UM Challenge Program_Letter

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TTTEUNIvERSITYoF MICHIGAN
CI-IALLENGE
PRocR,r,v,
Nonh Can.rpu.<
RecreacionBuilding
2J75HubbarciStreet
Ann Arbor,Micirigan48109-2087
PnoNe
734936.0601
Fax734936-0604
w1rr,y.
recspor(s.umich. edu/challengef
CH A LLE T-GE
PRocRAt"i
DearParentof ChallengeProgramParticipant,
Y<iurstudent rn'ill soon take part in the University of Michigan's Challenge Program. We would like to taLke
this opporhrnity to sharesomeinformationwith you about the program,
What exactlydoesthe ChallengeProgramentail?
llhe ChallengePrograrn consistsof a graduatedseriesof group-orientedactivities. The day beginswith r,varm-foundations
lip activities and games designed to help students get to know each other apd build'il.re
for
'r'v;rkingtcgefher. As the day
progressesgroupswill be presenteclwith more difficult and comp)exchallenges.
Croup membersthen work togetherto set goals,determineroles, and develop strategiesfor soiving eachtisk,
Activities range from 'simple' ball tossing activities to more complex challengesinvolving'iarger and
sorneiirnesfanciful props such as ropes,boardsand cables,Most activitiestake placJat ground leirel;h"ovr.,eyer,
sorne solutions may require some grouP membersto be anywhere behveen2 and 1-Zfeet off the gro.rr1d.
I'{iratever the acfivify, it is important to rememberthat the real focus of the d.ayis on working togetfieras a
te,1m.
Will studentsbe required to do the activities?
At
Challenge Program, we abide by a ChallengeBy Choice philosophy which enablesshrdents to
lh9
participatein the marmer that is most appropriatefor him or her. Partilipation is importanq however,there;ire
many ways Jor sfudents to bb involved, This migtrt mean participating in the planning and strategizinganJ
n( t,necessarilythe physical action. Utilizing he Challenge
by Choicephilosophy illo.s
to bi invilvea
"i,*ryor,.
and to challengethemselves,
but at theirown pace.
l4/hatwill studentsgain from participatingin this program?
B,r lvolking through the various tasks,studentslearn more about themselvesand their capabilities. With ihe
enrphasison efforl, not accomplishmenf,participants can strive for improvement without r:isking failure.
FLirthermore,by building supportive groups throughout the clay,stnd.entshave the chanceto discove-r
hidclen
stlengthsand quaiitiesthat can be appliedto otheraspectsof their lives. hr order for your stucleirt's
experier
rce
to be assuccessfulas possible,pleaserevien' the following information with him/her.
To the student,
Dr-rringyour participation in the ChallengeProgram,we ask ihat you work foward a set of goals that includes
saie fun, working- together,taking careof youself and others,chailengingyourself and givi*ng100%effort. In
orler to create the best experiencefor everyone,lve ask that you alio agree to qpf,olcl iertain program
shrndards. Theseinclude following ail safetyguidelines provided by instruclors, using equiprnentotriy"*rti,
ProPer superr-ision,and ietting instructorsknow your concemsand need,s,Fu::ther,we tumi1d you to dress
appropriatelyfor the program. Fteasercfer to tne r
l.
We are senous about safely in all activities. We expectyou to be seriousabout safef also-- by following
itrritrucfions,
and using-goodjudgment. To emphasizethesepoints,we askthat you anclyour parentread,si3i
and refum to us the Releaseof Liability Form and the Medical Information Form includ"d in tpis packet.
We.are glad that you are participating in the ChallengeProgram, and thank you for the effort you'Il put into
making youl program a rewarding experience,
Sincerely,
John
Univ
- TeamCirallenge
S:rrCerlt
lv, Dir-ector
of N4ichiganChallenge Program
theck List for your day at the ChallenseProgram
Tlre ChallengeProgramtakesplaceoutsideregardlessoftheweathei. Pleasedressappropriately.It is betterto
havetoo much clothingthanto be cold andwet.
Recommendedclothing and otheritems to bring to the program:
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comfortableclosed-tog shoesor sneakers
extra socks (recommendedfor morning dew or rain)
walkingshorts,long pantsor sweats
T-shirt or long-sleevedshirt
raincoatin wet weather
suapfor glasses/sunglasses
hat andsunscreen
as needed
insectrepellent
lunchand/orsnacksand lots ofthem (we havea refrigeratorand microwaveavailable)
eatprior to your program;it's an aclivity day that requiresenergy!
camerasare optional, but'ivelconre(a greatway to rememberyour dayl)
During cooVcoltlweather, "Dresslike an onion." Wearlayers,as thesearemore versatilethana heavycoal
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sweaters(pile or wool - srveatshirts
areOK, but cottonabsorbswate4and doesnot keepyou warm if it getswet)
rvarrnhat
glovesor rnittens
warm socks,wool (we suggestbringing an extrapair also)
waterproofboots
coat,shel.l,or winctbreaker
Pleaseleavetlle fbllowing iterns at home or in your vehicle:
_ jewelry (particularlylargestonedrings or danglyearringsandnecklaces),
_ beltswith largebuckles
_ sharpconrbs
_ wrist watches
_ walletsandpurses
-*pagers andcell phones
If you.brhry anyof tlrcseitems,you vvill be askedto take them to yotu^veldclc dutringtheprogram ar we can lock
themin a cabinet in the ChallengeProgramfacility, Note: Weare not respotzsibleforany lost itenrs,
Shoutdyou needto give anyonean emergencycontactphonenumberfor reachingyou duringyour time at the
ChallengeProgram,the appropriatenumberis (734) 998-6766,
The ChallengeProgramstaff goes.tog:eatlengthsto provicleyou with a safe,excitingandrewardingexperience.
By bringing the recommendedclothing and other items to your program,you rvili be well preparedto have a
comfortableandenjoyableday.
If you haveany questionsabout dressingappropriatelyfor a day outcloors,feel free io contactthe Challenge
Program,your 1ocaloutdoor store,or Bivouac Quality Outdoor Clothing and EquipmenLat (734) 761-6207.