Caving
Purpose:
To provide opportunities for testing
personal limits; improving self-confidence and self-esteem; developing
leadership and cooperative skills; and learning basic caving techniques.
Program Objectives:
TPO 1. To demonstrate knowledge
of caving techniques
- EO 1. To demonstrate knowledge
of caving safety issues
- EO 2. To demonstrate ability to
spot climbers & communicate hazards and suggestions
- EO 3. To demonstrate ability to
climb, scramble and walk within the cavern in a safe manner.
- EO 4. To demonstrate awareness
of environmental issues
TPO 2. To demonstrate ability
to test one's capabilities and limits
- EO 1. To demonstrate an awareness
of the concept of self-esteem
- EO 2. To demonstrate an awareness
of the concept of risk-taking
- EO 3. To demonstrate an awareness
of one's capabilities and limitations
- EO 4. To demonstrate ability to
utilize positive self-talk to overcome perceived barriers
- EO 5. To demonstrate ability to
utilize quieting response to overcome barriers
TPO 3. To demonstrate ability
to cooperate with others
- EO 1. To demonstrate the ability
to listen
- EO 2. To demonstrate the ability
to communicate ideas and feelings
- EO 3. To demonstrate the ability
to provide and receive positive feedback to others
- EO 4. To demonstrate the ability
to follow and to give orders
IMPLEMENTATION DESCRIPTION
Population
This program is designed for a group
of 4 to 10 adolescents with emotional, psychiatric, conduct, or
chemical dependency problems.
Clients must obtain their physician's
permission to participate and be of good physical health due to
the physically demanding nature of this activity. Clients must
have good balance and comply immediately to orders during the
caving expedition. Clients with hyperactivity, uncontrolled seizure
disorders, and severe and profound mental retardation will not
be permitted to participate... however, caving expeditions with
higher degrees of safety and lower degrees of real risk can be
programmed for these individuals. Clients with physical limitations
can be incorporated into the program with modifications based
on their individual needs.
Program Length and Duration
This program is designed with 3 preparatory
sessions, each lasting one hour; and one caving expedition lasting
6 to 8 hours. The preparatory sessions are scheduled the week
leading to the caving expedition.
Program Context
This program can be implemented in
any agency serving the described population. Thus, the program
could be used with inpatient, outpatient, or partial-hospitalization
clients. It could be used within clinical or community based settings.
Staff
Two professional staff members are
needed for every 8 clients. The number of staff may be increased
depending upon type and dysfunction's of clients. One staff member
must have a knowledge of safe caving techniques and ability to
lead groups in high risk adventures. Furthermore, the staff member
must have a knowledge of the psychiatric and emotional conditions
of the participating clients, the ability to utilize intervention
and behavioral-management techniques, the ability to help each
individual discover personal perceived limitations and to help
the client overcome their limitations, and the ability to assist
clients to stop negative thinking and to develop positive self-talk.
The staff must also be thoroughly familiar with the caverns to
be explored.
Facility
A quiet room, free of distractions
for group discussions and movement during the preparatory sessions.
A relatively safe cavern appropriate for beginners and yet, has
multiple challenges to test individuals.
Equipment and Supplies
- Hard hats or helmets with chin
straps for each participant
- Flashlight preferably with wrist
straps for each participant
- Extra-life batteries for each
flashlight for each participant
- Additional flashlights and batteries
to be carried as spares
- At least one backpack to carry
spare flashlights, food, etc.
- Water Canteen
- Tissue papers
- Trash bags
- Food, trail mixes recommended
- Clothing... will depend upon cave
temperature and amount of water
- Shoes or boots... must be of non-slip
type... preferably water-proofed
- Gloves... optional
- Climbing Gear... will depend upon
type of climbs in cave... not suggested for beginning cave explorations
- First Aid Kit
- Map... contact US Department of
Geological Survey
- Permission slips and releases...
