ãEarthJoy
2010 PROGRAM GUIDE
EarthJoy where Earth™ stands for Empowering Adventures Rejuvenate the Heart™ We are just not about tree climbing! We offer a wide array of programs to satisfy all the adventurous spirits! Ranging from participating in a mini climb to learning to access the canopy independently to owning and operating your own grove!
This guide is all about serving you and any questions you might have. If you still have questions after reading through this entire guide please bring your questions to a scheduled chat time. Looking forward to connecting with you!
In JOY,
Shelly
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU PLEASE SHARE A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF TREE CLIMBING?
Each facilitated climb begins with a general introduction and signing of medical and disclaimer forms. Harnesses & helmets are fitted and all loose items like cameras,
water bottles, etc. are attached to the climber. We’ll then hike out to the tree,
Demonstrate the climbing technique and climb. Each climb includes programming on the theme of that particular climb. We teach swinging, rappelling and how to get in and out of hammocks, tree chairs, tree play games and spidering You will get plenty of exercise! You will burn 950 calories to be exact!! Call Shelly at 859-653-2907 for details. Or email at Shelly@climbtreeswithearthjoy.com
IS TREE CLIMBING SAFE?
Tree climbing is extremely safe. All of our trees our thoroughly examined before the climb, all ropes are set and tied. Our professional facilitators take you step by step into the tree's heart utilizing top technical equipment. We use certified arborist ropes, petzl carabineers, petzl top rated helmets, gloves and new tribe harnesses. All gear is ANSI approved. Other than a few blisters from rope abrasion (for those who refuse to wear gloves) there have been no injuries. All climbing trees are free of poison ivy.
Shelly’s expert background as co-owner and Licensed Physical Therapist of Advanced Physical Therapy, P.S.C. naturally provides additional physical support and safety techniques to EarthJoy customers. Bill’s electrical engineer expertise at Roscor and background as previous co-owner of Byrne Chiropractic lends to the creative design and safety of all EarthJoy’s playgrounds!
We adhere to GOTC guidelines and mission statement. Shelly is on the council of GOTC, and is editor and designer of their newsletter.
WHAT IF I’M AFRAID OF HEIGHTS?
Climbers are never pressured to go any higher than they are comfortable. Once climbers begin to feel comfortable and secure on a rope, they will often move beyond their fear to achieve new heights.
HOW HARD IS TREE CLIMBING?
Extraordinary strength is unnecessary but you must be in good physical shape, be able to hike about ¼ mile on uneven terrain and be able to climb at least three flights of stairs without stopping. The playground at Hocking Hills is more challenging! Keep in mind that people that are athletic and lighter often have an easier time of it than those who are heavier. We can, if necessary, employ a couple of techniques to assist you in ascending.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO TREE CLIMB?
For all climbs: Tie up long hair and be sure your glasses are attached with chums or croakies.
When the weather is mild: Long pants and hikers (not your best pair) or long socks and long shorts are recommended. For purposes of modesty, avoid skirts, very short shorts and low cut jeans.
When the weather is cold: Dress in layers. Do wear closed toe shoes with good socks. Thin hats or “skins” are recommended as you will still need to wear a helmet (provided).
ALL CLIMBS BRING LOTS OF WATER AND SNACKS!
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM FEES?
Tree climbing requires specialized equipment and specialized training. The trees we climb have been inspected by a certified arborist and pruned accordingly. All of these elements have a monetary cost. There is also significant preparation, on the part of the facilitator, for each day’s climb. All program fees include equipment rental and usage. Most importantly, guided climbs are performed with low numbers of participants for safety and quality of experience.
WHO IS TREE CLIMBING REALLY FOR? .
People have claimed it washes all their worries away! Tree climbing is physical and connects you to yourself and mother earth. Both young and old alike can do tree climbing. Climbers need to be 7 years old or older. An adult must accompany under 18. Tree climbing can be moderated strenuous so those who have a heart condition or have had back or other major injuries should consult a physician before climbing. Tree climbing is an excellent activity for individuals or for parents and their children.
