Rappelling                 

This year students will have the opportunity to receive an International Certificate in Rappelling after completing 60 hours of classroom training, 11 excursions out in the field, and an exam. Rappelling takes place once participants have started building up their strength and stamina. Firstly, before rappelling down any mountains, a qualified instructor will come to Nitzana and give training in the theory and basics of rappelling. This includes learning about all the different types of equipment that participants will use, and learning how to tie the essential knots in the sport. In addition, hands on training may involve a short rappel down the side of a wall at Nitzana, as well as practicing climbing back up the rope using techniques learned during training. After classroom training is completed, participants will go to the cliffs of Mitzpe Ramon (and other cliffs in Israel) to put into practice all they have learned. This involves a number of descents, with the type of equipment or specific technique changing each time. As time progresses, participants feel more comfortable and the length and difficulty of the rappels will increase. Those completing the course and passing the exam will receive the internationally recognized certification.

                        

 

                    Jeeping      

This year the participants had the opportunity to drive Tom Cars in the area of Mitzpe Ramon. The trip involved driving on off-road terrain in the desert: rocks, some steep hills, lots of sand in which doughnuts could practiced, as well as some gravel roads. Part of the drive was along the top of the Mitzpe Ramon Crater which offered some fantastic views, while in other parts of the drive the view consisted of nothing but dust from the car in front of you!

Participants also were able to drive ATVs in the Golan Heights as part of the trip to the North. Participants choose between driving Quad Bikes, or Ranger Jeeps for a 3 hour trip through the green and mountainous Golan Heights . The majority of the drive consisted of off road trails over hills, and through streams and rivers, which made for a very muddy, yet memorable experience.


                            

 

                         Diving        

The Scuba Diving part of the program takes place in a beautiful location on the Red Sea in the southernmost city of Israel, Eilat. Participants spend 5 days at the Red Sea learning to dive and training to receive a 1st Star CMAS (World Underwater Federation) International Certificate. Participants do 2 dives a day, with the first few dives taking place in shallow water to become comfortable with the equipment and learn techniques. As the week goes on the dives become deeper and deeper with the last day of diving participants reach a depth of 20m, the maximum allowed depth for a one star diver. Participants will dive in either the morning or the afternoon, rotating sessions each day, and can use the time that they are not diving to soak up some sun on the beach, or cool off in the sea. In the early evening of each day there is a theory lesson going over all of the theory aspects of diving, and on the last day of the course there is a theory exam that participants must pass to get certified as a one star level diver. After theory lessons participants are free to explore the city of Eilat.


                            

 


                  Navigation     

The navigation part of the program begins with a survival training guide from the IDF coming to Nitzana for two days to teach the basics of navigation. The first part of learning is in the classroom where terminology, equipment and theory of navigation are learnt. Afterwards, participants are split into groups, and given the tools they need, along with maps. They must navigate their way through the desert to a specific destination. After these two days of training participants can use their navigation skills on other hikes that they will go on. One of these hikes this year included a two day, overnight desert hike with the IDF survival training guide and participants learned how to find water in the desert. There also was a 2 day navigation competition that took place this year which participants had the chance to be involved with, which included over 100 people from Israel as well as Europe .

 

                                        

     

                        Mountain Biking       

Our desert location provides for a number of great off road trails for mountain biking as soon as you leave the gates of our village. There is usually a bike trip once a week that takes participants to different places and sites around the area. The distance and intensity of the bike trips increase as endurance and skill levels progress during the program. We start off with 5-10km (3-6miles) trips of nearby areas, going on trips along the Path of Peace, to ancient ruins, and nearby villages. 

        

 

We then progress up to a 15km (9.3miles) trip that involves sleeping out under the stars in a Bedouin style camp, and on to 25km (15.5miles) trips to watering holes in the desert. As participants become more experienced whole day rides cover a round trip distance of 45km (28miles). Sessions with experienced and knowledgeable professional bikers help participants improve all aspects of their riding techniques. Some weeks involve a ride for a couple of hours, while other weeks are a whole day ride, and once in a while there will be an overnight trip.  


 

                           Swimming      

Participants take full advantage of the half Olympic sized swimming pool in Nitzana. Two times a week there are swimming lessons with a program designed specifically for each different level in the program. Techniques and endurance are worked on in each lesson, with the program constantly changing to work on new skills. The main strokes focused on are Freestyle and Breaststroke in order to prepare for Triathlon training, however other strokes are included in some lessons. There are three different groups depending on swimming ability so each participant will receive the best swimming program for their level and ability. Participants also have the opportunity during the week and on Shabbats to use the pool at their own leisure during open hours.

 

                                

 

 


                                          Running

Running training usually takes place about twice a week, with the distance and intensity level increasing as time goes on. We start off with training that involves running one or two laps around the 3km (1.9miles) track around our village. After participants are comfortable with this we move on to a 5km (3.1miles) run along the Path of Peace to the Egyptian boarder and back. For the next progression we move to training for a 10km (6.3miles) run, as well as continuing with shorter distances to keep variation in the schedule. For those who feel comfortable with the 10km run, and want a bigger challenge, there is the opportunity to participate in a 21km (13miles) half marathon run during the program. As part of triathlon training, participants have the opportunity to get training and advice on their running techniques.

                           


                                                 CPR Certification

CPR certification takes place early on in the program. An instructor from MADA (Magen David Adom) Israel’s emergency service gives a whole day’s course which certifies participants in first aid and CPR. It is not only a great skill to have for the rest of the program, but also it is a great skill to leave with and have after the program.

                                                 


 

בניית האתר: גרין קריאייטיב