20. - 23. January 2020 at Landgoed Biestheuvel
(near Eindhoven, Netherlands)

International Conference, Workshops, Qualifying Courses, Networking & Members Meeting

"The Next Generation …"
… will be the theme of our upcoming Ropes Course Conference in the Netherlands. After about three decades we currently experience a new generation of entrepreneurs, managers as well as members of staff step into the industry or grown-up kids take over the ropes course business of their parents.

The conference is specifically designed to promote the get-together of generations, so we wish to welcome both the "grandfathers" and the "newcomers" to the conference.

Although the change of people may be the most obvious and decisive, there are even more fields in our industry where we are faced with „The Next Generation“ of products, concepts, standards, procedures and professionalisation. Our conference’s presentations and workshops will focus on topics from these varying fields, as you can see from the programme overview.

The programme is not yet closed and you are more than welcome to offer a workshop yourself or to propose a topic. Presenters benefit from one free entrance ticket to the conference.

ERCA Activities in March & April & May

May 2019 - Trainer Assessment for the scope 'Temporary Low Ropes Courses'

From 27.-28.05.2019 the first assessment to become a Trainer for temporary low ropes courses took place in the Naturfreundehaus in Lauenstein. The two days were associated with a lot of excitement and exam stress, but in the end all candidates successfully passed the pilot course and are already looking forward to working as a trainer. The candidates were grateful for the vast

experience and knowledge which was shared by Georg and Henning in their role as master trainers. They are looking forward to further exchange in the context of working group meetings or the AGM's.

April 2019 - Train The Trainer Course for the scope 'Temporary Low Ropes Courses'

The first course with our new trainer qualification was run in bright sunshine and with highly motivated candidates in Germany. The candidates worked hard and had very intensive learning experiences. Now they are preparing for their assessment in the end of May.

March 2019 - Seminar "Inclusion Programmes on Ropes Courses"

In March a seminar on pedagogical and technical basics were taught, which will enable the instructors to welcome (almost) every group in a ropes course - with or without special needs. 8 participants and 3 trainers joined these days together and experienced adventure-based ropes course programs practically.

The very positive feedback from the group focused in particular on:
- the attitude & values of the "Inclusion Working Group"
- the rich practical content delivered

Here you can read more about the training, which will be offered again from 06.03. - 08.03.2020.

Trainer Training at Cardiff International White Water Centre

We spent two really positive and active days at the Cardiff International White Water Centre (UK). A big thank to all the team for the use of their centre and all of their hospitality.

Tuesday 5th February 2019 - ERCA Adventure Park Trainer Assessment Day

This day was resulting in all three of the candidates having big smiling faces and a ‘pass’ to go home with.
The weather was bitterly cold but the atmosphere was warm all day long.

Well done for the hard work put in by the candidates to prepare themselves fully for this part of the assessment phase. Congratulations to all and we look forward to working with you as trainers and you contributing to the positive development of the ERCA training programmes.

Monday 4th February 2019 - ERCA Trainer CPD Day

The participants were all ERCA Trainers and the venue offers an exciting Adventure Park ropes course which goes over the top of the moving white water.

The day was designed to benefit all who attended. Each of the trainers led a presentation/workshop on a specific subject. In addition deliver their own subject everyone joined in and contribute to the sessions to information share and develop their knowledge. The days led by Antony and had a specific theme of ‘Removing the Challenge’:

European Ropes Course Association (ERCA)

Our Association includes instructors, rescuers, trainers, builders and inspectors of ropes courses as well as organisations operating temporary ropes courses.

We update and optimise existing ERCA standards relating to construction, inspection, training and operation of ropes courses. We consider ERCA to be a basis for the exchange of knowledge, safety research and quality improvement.

Non-professionals like recreational climbers, visitors to forest adventure parks or group leaders searching for ropes course facilities will find interesting spots at our ropes course location map.

Teachers, parents or managers of educational programmes may be interested in our FAQ section with helpful answers regarding quality aspects, safety, supervision and more relevant topics for the high ropes course industry.

Operators may like the information about our training and inspection certification system with direct contact to our Accredited Training Bodies and Inspection Bodies.

Our classifieds section is a useful source of information for those seeking employment or for more miscellaneous matters like training courses, equipment for sale or unusual events.

New Release of Training Syllabus

This syllabus provides information for training on permanent and temporary ropes courses. The syllabus describes course aims and objectives, content, methods of teaching, course duration, as well as assessment criteria. Mobile ropes courses are not covered within the current syllabus.

ERCA-Members can download the syllabus directly from here (after your click you will be asked to log on).

NON-ERCA-Members are welcome to order the ERCA Training Syllabus free of cost.

Our ropes course location map is online

We are delighted to announce that our newly designed ropes course location map is now live. Best visit the online map and search it via map view. Please note: The map is centered to an automatic start position. Feel free to move the map and to zoom it. Markers may overlap. You get better results as more you zoom in to a more detailed view.

ERCA's Cooperation Partners ...

... support the professional development of the ropes course indutry and partly offer special benefits to ERCA members. Today we feel happy to welcome "Regiondo GmbH" as our new cooperation partner. "Regiondo GmbH" is offering online-ticketing and
-marketing services which might be interesting to all operators who manage bookings from individuals and groups. Check out the services from ERCA's cooperation partners!

Upcoming Events

20. - 23. January 2020 at Landgoed Biestheuvel(near Eindhoven, Netherlands)