Introduction to Trust
by Karl Rohnke
Trust is a powerful and essential educational tool. It is the key to personal involvement and development. At the end of a course in which adventure activites have been used, it is satisfying to hear students say, "I'd like to try that," in contrast to their initial reaction of, "No way!" Part of the reason for the extent of this growth is personal confidence is the establishment of trust. Trust that they don't have to do everything; that the safety equipment and procedures work; that if they try something and fail their peers and leaders will be supportive of their efforts; that they will not be laughed at or made to feel foolish; that my ideas and comments will be considered without ridicule. An individual will seldom take a physical or emotional chance if they perceive callousness and unreasonable risk as part of that risk-taking. A group surrounded with positive experiences and successes will experience the growth of trust apace with personal confidence. Trust, within the framework of an adventure-based curriculum, is gained with patience, thoughtfulness and care over a period of time and can be damaged or lost in a second by carelessness or inconsiderate behavior. Cultivate and protect the trust that an individual offers.
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