from parents and from participants... from physicians... from
owners of the cavern
- Vehicle to transport participants
- Lunch, drinks, and/or cash to
purchase meals
- Description of each participants
limitations, medications, problems
- Handouts(presented in the appendix)
- Whistle
Objectives and Performance Measures
PROGRAM: Caving
TERMINAL PROGRAM OBJECTIVE:
TPO 1. To demonstrate knowledge of
caving techniques
| ENABLING OBJECTIVE |
PERFORMANCE MEASURE |
| 1. To demonstrate knowledge
of safety issues in caving. |
1. Upon request, the client
will demonstrate knowledge of safe caving techniques by discussing
each of the issues listed below:
- a. list the rules of caving
- b. identify dangers of caving
- c. identify necessary equipment,
supplies and clothing
- d. state importance of teamwork
as related to safety as judged correct by the therapeutic
recreation specialist.
|
| 2. To demonstrate ability to
spot climbers and to communicate hazards and/or suggestions. |
2. Upon request, the client
will demonstrate spotting techniques by assuming the correct
stance and maintaining concentration upon the climber; and
will demonstrate ability to communicate hazards or suggestion
by speaking clearly and in a command voice, as judged appropriate
by the therapeutic recreation specialist. |
| 3. To demonstrate ability to
climb, scramble and walk within the cavern in a safe manner. |
3. Upon request, the client
will demonstrate ability:
- a. to climb by utilizing
climbing technique as taught
- b. to scramble by utilizing
scrambling technique as taught
- c. to walk by utilizing
walking technique as taught, as judged correct by the
therapeutic recreation specialist.
|
| 4. To demonstrate an awareness
of environmental issues. |
4. Upon request, the client
will demonstrate an awareness of environmental issues by stating
one's personal commitment to conservation and preservation
of nature and reasons why conservation is necessary, judged
adequate by the therapeutic recreation specialist. |
TPO 2. To demonstrate ability to
test one's capabilities and limits
| ENABLING OBJECTIVES |
PERFORMANCE MEASURE |
| 1. To demonstrate an awareness
of the concept of self-esteem. |
1. Upon request, client will
demonstrate the concept of self-esteem by stating the correct
definition of self-esteem and by stating the importance of
self-esteem as judged appropriate by the therapeutic recreation
specialist. |
| 2. To demonstrate an awareness
of the concept of risk-taking. |
2. Upon request, the client
will demonstrate an awareness of the concept of risk by:
- a. identifying various types
of risks
- b. discussing personal benefits
of risk taking and change
- c. discussing dangers of
physical risks
- d. identifying the difference
between real risk and perceived risk,
as judged appropriate by the
therapeutic recreation specialist. |
| 3. To demonstrate an awareness
of one's capabilities and limitations. |
3. Upon request, the client
will demonstrate an awareness of his or her capabilities and
limitations by sharing with the group his or her strengths
and weaknesses, as judged adequate by the therapeutic recreation
specialist. |
| 4. To demonstrate knowledge
of the concept of positive self-talk to overcome personal
barriers. |
4. Upon request, the client
will demonstrate the knowledge of positive self-talk by by
showing how he or she might use positive self-talk in stress
situations by:
- a. saying "stop"
to him/herself whenever negative thoughts appear
- b. saying positive words
to replace negative thoughts,
as judged by the therapeutic
recreation specialist. |
| 5. To demonstrate ability to
utilize quieting response to help overcome perceived barriers
and fears. |
5. Upon request, the client
will demonstrate the ability to utilize the 6-Second Quieting
Response to help overcome anxieties, feelings of stress and
fears by:
- a. saying "think and
clear mind" to him/herself
- b. smiling inwardly
- c. deep breathing
(client can verbally state
the steps to the TRS), as judged correct by the therapeutic
recreation specialist. |
TPO 3. To demonstrate the ability
to cooperate with others in both leadership and following situations
| ENABLING OBJECTIVES |
PERFORMANCE MEASURES |
| 1. To demonstrate the ability
to listen. |
1. While engaging in a group
exercise, client will demonstrate the ability to listen by:
- a. maintaining eye contact
with the speaker
- b. maintaining appropriate
body position with the speaker
- c. not interrupting the
speaker
- d. asking appropriate questions
to the speaker
as judged by the therapeutic
recreation specialist. |
| 2. To demonstrate the ability
to communicate ideas and feelings. |
2. While engaging in a group
exercise, client will demonstrate the ability to communicate
ideas and feelings by:
- a. sharing ideas and thoughts
- b. sharing personal feelings,
- as judged by the therapeutic
recreation specialist.
