Ropes Course
High Ropes Course
The High Ropes Course consists of a number of separate challenges, varying in height and difficulty. High ropes course challenges or elements vary from balance beams to cable crossings to complex climbing structures.
After a group progresses through the Low Ropes Course challenges, they are ready to move to the next level of challenge. The high ropes course challenges provide further opportunities for teamwork with an added emphasis on individual goals. The high challenges provide opportunities for participants to expand their comfort zones and to overcome fears. It is also an opportunity for participants to observe fellow teammates accomplishing goals that feared they would not accomplish while giving encouragement.
We begin the High Ropes Course by outfitting the group with helmets and safety harnesses. The group is then given a tour of the high challenges, their questions answered and their fears allayed. The group is encouraged to help each other progress through the high challenges with encouragement.
As participants climb the high challenges they are attached to a safety rope and belayed by a facilitator. If, at any time, the climber falls or decides to come down, the belayer will safely lower the climber back to the ground.
Low Ropes Course
The Low Ropes Course is a series of problem-solving experiences that physically engage teams to develop and execute a plan. Each challenge draws on every team member's contributions—their ideas, their support, and their efforts. The Low Ropes Course is structured so that activities build upon one another and increase in difficulty as trust and confidence with the group rise.
After each low element the group is given an opportunity to debrief the activity. Specific group goals and observations are discussed, allowing time to digest the experience. Participants are encouraged to make real life applications drawn from the activity and discussion.
Challenge by Choice
Our challenge by choice approach is not only limited to the High Ropes Course it extends to all levels of challenge. If for any reason a participant is uncomfortable with engaging in a particular challenge, there are a number of ways that they can still contribute to the success of the group through planning, coaching and sharing observations.
Sample Low Rope
Spider’s Web – The goal of this activity is for participants to make it through various size holes in a human-sized spider web structure without touching the web strands. Once an opening is used, that opening is then closed to the rest of the group. This challenge requires a great deal of cooperation, trust, and "start to finish" planning to enable the team to successfully complete the challenge. This initiative is excellent for exploring group/individual accountability, role clarification, decision-making and trust.