School Programs
This is truly the heart and soul of who we are. V2 was started with the absolute vision of creating experiential learning opportunities for as many students in the public schools of New Mexico as possible. Ultimately, V2 seeks to empower students with skills, which will allow them to visualize and actualize previously unimagined possibilities. We believe the students are our future, and that these skills are pertinent to each and every student and future leader of our country. Our philosophy is that through experience anything is possible, but that EXPERIENCE itself is the best teacher.
We have created a specific program for the public schools in New Mexico. These programs last three weeks and currently rotate through a number of schools in Santa Fe, NM. The students have the Mobile Mountain class two - three times a week, based on time and teachers schedules. In addition to climbing, many of the students will have an opportunity to participate in group cooperative games, which will be applied not only to their climbing time, but also their classroom. The mobile mountain is used as a metaphor to help build confidence, problem solving skills, goal setting skills, healthy peer communication and support, as well as to create and enhance leadership skills. As an integral part of the program, teachers are invited to participate in a pre-program training, as well as to join their classes for each of their class sessions. This in turn often provides teachers additional information or tools they can apply to the classroom.
The Mobile Mountain allows us to provide an on-site program. This eliminates the need for transportation, as well as allows us to work with a greater number of students over a longer period of time. In most of our schools we are able to work with 3- 400 students per week. At a pace chosen by the student vs. the instructor, students are able to work through many fear related, group related, and overall self-confidence related issues. Each student attends a minimum of 6 sessions with the wall. They truly have an opportunity to challenge themselves at their pace and continue to experience taking it "one step at at time" over a longer period of time. This allows us to reinforce the benefits of continuing to try something more than one time. In turn, they learn first hand how new experiences often become easier the more they try it. As children and even often as adults, our first experience with something is extremely formative of our willingness and desire to try it again. Students in our program have multiple opportunities to witness their own accomplishments and growth on a daily basis. As a direct result of this philosophical approach, we see students trying harder, and going further each day with the program. More importantly, they are able to directly correlate their experience on the rock wall with their homework in the classroom, their ability to set goals, work towards them and to support their peers to achieve these goals.
We are currently programming with 8 public schools in Santa Fe. Our 3 year goal beginning in 2007/08 is to offer unlimited programming to all public schools in Santa Fe, NM. In addition, we hope to begin offering our program in surrounding cities throughout New Mexico in the school year 2008/09. Our hope is to provide this programming through private donations, and state and federal grants. This will be for all students, regardless of their economic background. We believe all students need and benefit greatly from physical and experiential education. In 2007/08 we have initiated a writing curriculum with our program to create a direct connection between the rock wall and the classroom. This curriculum offers a written opportunity for both teachers and students to bridge the metaphors between the rock wall, the classroom and life. In 2007/08 Vertical Ventures Inc. will begin an evaluation process which provides written documentation from both teachers and students as to the potential impacts and merits of this program.
Though students of the public schools are one of our major focal points, we also provide experiential education programs to all types of organizations and private schools. Please contact us for more information on how we can tailor a program for you.
In addition to our Mobile Mountain program, we also offer one and multi day adventure programs on real rock, or in the back-country. Give us a call or email us for more information. We believe in creating a program that fits your needs vs. attempting to meet your needs through a predetermined program.
After School Program
The after school programs offer students participating in the school program, an opportunity to further hone their climbing skills as well as strengthen their confidence and problem solving skills. These groups will be limited to ten climbers per class. The students will work with one other partner. This will allow them a break between climbs and to work with another climber to solve different climbing projects on the wall. In addition, our staff will provide additional insight into technique, body movement, and additional problem solving skills with the various climbs.
We will work with 2nd - 6th grade and will also take younger climbers on an individual trial basis. If your child is younger but you or they are interested in giving the wall a try, give us a call to arrange a time. We will happily offer a free trial climb, and if they want to continue with program we will sign them up for a class.