusive and encouraging environment and provided first aid or emergency assistance as needed and managed risk during all activities.