Space is limited in the upcoming free course in the Oxford Hills high school gym.
PARIS – Among spring offerings at the Oxford Hills Adult and Community Education program is a first-ever ropes and obstacle challenge course for adults.

Ann Speth, a teacher at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, will teach this four-week course on securing ropes and climbing various elements inside the school’s gym.

The course, which begins April 29, is free. It’s being sponsored by the Parent Place. It will run weekly from 6 to 9 p.m.

Space is limited to 15 people, said Adult Ed Director Judy Green. The idea is to train adults who can then lead youth groups in the activities of the Project Adventure Workshop, which is locally being called “Flying Squirrels.”

Through its challenges – such as “nitro crossing,” “spider web,” “swinging tires” and climbs to the top of the gym – the program works on building mutual support, improving self-confidence and developing trust in self and others.

Speth said the program is “an ideal program to add to all youth programs.”

Green said the program emphasizes challenge by choice.

“No one is forced to do anything he/she feels is too much,” she said.

To date, the Oxford Hills staff members who’ve been trained in this program include all the physical education teachers, alternative education teachers and wilderness leadership teachers. Project Adventure activities will become a standard part of the curriculum districtwide in physical education and alternative education.

For more information or to register, people can call adult education at 743-8842, press 1.