Program News 2002
Barbara Blum Residents Conquer the Alpine Tower Adventure Course
Last week young men from our Barbara Blum residence participated in an Outward Bound trip sponsored by Goldman Sachs & Company as part of its community TeamWorks volunteer initiative. Twelve young men from the residence, 4 staff members and 7 volunteers from Goldman Sachs experienced an exciting day of trust building and physical challenges as they conquered the Alpine Tower Adventure Course, a 55 foot high structure built of logs, rope and assorted materials located at Gateway National Recreation Area in Brooklyn. One week prior to the adventure, Goldman Sachs hosted an orientation to the program, which included a slide show of the Alpine Tower, itinerary review and team-building exercises. The young men from Barbara Blum met with the Goldman Sachs volunteers. The morning of the trip, the participants were divided into three teams, and the day began with icebreaker activities, goal setting exercises and safety instructions. Each team then began to ascend the Alpine Tower, choosing one of the numerous ways to climb the tower which vary in levels of difficulty. Team members were compelled to trust one another, as each climber relied on his/her team members to secure the rope in the event that he or she fell. The activity proved to be a great self-esteem builder for the young men at Barbara Blum-they developed trusting relationships with the volunteers while experiencing a sense of personal achievement. Good Shepherd is truly appreciative that Goldman Sachs & Company was able to provide this fun and enriching experience to the young men in our residence.
In addition to the Alpine Adventure Course, Goldman Sachs also sponsored a trip to the Liberty Science Center for the kids from PS 32. Twenty-seven students, 9 GSS staff and 10 Goldman Sachs volunteers were treated to a 3D laser light show and a visit to the IMAX theater. The kids had the opportunity to explore all four floors of the Science Center, enjoying the live animal displays, indoor climbing tower, and exploring the "Tunnel of Senses"-a pitch black tunnel in which visitors must rely on their sense of touch to navigate. Once again, we thank Goldman Sachs their sponsorship and volunteers.
July 1, 2002