WHAT DO OTHER PEOPLE SAY ABOUT EARTHJOY’S ADVENTURES?
"Carol and I are still "hovering above the ground" in our excitement over Saturday's EarthJoy adventure. The experience was one of our best, and we'll never forget it and definitely do it again! As adventurous people we are always looking for our next adrenaline "rush" and the tree climbing experience was definitely a rush! It was a wonderful day, in beautiful surroundings, shared with interesting people....I loved the technical aspects of the apparatus and the "climb" and felt a connection with the trees that is typically missed by simply hiking through the forest. EarthJOY opened my eyes to the trees as partners, by allowing me to experience the exhilarating fun, and the protective embrace they provided."
Michael More -Ohio
"Being adventurous at heart, and loving the outdoors, I have always looked for ways to push myself to the limits. What I found most fulfilling in the newest "adventure" was that all the physical demands, the mental challenges and strategizing, the adrenalin rush, and the sense of accomplishment were met while in the throes of finding a connectedness and a certain "Oneness" with the trees and nature."
Dave Carter - Ohio champcamp.org
"Shelly and Bill make a great teaching team. Shelly brings her cheerleader/Coach enthusiasm with assured and demonstrated knowledge, Bill brings his Rock of Gibraltar steady aim and methodology to move the training ahead on time and ON TARGET." James Reischman on Basic Class- Cincinnati, Ohio
“Bill and Shelly’s technique is so safe I felt like I was in a warm embrace like the protective arms of my mother. Ona Allen –Oregon
“Oh my gosh it was the best experience of my life!! I love to climb so it was awesome. I like the slingshot the best. I also love the games we played. Thanks a lot and I ill see you again next year, and the year after that and the year…. etc.” Under 18 testaments
DO YOU HAVE GROUP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE?
Yes, we do. We offer climbs for scouts, birthday parties, families and family reunions, private climbs, and team building!! It is a great way to connect and foster community. Tree climbing is freeing and safe and naturally creates playfulness in everyone.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
We have two playgrounds. AJ JOLLY PARK in Alexandria, Kentucky and HOCKING HILLS in Rockbridge, Ohio. Now we have a brand new tree called Manistee. A huge and magnificent OAK that is located in Foster Ky.
WHAT IF WE WANT TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY IN OUR TREE?
Fabulous!! Because we require a thorough exam of your tree prior to the climb and may have to do some pruning we have a set up and take down fee of $150.00 for premises within 2-hour drive time. A cost of $500.00 if drive time is more than 2 hours if additional maintenance of tree is needed an additional charge may be added and discussed prior to agreement. You choose from any of the AJ JOLLY programs listed in this guide. (Minimum of 8)
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE VARIOUS PROGRAMS?
Certainly, you can participate in tree climbing in several ways. One is to show up and enjoy the climb, all the ropes will be set and knots tied! The other is for folks that want more! They either want to access their own trees or start their own grove. Listed below are all the ways you can participate at EARTHJOY starting with “ropes set and knots tied.”
WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
EarthJoy is fully insured by Stratus Insurance. We will provide a certificate of coverage upon request. We have every participant sign a waiver form.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS?
Yes, for groups of 8 or more we offer a 10% discount or if less than 8 except for the already discounted scout program. **
II. Programs Located at AJ JOLLY PARK, Alexandria Kentucky & Hocking Hills
THE TITAN TREE PLAY PROGRAM!!
CONGRATS YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO CLIMB
MORE CHALLENGING TREES!
- Begins with Safety Talk and instruction of tour
- 1:1 step by step coaching into the trees.
- Creating community. Choosing your game design.
Connecting in the Trees!
- A Unique experience with your children/family
- Two and half hours of play time plus more trees!!
More one on one time from the instructors.
- Instructor will climb with you in the tree teaching you more strategies on how to manage aloft.
- Learn advance-climbing techniques in this class.
Includes:
- The Giant Swing!
Rappelling from as high as 100 feet!
Hand gliding out of very tall trees!
Climbing 125 foot Oaks!!!
Getting in out of hammocks and frog chairs!
Spiderman out of the trees.
