Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Group Takes To Ropes At Ferndale

Sometimes you want to do something daring, but you are afraid. The Boys to Men and Girls to Women (BM-GW) of Prescott dared to challenge themselves to the excel program The Ropes' and they succeeded.

Wednesday, April 20, this group of youngsters traveled to Ferndale to experience the excel' program for the first time. It was an exciting and physical endurance time for all in attendance.

This was an event where all the kids seventh grade and up could participate and test their skills, will power and endurance.

The program is designed to help participants develop self-confidence, self-esteem, trust in one's self, team work that goal oriented, group bonding, team effort, creative problem solving and helping others.

The instructors for this course discuss and emphasized the following characteristics: communication, decision making, working in groups, learning skills, management and management tools, relationships, diversity, trust, respect, responsibility, understanding self, and learning to use the four-Hes in the 4-H logo, the head, heart, hands and health.

Some of the activities were: tower climbing (dangle duo), parachute tumbling, climbing a bare 25-foot wall with only persons as support, as well as many other activities. Mike Klumpp, 4-H and Youth Development specialist facilitated this event.

This was a course that challenged these youths to the breaking point. When it was time to come home, everyone was ready. It was great learning experience for all.

BM-GW Coalition is a non-profit organization established to help young men and women avoid the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gang violence and teen pregnancy, and to assist them in becoming productive citizens in our society.