A proposal for the installation, operation, program implementation, and maintenance of ropes courses in the city of Fort Bragg
Graduation Date
2015
Document Type
Project
Program
Other
Program
Project (M.S.W.)--Humboldt State University, Social Work, 2015
Committee Chair Name
Jennifer Maguire
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Clinical applications of ropes courses, Ropes course program applications, Wilderness adventures, Family involvement in ropes courses, Building community capacity, Adventure-based learning, Social reproduction, Humboldt State University -- Projects -- Social Work, High risk students and ropes courses, Cost projections for ropes course implementation
Abstract
As a rural community, Fort Bragg faces the challenge of not having enough activities for its children. A significant percentage of children and youth spend their leisure time drinking, smoking, and using illegal substances. Negative social consequences may result, such as teen pregnancy, gang affiliation, problems with the law, negative behaviors in school, or limited life options in the long run. The presence of a ropes course (an experiential learning activity) in the community of Fort Bragg would make readily available to the community's children and youth (as well as other community groups) an alternative activity that promotes positive social interactions; is healthy, fun, and challenging; and enables participants to learn more about themselves and their strengths. These new skills and perceptions may have a long term positive impact on their life choices. This proposal for a ropes course is written for presentation to three agencies: the Community Development Department for the City of Fort Bragg, the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Parks District, and the Fort Bragg Unified School District. The proposal includes a literature review on the value of adventure-based learning that helps to illustrate the positive impact of ropes courses on the social and personal skills of the participants. This proposal recommends locations for the ropes courses, considers different configurations, provides illustrations of types of elements, and presents a projection of the cost of materials, installation, insurance, and inspections. This proposal also considers long term financial commitment by presenting budget projections for operation and maintenance and provides a list of grant sources available for follow up by the agencies. Through the involvement of multiple agencies, the project will provide the Fort Bragg community with a potentially powerful resource geared at education, prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and, of course, recreation.
Recommended Citation
Shoop, Marli DoCarmo, "A proposal for the installation, operation, program implementation, and maintenance of ropes courses in the city of Fort Bragg" (2015). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1689.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1689
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/0z708z501