Taking Leadership
to new
HEIGHTS
SFA Experiential Learning Center Manager Daniel Harbuck challenges us to reach higher goals...together.
T
he Experiential Learning Center (or ELC) is what brought Daniel Harbuck to SFA earlier this year. “I came to work for SFA because of the opportunity. Specifically, the opportunity and potential this program has to impact and enrich the university and the community,” said Daniel.
An SFA group takes on a team building exercise
The ELC staff facilitates Ropes Course and Team Building programming for on-campus organizations as well as community programs. Some of the goals for groups are Teamwork, Group Learning, Challenging Yourself, Community Building, Self-Discovery, and Communication. Elements of the ELC include two Rock Climbing Walls, a High Ropes Course with Duel Zip Lines, Indoor High Ropes Elements, and a Low Ropes Course. The ELC can also facilitate groups off-campus, including canoeing and/or kayaking on local lakes and rivers. Daniel brings plenty of experience to the program, as he has been working in the Outdoor Adventure and Experiential
including the Zip Line and Climbing Education field since 2001. He has also Wall. “Each student showed heart and been a Ropes Course Manager and courage facing the challenges they Ropes Course Trainer since 2004. were presented on our course,” says Just in the past year, Daniel has seen Daniel. “They were participation at the ELC Being willing to very inspirational, and grow tremendously, we were blessed to with many groups challenge yourself utilizing this exciting and go further then serve them!” team building facility you thought possible, The cornerstone of since Spring 2013. now that’s success! the ELC program for Daniel is the dedicated, “This summer, our staff talented, and passionate staff. He says has been focusing on what success of the Outdoor Pursuits staff, “They looks like for the participants on our have showed a strong commitment to course. Each person encounters the doing work that is important, the work challenges presented on our ropes of changing peoples’ lives through the course differently, and if success means climbing higher or faster than everyday interactions. “ anyone else did, then sadly some participants that don’t make it will Daniel is from Lufkin, Texas, where leave feeling a failure. Our focus this he lives with his wife, Andrea, summer has been to find the best way and their three children. You can to articulate what success actually learn more about Daniel and the looks like on our course. Being willing Experiential Learning Center online to challenge yourself and go further at www.sfasu.edu/campusrec. then you thought possible, now that’s success!” This year, Daniel is focusing on expanding partnerships with academic classes and organizations on-campus. “There are some amazing people working here at SFA, and being a unique resource for them to bring their staff or students outside the classroom is a big priority.” One highlight of the summer for Daniel was partnering with Camp Independence, a week-long camp provided for visually-impaired kids led by SFA Faculty Michael Munro. During the week, the kids had the opportunity to do several Ropes Course activities,
Daniel joins in on the belaying fun at the ELC. Page 3