|
| 3. To demonstrate the ability
to provide and receive positive feedback to & from others. |
3. During and following the
caving expedition, the client will demonstrate the ability
to provide and receive positive feedback to & from others
by:
- a. pointing out positive
behaviors and actions of others
- b. accepting feedback from
others
as judged by the therapeutic
recreation specialist |
| 4. To demonstrate the ability
to follow rules and to give orders. |
4. While participating in a
caving expedition, the client will demonstrate the ability
to follow rules and to give orders by:
- a. attending to safety rules
- b. complying to orders given
by group leaders
- c. providing safety instructions
and orders when in leadership role,
as judged by the therapeutic
recreation specialist. |
| 5. To demonstrate the ability
to provide and receive positive feedback to others. |
5. During and following the
caving expedition, the client will demonstrate the ability
to provide and receive positive feedback to others by:
- a. pointing out positive
behaviors and actions of others
- b. accepting feedback from
others,
as judged by the therapeutic
recreation specialist. |
Content and Process Description
TPO No: 1 KNOWLEDGE OF CAVING. EQUIPMENT:
copies of handout "CAVE EXPLORING FUNDAMENTALS"
EO No: 1 To demonstrate knowledge
of safety issues in caving.
| CONTENT |
PROCESS |
|
1. Basic rules of caving:
- a. never go alone, 4 is
minimum.
- b. take 3 sources of light
& extra batteries
- c. go with an experienced
caver
- d. leave word with someone
- e. wear hard hats, non-slick
shoes
- f. take special climbing
equipment when vertical spelunking
- g. don't drink alcohol or
take drugs prior & during the trip
|
Provide participants handout
on safety and dangers of caving. Review rules and discuss
reasons for the various rules. It is extremely important that
safety is stressed. |
2. Identify dangers of caving:
- a. getting stuck is a possibility
- b. hypothermia- combination
of water and cold can kill
- c. flooding
- d. fears can lead to injury
- e. falls and slips
- f. bad air... lack of oxygen
- g. fire...bat droppings
can ignite
- h. old ladders and ropes
in caves are unsafe
- i. mines are extremely dangerous
& should not be entered
- j. getting lost(use map,
look back to orient self,etc.)
|
- |
3. Equipment needed for safety:
- a. Helmets and non-slick
shoes
- b. Kneepads & gloves
are suggested
- c. special climbing ropes
& equipment are necessary when vertical spelunking
- d. Flashlights and good
batteries & other sources of light
|
- |
| 4. Teamwork is important to
maintain safety. |
By working as a team, you will
be safer... each one of you will be taking care of each other...
with- out this help, you will be in greater danger. |
Note: due to the length of this program
plan, the entire caving program plan can be downloaded as a Word
for Windows .doc file to your computer. (not available yet).
Sequence Sheet for Pre-Trip Sessions
| TPO |
EO |
DESCRIPTION |
SESSION# |
TIME |
| - |
- |
Introduction to program. |
1 |
- |
| - |
- |
1. Build excitement for the
activity. |
1 |
5 |
| - |
- |
2. Discuss what participants
can expect from the outing. Talk about recreational aspect
first then therapeutic aspects and the goals to attain.