Team Play!
Learn to surf branches!
THE ULTIMATE TREE PLAY PROGRAM
- Begins with Safety Talk and instruction of tour
- We coach you step by step into the trees.
- Creating community. Choosing your game design.
- Connecting in the Trees!
- A Unique experience with your children/family
- 2 hour and half hours of tree play time
More one on one time from the instructors.
- Instructor will climb with you in the tree teaching you more strategies on how to manage aloft.
Includes:
- Swing from the branches
Rappel from as high as 60 feet
Learn to Surf a branch!
Tree Climb at least three different ropes
each rope is a different route and adventure
Try our hammocks and frog chairs!
Scavenger hunts
Play tag in the trees.
Spiderman out of the tree!
GOLDEN TREE PLAY PROGRAM
- Safety talk and instruction
- Coached step by step into the trees
· Creating community and connection!
· One hour and half of play time
Includes
Tree Climb on at least two ropes
Rappel from as high as 60 feet!
Swing from the branches
Learn to surf a branch!
Spiderman out of the tree
COUPLES RETREAT PROGRAM
v Everything in TITAN PLAY above plus more climbing time!
v We take you to our NEW TREE Manistee!!
v You will stay in a chalet overlooking the beautiful Ohio River in a remote, peaceful area. We serve you dinner in the tree!!
Girl & Boy SCOUT TROOPS!!
SILVER LINING TREE PLAY
- One on one step by step coaching into the trees
- Safety talk and complete instruction
- Community and connection!
Unique climbing experience!
Includes:
- Tree Climb
Getting in out of hammocks, frog chairs!
Monkey play/Scavenger Hunt in the Trees!
Rappelling
Hanging upside down and Spidering out of trees!
Learning to surf branches!
Plus parents and siblings of scout troop can climb same day for this special rate
ARE THERE LONGER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE?
Yes! We are also instructors and teach the Basic and Facilitation classes that are 3 to 5 days. It teaches you all you need to know to access the canopy independently. See outline below.
BASIC COURSE
- It is designed to teach all the skills necessary to climb a large tree using double rope technique (DRT)
- Information about selecting a good climbing tree and assessing the condition of the tree is presented.
- Safe tree pruning techniques
- Simple rigging of hammocks and tree chairs.
- You will learn to tie knots, repeating each knot many times to instill *muscle memory*.
- You will learn how to access a tree, rope advancement within the canopy, rope and throw line retrieval, ascending using DREC, descending procedures, rope check and storage and basic equipment. IT IS RECOMMENDED FOR YOU NOT BUY YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT BEFORE THIS CLASS. We provide rental equipment (included in cost) and further educate in the “best equipment choices.”
- You will also learn rules for safety, as well as guidelines to respect and care for the trees you climb.
- Upon satisfactory completion of solo climb and written test student will be provided with EJ certificate.
- This course is designed for anyone wanting to recreational tree climb, tree services, hunters, arborists, certified arborists needing CEU's, parents, and anyone wanting to learn a fun and unique skill.
- This class is 18-20 hours and is usually held Friday-Sunday. We also can flex the duration of class dates and times. Please call to design your class and for availability.
