A. Over the Edge or OTE is an outside-the-box special event hosted by Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI). This urban-rappelling adventure is a fundraiser where participants, or Edgers, raise money for the chance of a lifetime - to rappel from the roof of the historic SupplyCore building in downtown Rockford, IL!
Q. How much money do I need to raise to rappel?
A. Adults raise a minimum of $1,000. Youth (aged 11 - 18) raise a minimum of $500.
Q. What if I don't raise the minimum?
A. There are a few options if you don't raise the minimum by event day:
You can pay the remaining balance on or before event day and earn your rappel spot.
On event day, you leave a credit card on file with GSNI and you will receive an additional 4 weeks to fundraise. At the end of the 4 weeks, GSNI will charge the remaining balance to your credit card.
You must choose one of these options in order to rappel on event day, or you can choose not to rappel and the funds you raised will remain with GSNI.
Q. What if my supporters give me cash or a check?
A. You can handle this one of two ways:
If the check is made out to you, deposit the check, or cash into your bank account. Then, using your credit/debit card, make an online donation in their name.
If the check is made out to Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois (GSNI), mail or drop off the check at any one of our 5 Resource Centers in an envelope. On the envelope, please write your name, OTE donation, and the date. (Example: Sally Smith, OTE donation, 4/3/22)
Q. What are the height/weight requirements for participants?
A. OTE can accommodate almost everyone, but if you're over 7 feet tall, you may be a bit uncomfortable. All participants must weigh between 100 - 300 lbs.
Q. Can OTE accommodate persons with disabilities?
This event is open to all - persons with disabilities are able and encouraged to participate. Unfortunately, wheelchair rappels are not an option because there is no wheelchair access to the roof. Please be sure to contact us and explain the nature of the disability at least 60 days in advance of the event so we can discuss with our OTE staff and ensure they have all the necessary equipment required for Edgers with disabilities. Contact Melissa Margason at mmargason@girlscoutsni.org.
Q. How does weather affect the event?
A. Safety policies and procedures will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. In the event of adverse weather, OTE techs will initiate a weather-related delay. If the weather prevents us from rappelling, our "Rain Date" is the next day, Sunday, June 5, 2022.
RAIN - Events can continue to operate in the rain, as long as rain does not affect participants' vision, or cause some other unsafe condition. OTE techs will initiate a weather-related delay until rain eases enough to continue safely.
WIND - In the event of sustained winds of 25 mph, or gusts lasting more than 20 seconds, OTE techs will initiate a weather-related delay until weather conditions improve.
LIGHTNING - A weather-related delay will be initiated if lightning strikes with in 40 miles of the rappel site. The event will continue once the weather conditions improve.
Q. What experience do I need?
A. None! No experience is necessary and you will receive the training you need on the day of the event.
Q. How safe is this event?
A. INCREDIBLY! But as with everything, there are risks. It is important to listen to your rappelling instructor and follow directions during your training session. (Every OTE event is set up as an industrial worksite and as a result, is compliant with all federal and state OSHA Fall Protection Standards and OSHA Federal State Laws. Further, policies and procedures adhere to the best practices identified by SPRAT. This counsel is a strict regulatory body that regimented guidelines and safety protocols that far exceed the OSHA, Workers Compensation and state labor codes. OTE has an impeccable safety record. All OTE sites have highly trained industrial rope specialists, all of which are IRATA or SPRAT certified. Each event site has a comprehensive Site Inspection & Safety Plan completed, and if every potential risk cannot be mitigated, then the site will simply not be approved by our Operations Manager.) SupplyCore is our returning building partner, and has already gone through the rigorous certification process. For more information on OTE, click here: https://overtheedgeglobal.com/.
A. Yes! Costumes are allowed and encouraged - especially capes! Costumes are subject to the discretion of the Site Safety Supervisor. Every attempt will be made to safely fit costumes around harnesses and helmets. Stringy, loose or excessive costumes should be avoided. Head pieces that will not accommodate a helmet, obscure vision or are too large or heavy will not be allowed. Check out the gallery for photos from 2021 OTE4GSNI: https://p2p.onecause.com/overtheedge4gsni/gallery
Q. I don't want to rappel, can I still donate?
A. YES! You can donate to any one of our brave Edgers by clicking the green "Make a Donation" button on the home page.
Q. How are donations processed and is it secure?
A. Yes! Online payments are processed by a PCI-Compliant credit card vault called Spreedly. Donor and credit card information is never shared or stored.