Thank you for your interest in the

University of Michigan Challenge Program

 

Recruiting for our spring 2012 Staff Training has begun!!

The application deadline for 2012 is February 12, 2012

 

Experience is not required, although we welcome experienced people to apply.

The Challenge Program is an activity-based teambuilding program which uses games, problem-solving activities, a climbing tower, and low and high ropes course experiences to address issues and develop skills important to groups.  A typical program lasts a half or full day.  We tailor our programs to each group’s needs and desires, focusing on many issues, such as cooperation, communication and problem-solving, all generously mixed with a large dose of fun!

Our programming works through a process of experiential education.  A group is given an activity or challenge which leads them to interact and cooperate.  These activities can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more.  After (and sometimes during) the activity, a facilitator leads an exploration and discussion around issues that have arisen.

Our client groups come from within the University (students, faculty and staff), public and private companies, non-profits, schools -- organizations of every type -- so we are looking for staff from a diverse variety of backgrounds.

You do not need hands-on facilitation or ropes course experience to apply!  Our facilitators have backgrounds in education, psychology, leadership, organizational development, natural resources, outdoor education, and many other fields (some completely unrelated to what we do!).

Facilitators are responsible for designing and delivering teambuilding programs.  This includes choosing and leading activities appropriate to the group, and then guiding discussions on relevant issues.  Generally each facilitator works with a group of 8 to 15 people.

Most of our programs take place at our facility located on a wooded site just east of Ann Arbor (near the Matthaei Botanical Gardens), about a 10 minute drive from Central Campus, and accessible by bike path along the Huron River.

To read articles about the Challenge Program, visit

http://www.umich.edu/~hraa/um/miscellania/feaure-challenge.html

And

http://www.umich.edu/~hraa/um/miscellania/feaure-challenge2.html

(NOTE!: These articles tend to emphasize our more physical programs, but give a good description of what we do.)

 

Also, you can check out our website: recsports.umich.edu/challenge/

Training


We provide extensive training for our staff, both through structured weekend and evening trainings and an apprenticeship program.  Apprentices receive approximately five full days of training (see dates below) and then must commit to working at least fifteen programs during our season.  This is an average of two programs a month from March through November, although programs can be concentrated at certain times of the year, depending on your schedule and ours.

Training includes basic theories of experiential education, facilitation skills, learning the various activities and how to present them, choosing appropriate activities for a group, managing group safety, and debriefing effectively to encourage learning.  Normally this type of training would cost hundreds of dollars, but we provide it free to those we hire.

All staff also receive training in the basics of facilitating our climbing tower and high ropes course.  Staff with the interest and ability can pursue specialized training to become technicians who are proficient with our high elements.

Why Work for the Challenge Program?
  • Acquire experience working with people from various walks of life.
  • Gain a working knowledge of group dynamics and strategies for group management.
  • Develop professional presentation and group facilitation skills.
  • Enhance personal development and acquire skills useful in many settings.
  • Benefit from our continuing staff training and reflective practices.
  • Help provide people with a valuable service and a positive experience.
  • Learn from a group of skilled and experienced co-facilitators.
  • Work in a rewarding environment with fun co-workers.
  • Work outside!

 

Apprentices at the Challenge Program are paid a stipend at about $7.40 an hour, Facilitators earn from $8.25 to $12.25 an hour with a few programs paying time and a half.

 

  Requirements:
  • Completed one semester of college or equivalent.
  • Attend the following trainings (times are approximate, with exact time TBD):

Saturday, March 10th            9:00am to 5:00pm

 

Tuesday, March 13th  OR  Wednesday, March 14th       6:00pm to 9:00pm (New Staff may choose either evening)

 

Saturday, March 17th           9:00am to 5:00pm

 

Tuesday, March 20th   OR  Wednesday, March 21th     6:00pm to 9:00pm (New Staff may choose either evening)

 

Saturday, March 31st               9:00am to 5:00pm

 

Saturday, May 5th             11:00am to 8:00pm

 

  • Attend 3-4 staff meetings (dates TBA) throughout the season.
  • Commit to work at least 15 programs. That averages about 2 programs per month from April through November. We are flexible - work can be concentrated in certain months.
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (can be obtained during apprenticeship).
  • Preference will be given to applicants who can commit to working more than one season.

  Still Interested??


If you have questions or would like to request an application, please email:
ezollweg@umich.edu
Applications will be sent out in December/January and are due February 12, 2012.


For more information on our program, visit our website at  recsports.umich.edu/challenge/