Timothy Fuller, Hanging at the top of the static course.
By: Tanner Crow
For soon to be New Mexico Military Institute graduate Timothy Fuller, there’s no place he’d rather be than jumping off a rock wall or making his way along a static ropes course. Add in a group of children needing a boost in self-confidence and Fuller is right in his element.
Fuller was among several NMMI cadets who took part in a weeklong certification training for challenge course facilitators last winter. The training took place on the ropes course. The course is used first for cadet orientation during rat week andsecondly other activities such as middle school groups, senior NCO’s and everything in-between with the goal of helping cadets and others develop leadership skills through challenging adventures.
Maj. Eric Evertson, head of NMMI Ropes Course is the primary trainer and has taught all of the department’s Cadet employees, like Fuller, how to guide groups through the course. Students learn more than just knots, belays and carabineers; they learn leadership, communication and confidence. This is all very important when working with groups that are not from the school.
That’s exactly what Fuller, of Albuqerque, NM., has in mind. He is earning his High school degree on May 18. He enjoyed Rappelling from an early age, but really got hooked on challenge courses after going through NMMI’s training. He’s worked facilitated ropes courses at summer camps during the past summer and offered up countless hours working with kids. Fuller has become an admirable young man whom many wish to grow up to be like!
