How long does an event last?
Events typically last 2 – 3 hours depending on the time requested, but our staff is accommodating especially if time is increased to accomplish more events.
Who can participate?
Our program is a three-phase program for 5th, 7th and 9th grades. Our goal is to work with an entire school district. However, we do facilitate to groups that have a clear anti-drug curriculum including community based organizations. Any request outside of 5th, 7th and 9th grades will be reviewed for special consideration. Approval or disapproval will be based on availability of time and resources.
How much space is needed for 5th grade "Phase 1" event?
A gym that is the size of a full-size basketball court. Exceptions can be made, but group sizes will need to be smaller.
How many sessions can be completed each day?
We can facilitate two sessions per day for Phase I and usually one session for phase II and III, depending on arrival and departure time from Volk Field.
How many participants can be facilitated per session?
A minimum of 30 participants are required. Phase I is a maximum of 75. Phase II is a maximum of 72. Phase III is a maximum of 70.
What days can an event be booked?
Any day Monday through Friday that is available. Please check our online calendar to avoid conflicts.
Where is Volk Field?
Volk Field is located in central Wisconsin about 58 miles east of La Crosse and 30 miles north of Wisconsin Dells in Camp Douglas. It is easily accessible from Interstate 90/94 off of exit 55.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost for our program.
What should the participants wear?
For the 5th grade Phase I and 7th grade Phase II, we encourage students to wear comfortable, looser fitting clothes. Clothing should be appropriate as participants will run, jump, bend over and work closely with other participants. We require that participants wear shoes and NO sandals. For our 9th grade Phase III, Leadership Development Course, we require that participants again wear comfortable, looser fitting clothes. Participants cannot wear shorts, sandals and must remove all bodypiercings. We also require that students refrain from wearing clothing in which may be see-through if becoming wet. Participants also must bring a change of clothes and towel. Separate changing rooms are available for males and females. We also encourage participants to bring bug spray and sunblock if using the Outdoor Course or Leadership Development Course.
What is the difference between Ropes and LEAP?
Ropes is one phase within the Leadership Education Adventure Program (LEAP).
When are the courses available?
Phase I is available beginning the first week in October through the first week in April. Phase II & III are available beginning the third week in April through the second week in October..
Are these courses safe?
YES! Safety is our highest priority when working with youth. We provide a detailed safety brief for all participants. We also have enough National Guard facilitators present to keep a watchful eye on participants at all times. Some events are physically challenging and require strength, agility, running or climbing, but those are very few. Most events are more challenging to the mind. Our Outdoor Course and Leadership Development Course do require a higher degree of physical strength. For the Leadership Development Course all participants are required to wear a safety helmet and gloves. Optional elbow and knee pads are available. Prior to an event each course is inspected by our staff and annually a safety certification is completed.
Can we still participate if we are unable to register for each phase?
Possibly. We realize that some school districts may not have 5th, 7th and 9th grades. We will consider those districts on a case-by-case basis.
What themes and messages are discussed during an event?
Each phase has different themes and messages. All our themes and messages are age-appropriate. Phase I focuses on safety and fairness, choices and peer pressure and team building skills. Phase II focuses on role models and leadership, honesty and integrity and choices and consequences. Phase III focuses on responsibility and self control, integrity and delayed gratification. For each phase we also discuss about making positive decisions that yield positive consequences.
Can participants with special needs participate?
Absolutely. Our facilitators are trained to deal with many types of special needs and most of our activities can be modified to include anyone. Our Phase III, Leadership Development Course, has greater limitations for participants that have physical disabilities. Please inform our staff of any participants that may have special needs.
Do all three grades need to be scheduled consecutively?
In order to meet your planning needs it is recommended that all three grades are requested at the same time. Until a request is received from the 5th, 7th and 9th grades, all requests will be held and only scheduled when all three events are received.
