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Rafting

Rafting on der Verdon in south of France - surge of adrenalin
Rafting: surge of adrenalin | ©: www.youthwork-practice.com

For older children, rafting could be a particular instructive adventure. They can cope with difficult passages while younger participants only cope with a moderate level of difficulty. If the group leaders have no experience with the providers of rafting, it is advisable to check out several different ones. The single most important criterion besides the equipment and safety of the provider is the qualification of the rafting guide.

What participants learn while rafting

In terms of experimental learning rafting tours promote team spirit, conflict management skills, but are also designed for mutual responsibility and consideration towards others. Not at last, the watery adventure should also boost the participants’ self-confidence. Rafts are designed for a crew of four to twelve people. Therefore, even a large group of young people can be distributed to several rafts and an exciting race can take place. It would be a good idea for the youth workers, to do some beforehand planning for a debriefing about the positive and negative experiences on board. Without this debriefing, there is a high chance of animosity, particular in difficult groups.

Rafting on der Verdon in south of France
©: www.youthwork-practice.com

The joint struggle against the elements

Before boarding the raft, it's paramount for the young people to accept the rafting guide as an authority figure. This is important and has to be internalized. After all, it was this person who showed them the ropes of rafting and also allocates seating positions and the task on board. This guide is much more experienced then the youth worker. After all, he has the responsibility to ensure that the group’s safe arrival at its destination.

Rafting
Rafting | ©: www.youthwork-practice.com

Aboard the participants learn quickly that the raft can be much better controlled, if the team is working well together. Good communication, cooperation and rapid response to commands are the key factors for our joint success. If the young people don’t stick to this “standard rules” the consequences are experienced immediately. The young rafters will learn that the boot can quickly go aground, in the worse case, even capsize on a challenging stretch.

There is a perfectly good reason that the role of the rafting guide is not taken by a youth worker: The experienced man at the wheel is not only the helmsman but also the captain. He gives only the most necessary commands and is the better judge of a difficult situations if they arise. In this case, he can engage and take countermeasures quickly. Should conflicts emerge within the group, perhaps somebody made a mistake and the others close in on him. Such an incident should be addressed immediately after the tour and wherever possible be resolved. This will ensure that all participants will walk away with a strengthened self-confidence from this joint adventure.

Rafting

What participants learn while rafting

The joint struggle against the elements

More informations and ideas concerning outdoor education