The working group for “Adventure Therapy” and the working group for ”People with Disabilities in Ropes Courses” together in Sauerland

Over the course of three days, the working group for “Adventure Therapy” of the German Association of Individual and Experiential Education (in short: BE) and the working group for “People with Disabilities in Ropes Courses” of the European Ropes Course Association met in Hochsauerland.

The mix of exactly twelve participants per association (i.e. 24 in total) was random and allowed the work in small groups to perfectly incorporate impulses from both fields of work into the exchange. After everyone had introduced the respective fields of activity in the opening round and expressed a great openness to the exchange, it quickly took on a life of its own and completely mixed groups were formed in a convivial atmosphere. It quickly became clear that there were many similarities in terms of experiential education concepts, target groups and values, while at the same time having different missions and objectives.

On Saturday, it was time for practice: even though everyone had to wrap up warmly in winter temperatures and the cold Sauerland breeze, the “ice” was quickly broken and we started with self-experiences in the “Inclusion High Ropes Course” of the DPSG Diocesan Center in Rüthen. The ERCA working group for “People with Disabilities in Ropes Courses” gave a very practical presentation on the concepts that make it possible to “welcome every group to the ropes course program”. The working group has been pursuing this mission for 14 years and has developed many technical solutions and associated instructional practices (soft skills). It always became exciting after the practical experiences, when the cross-link with the field of work of the BE working group for “Adventure Therapy” was established, including the exchange of ideas as to which possibilities adventure therapists already use or could use in ropes courses.

On Saturday evening and Sunday morning, both groups devoted themselves to their internal association plans and projects before concluding together at lunchtime. In summary, it was a great, appreciative exchange with many committed professionals who would also like to support each other in the network in the future. We look forward to seeing each other again on other occasions.