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What happens at the course?

You will participate in activities that improve your skills in building teams, solving problems, communicating and tapping creativity. You may be asked to climb, run, walk, stand, catch, throw, carry and more. More important, you’ll be asked to think.

What is “experiential learning?”

Experiential learning helps you understand something by experiencing it. It’s learning by doing.

Why do I need to sign a waiver?

Waivers are required for insurance purposes.

What should I wear?

Wear loose, comfortable, casual clothing that provides appropriate coverage. We recommend T-shirts, long pants or long shorts. You should also bring layers in case it gets colder or hotter than expected. Supportive, closed toe shoes are required. Tennis shoes are recommended. Flip-flops and sandals are unsafe for our activities and will not be allowed. Jewelry must be removed and long hair must be tied back.

Can I participate in flip-flops?

No. No. No.

Can I wear jewelry?

We recommend that you leave your jewelry at home. That includes rings, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry that involves piercings. If you are engaged in a “high ropes” event that involves climbing, we require that jewelry be removed. If it cannot be removed for physical reasons, then it must be completely covered by athletic tape.

What if it rains, storms, or snows?

We will continue to operate as long as conditions are safe. It can be fun to participate in the rain! But we will delay or cancel programs due to thunderstorms, high winds, or other unsafe conditions. Call before you travel if you have questions or concerns.

Can I bring my cell phone?

We recommend that you keep your cell phone in a secure area during activities, which are lively and could result in a phone being dropped or broken. If you must carry your phone to prevent an anxiety attack, we require that cell phones be turned off or placed on “silent” during activities. You may use your phone on break times or at lunch. Remember, your experiential education experience is designed to get you away from the traditional work or school day!

Is water available?

There is no running water on the course. We recommend that you each bring at least a quart of water for every half day of participation. You may also bring other beverages, such as Gatorade or juice.

Can we bring snacks?

Yes. You can even share with our staff.

Is there a bathroom?

There are bathrooms and/or porta-potties available at all facilities used by Incorporating the Invisible.

Do I need to be in good physical shape to participate?

Our activities can be physically challenging, but most activities are suitable for a variety of fitness levels. Please let us know if you or any other participants have any medical/physical restrictions before participating in activities.

What should I bring?

We recommend items that help you adapt to the weather and an active day, which may include a jacket, sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, hat and camera.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not allowed on the course. You may smoke during breaks or lunch by walking to a nearby sidewalk or road.

Are there bees?

If you are planning an outdoor event, it is likely that bees could wander by. Please let us know if you are allergic and need special care if you encounter a bee.

 

“Our experiential education event combined play with challenge to form us into a cohesive group. I brought a group of kids who didn't know each other; I took home a group who knew they could work together.”
Pastor Craig Jan-McMahon Pastor Craig Jan-McMahon
Swiss UCC New Glarus
New Glarus, WI



Teamwork

What people are saying:

"Jeff has been an invaluable partner for our challenge course start-up at Loyola University Chicago. As we are in our early years of operation, the Office for Outdoor Experiential Education has relied on getting "the right people on the bus" to help create, design, and mold a brand new program. Through his work mentoring student staff, facilitating for student, faculty, and community partners, as well as assisting with course maintenance and program consultation,  Jeff has readily shared his expertise and provided an additional model of excellence. We are always looking for more facilitators like Jeff, who can make personal and team development safe, enjoyable, and transformative." - Chris Zajchowski, Program Coordinator for the Office for Outdoor Experiential Education at Loyola University Chicago
 
 
 
"I have had the privilege to work alongside Jeff and witness first-hand his unparalleled ability to meet a group where it is and help the team move to where they need to be.  He manages to simultaneously challenges a group to progress further than they expected while keeping everyone engaged in the process, creating an environment in which participants can safely have the hard conversations and revelations necessary for growth.  Many of the practices I've incorporated in my own facilitation experience come in no small part due to Jeff's professionalism and adaptability, and I look forward to each opportunity to collaborate with him!" - Adam Mielke, Program Director; Pluribus, Inc., Ripon, Wisconsin
 
 

Jeff Messer of Incorporating the Invisible has provided our incoming class of Green County Leaders with excellent experiential programming every year for the past eight years.  Each year he brings new insights and activities to help our students make meaning from direct experience.

Green County Leaders is a community leadership program in which individuals from a variety of backgrounds practice leadership skills, deepen their understanding of community issues and prepare for leadership roles.  In order to be effective leaders, our students must be motivated, have a clear sense of purpose and communicate exceptionally well.  Jeff ensures participants are actively involved in the experience, take time to reflect and then use the new ideas gained from the experience.  In this way our participants gain genuine knowledge from Jeff’s approach to experiential learning. 

Year after year, Green County Leaders participants list Jeff Messer of Incorporating the Invisible as one of the most valuable presentations and activities of their ten month class.

Comments included: 

“Jeff’s activities really made you think about how important everyone’s parts in the whole big picture – everyone is important to accomplish the task.”

“WONDERFUL!! I may be ‘biased’ as I have not done training like this in the past but I really enjoyed him – I will be spreading the word about him!”

Cara Carper, Green County Leaders, Monroe, Wisconsin

 
Call Us: 608-201-7636E-mail Us: incorporatingtheinvisible@yahoo.com