3. Announce format of the program:
- a. three 1 hour discussion
and activities to promote safety & group cooperation
- b. participants are expected
to attend each session and to participate actively
- c. a 4 to 5 hour caving
trip
- d. lunch upon exit of cavern
- e. a group discussion(debriefing)
session following lunch
|
1 |
10 |
| - |
- |
4. Discuss equipment needed
to be supplied by the clients. |
- |
1 |
| - |
- |
5. Discuss need for parental
and physician's permission |
1 |
1 |
| - |
- |
6. Answer any other questions
regarding format of program. |
1 |
3 |
| 2 |
1 |
A. Spotting Exercise |
1 |
10 |
| 3 |
1 |
B. Listening and Safety |
1 |
5 |
| 1 |
1 |
C. Discussion on Safety
- 1. Rules
- 2. Dangers
- 3. Equipment
- 4. Cooperation
|
1 |
15 |
| 3 |
2 |
D. Sharing feelings and ideas |
1 |
5 |
| 3 |
3 |
E. Giving positive feedback |
1 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
A. Following orders and Commands |
2 |
10 |
| 1&3 |
2&4 |
B. Blind Walk & discussion
on communication |
2 |
20 |
| 2 |
1 |
C. Discussion on Self-esteem
and fears |
2 |
10 |
| 2 |
2 |
D. Discussion on Risk-taking
& challenges |
2 |
10 |
| 1 |
2 |
E. Walking, Scrambling &
Walking in a cave |
2 |
20 |
2 |
4 |
A. Discussion on Positive Self-talk
and imaging |
3 |
10 |
| 2 |
3 |
B. Awareness of one's capabilities
and limitations |
3 |
5 |
| 2 |
5 |
C. 6-Second Quieting Response |
3 |
10 |
| 1&2 |
- |
D. Review safety and personal
challenge issues |
3 |
20 |
| 1 |
4 |
E. Environmental Issues and
challenge |
3 |
10 |
| - |
- |
F. Any questions, comments? |
3 |
10 |
Sequence Sheet for Caving Expedition
| TPO |
EO |
DESCRIPTION |
SESSION # |
TIME |
| |
|
CAVING EXPEDITION |
4 |
4-5 hrs |
| - |
- |
Gather materials and equipment
required for trip
___ Flashlights ___ Helmets
& strap ___ lunch
___ Extra Batteries ___ Candles
& Matches ___ money
___ water/canteen ___ tissue
paper ___ trash bags
___ non-slip shoes ___ appropriate
clothing ___ gloves
___ first aid kit ___ map ___
whistle
___ permission slips ___ medication
___ info re: clients
___ phone #, map & list
of cavers left with facility |
4 |
- |
| - |
- |
Conduct pre-trip briefing to
discuss leaders expectations, to go over individual goals,
and to discuss expectations of cavers. |
4 |
15 |
| - |
- |
Upon arrival at caverns, remind
participants to think SAFETY.... POSITIVELY.... COOPERATE. |
4 |
2 |
| - |
- |
Take lead. Place other leader
in rear. Allow participants to choose their own line up as
group goes in single file line. If participant is anxious,
he/she should be near one of the leaders. |
4 |
- |
| - |
- |
AT APPROPRIATE TIMES DURING
THE EXPERIENCE, CONDUCT THE FOLLOWING EXERCISES: |
4 |
- |
| 2 |
5 |
A. Lights Out... listen to sounds...
do 6-sec QR... conduct relaxation exercise of choice |
4 |
10 |
| 2 |
5 |
B. Lights Out... listen to sounds...
scream... listen to sounds again |
4 |
5 |
| 1&2 |
2&3-5 |
C. Climb 6 foot wall |
4 |
10 |
| 1&2 |
2&3-5 |
D. Climb 10 foot wall |
4 |
10 |
| 1&3 |
2,3&4 |
E. Two Flashlight "Blind"
Walk |
4 |
25 |
| 3 |
4 |
F. "Lost", decision
making exercise |
4 |
25 |
| 3 |
4 |
G. Allow various individuals
to take lead |
4 |
10per |
| - |
- |
DEBRIEFING FOLLOWING THE TRIP |
- |
- |
| - |
- |
A. Discuss any of the following
as determined most significant during the trip as judged by
the leader:
1. Self-esteem
2. Risk taking
3. Challenges, capabilities
and limits and how individuals overcame fears
(imaging, positive self-talk,
relaxing, practice, etc.)
4. Cooperation and teamwork(listening,
sharing, communicating, positive feedback, etc.)
5. Caving as a recreation activity
Lead each discussion into real
life situations... how can participants generalize what
they learned into real life? |
4 |
30-60 |
SPECIAL NOTES TO THE LEADER
OF THE CAVING EXPEDITION
1. Think safe and stress safety
2. Think group effort... allow group
to make choices.
3. Slow group down if you feel they
are moving at a fast pace. Pace the group. Know the length of
the trip. Take breaks often.
4. Talk with each member of the group
at various times. How are you doing? Doing OK? Tired? Having fun?
Take mental note of their responses...
are they anxious, relaxed, exhausted?
5. Do not allow anyone to take risks...
repeat safety rules or demonstrate techniques as necessary.
6. Encourage laughter and humor during
breaks.
Caving protocol written by Charles
Dixon |