This class does not qualify you to teach the knots or to facilitate kids or other adults into the trees. You would need to take the Facilitator and Facilitator Internship then qualify into the Instructor Program.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN
BASIC TREE CLIMBING COURSE
INTRODUCTIONS/LUNCH TIME DISCUSSIONS
A. Waiver forms
B. Climber information
a. Manual
b. Class Agenda/Schedule
c. Safety Rules and Procedures
d. Equipment Discussion
e. Philosophy and Disclaimer
f. Course Objectives
g. Environmental Principles
h. Personal Precautions
i. Shout Calls
j. Language of Tree Climbing
k. Equipment recommendations
C. Common Problems While Tree Climbing
D. Tree Health and Hazard Talk
KNOT CRAFT
A. Saddle Connecting Knot
B. Bridge Knot
C. Blake’s Hitch
D. Stopper Knot
E. Bitter End Knot
F. Modified Fisherman’s Knot
G. Prussic Knot
I. Number times tied: __________
ACCESSING THE TREE BY THROW BAG
A. Anchors/Pitch
B. Cambium Savers
C. Line to Throw Bag
D. Point and Shoot
E. Slip knot in Throw line
F. 2 Hand Cradle
G. 1 Hand Cradle
H. Bender Throw
I. Throw line to Rope
J. Throw line to Throw bag
ACCESSING THE TREE VIA CLIMBING ROPE
A. Self Release
B. Open Fist
C. Vertical Loop
D. Rolling Loop
DRT (Double Rope Technique)
A. Initial System
CLIMBING TECHNIQUE
A. Foot Loop
B. Foot Lock
ROPE ADVANCEMENT WITHIN THE CANOPY
A. Closed Monkey Fist
B. Self Release
C. Open Fist
D. Throw Bag
E. Tree Climber/A Friend
F. DRT
ROPE AND THROW LINE RETRIEVAL
A. Helix and Will Rogers
B. Boomerang
C. Friendship
D. (Throw line) Grapnel Hook
E. (Rope) Grapnel Hook
TREE PRUNING TECHNIQUES
A. Proper Pruning
B. What to Look for
C. Three Point Stance
D. Two points of attachment
E. Safe use of equipment
F. Cutting small branches
G. Cutting Large limbs
ASCENDING USING DREC/DRT
A. Bathroom Break
B. B.A.C.K.
C. Any last minute details
D. Equipment Check
E. On Rope
Descending Procedures
A. B.A.C.K. Down Check
B. Announce intentions
C. Slow Descent/No Burnouts
D. Once down, announce “off Rope”
ROPE CHECK AND STORAGE
A. Untie all knots
B. Shout call when lowering rope from anchor
C. Retrieval of Cambium Saver
D. Butterfly Coil
E. Rope Bag
CHECK ROPE FOR
A. Flat Spots
B. Foreign Matter
C. Nicks
D. Dry/Wet
E. Burns
EARTHJOY DIPLOMA CONTINGUENCY
A. Solo climb test Pass/Fail
a. Written test Pass/Fail
b. Receive EarthJoy course diploma
EMAIL Shelly@climbtreeswithearthjoy.com for price list.
FACILITATION PROGRAM LEVEL II OBJECTIVES 6-month program
After this program you will be able to:
- Confidently Facilitate Festival and Group Climbs
- Accurately access Challenge level of tree.
- Skillfully manage care of trees including taming.
- Have an invaluable repertoire of rescue/safety awareness and be able to implement as needed
- Provide a safe and secure environment in the trees for participates to express joy by successfully creating and following a safety check system.
- Express your uniqueness by calling forth your creativity and own ingenious to design techniques that enhance play, community and connectivity to nature and others
- Confidently communicate your connection to nature and trees
- Stand your ground gently when dealing with “Behavioral Problems”
- Clearly set your intentions for yourself before each climb
- Continually evolve your facilitation techniques by listening to yourself, debriefing each climb and seeking out continuing education
- Gaining visibility- Learn how to attract your ideal clients/tree community
- Discovering the bridge between your clients and nature/trees.
- Be a 3:1 Facilitator Intern
- Complete EarthJoy Facilitator Apprentice Program (handout)
DAY 1
Practicing Rescue Techniques/Scenarios. Review DRT/how to pick out perfect facilitation tree.
A. DRT review
B. Tree site prep
1. Assessment/Inspection of a tree
2. Taming a wild tree—pruning, surrounding site
3. Certified arborist assessment
4. Mulching/Protecting and caring for your tree.
C. Assessing challenge level of tree for participants
1. Challenge I-IV descriptions.
D. Types of Rescue (handout)
1. Ground Rescue
2. Aerial Rescue
3. Non-aerial rescue
4. 15 minute rescue
5. Assisting in Speed Climb
E. Rescue Equipment
F. Assimilated Rescue
G. Homework Value Clarification Exercise
H. Recommended books to read
1. “Tree Climber’s Companion” by Jeff Jepson
DAY 2
Rigging for an Event or Festival Climb
A - setting the climbing lines
1 - from the ground
2 - from within the tree
3 - friction/cambium savers
4 - natural anchor points
5 - height
a. High settings; advantages, disadvantages
b. Low settings; advantages, disadvantages
6 - branch and trunk route climbing
7 - choosing safe anchor points
a. Aerial inspection for live healthy branches
b. Minimum 6" diameter out to mid-point of branch
c. Personal experience with various tree species
B - activities in tree
1 - monkeys
2 - tree traveling
3 - wind surfing
4 - branch walking
5 - swinging off trunk or branches
6 - synchronized climbing
7 - spidering
8 - tree boat/sky chair
9 - overnight camping
10 - quiet time, reading a book, observing/connecting to nature
11 - group initiatives/team building
12 – journaling/centering
C. Recommended Books to Read
1. “Animal Speaks” by Ted Andrews
2. Keep a Nature Journal
DAY 3
Running a Group Climb with Facilitator Trainee Assistance
A - rigging tree with climbing ropes
B - tying the knot system
1. Sequence of knots used on climbing rope
2. All knots tied, dressed, and seated
3. Bridge length suitable to age/size of climbers
4. Safety noose knot tied once climber is on rope above head of facilitator
C - paperwork
1. Waivers signed
2. Medical forms filled out and signed
3.Photo release signed.
4. Rental fee collected.
D - equipment check
1. Harnesses
2. Carabineers
3. Helmets
4. Foot loops
5. Gloves
6. Rescue bag and first aid kit
E - introduction of facilitator(s) and group members
1. Brief discussion of history of tree climbing
2. Discussion of tree climbing rules and safety concerns
3. Demonstration climb to illustrate methods; ascending and descending
4. Facilitator trainee(s) assist in-group climb
5. Branch walking and other activities in tree
F - lunch and debrief morning climb
First supervised climb lead by facilitator trainee(s) with instructor observing and advising where needed
A - repeat all stages of morning climb
B - debrief at day's end
1. What happened?
2. Positives/negatives
3. Improvements
C. Recommended Books
1. “Secret Lives Of Bees” by Monk
2. Movie “BIGFISH”
DAY 4 and 5
Second Supervised Climb Lead by Facilitator Trainee(s) with Instructor Observing and Advising Where Needed
A - repeat all stages of previous group climbs
B - debrief over lunch
1 - what happened?
2 - positives/negatives
3 - improvements
C - work on what needs facilitator trainee(s) have outstanding
D - examination
E - closure
1 - set date for evaluation of grove and go over Preceptor program (handout)
a. Can be done with Earth Joy climbs
b. Dawes in April
c. Hocking Hill tours
4 - complete 3-guided climbs
5 - maintain equipment, event and personal climbing logs
6. Set up monthly 30 min 1:1 phone coach call for next 6 months.
a. Tracking progress
b. Support/encouragement
c. Problem solving
d. Climber’s log review (this is also mailed or faxed to EarthJoy monthly)
7 - apprenticeship requirements must be completed with 18 months, but not
Less than 6 months.
What you’ll get from EarthJoy!
· Unique 1:1 attention from 2 instructors! . Bill’s Mr. Tree OSHA Standards. Shelly’s enthusiasm and zest for life.
· Basic Certification Class included as part of this program. So you first go through Basic class described above!
· Continuous encouraging support throughout apprentice
· 1:1 30 min monthly coach calls providing you with insights, tips and strategy
· Invites to as many EarthJoy climbs as needed to assist with fulfilling Facilitator apprentice
Email Shelly@climbtreeswithearthjoy.com for price list & course cost.
INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM by request
OKAY I HAVE A SENSE EARTHJOY IS FOR ME. HOW DO I GET STARTED?
This means you are meant to be climbing in the trees. The next step is to connect with expert guide and teacher Shelly Steffen Byrne. She will assist you in gaining clarity if climbing is for you and if it is your next best step. You can contact her at 859-635-0320 or Shelly@climbtreeswithearthjoy.com to schedule a 10 to 15 min chat.
|