These are just a few of the kinds of elements
you might find at a challenge course; many are adding climbing and rock walls
to their facilities, too.
Safety is a big factor at ropes courses. The
first things participants learn are safety procedures like belaying. Whenever
a group member is on the element, there is another person down below on belay.
This means that there is a rope attached to the person doing the activity that
runs through a pulley so that the people on the ground can make sure they don’t
fall. The pulley system means the people on belay (who are also called spotters)
can lift people twice their own weight. Each set of climbers and spotters goes
through a verbal “contract.” First the climber says, “Spotters
ready?” Then the spotters respond, “Ready!” Then the climbers say
back, “Climbing!” and the spotters reply “Climb on!” This
contract helps everyone involved know just when the activity will start and makes
sure that everyone is prepared.
If you want to check out a ropes course
for you and your group, you might try the course at the
Wildman Whitewater
Ranch on the Peshtigo and Menominee Rivers near Crivitz and Lakewood. There are
also courses around the state at college campuses and campgrounds around the state.
So check it out!
Ropes Course
Ropes courses are a great way for groups from schools, businesses, or other organizations
to learn how to trust, work with, and cooperate with each other. They also help
people find confidence in themselves.
“But what is a ropes course?”
you may ask. Well, never fear, we’re here to tell you all about them.
Ropes courses are generally a set of activities elevated anywhere from a
few inches to several feet off the ground. They require group members to work
together to solve problems and complete the activity. Most ropes courses or challenge
course centers have activities with at least one of these elements:
•
Group Games and Initiatives: These kinds of games act as ice breakers and allow
group members to learn more about each other. They help the group members find
out their strengths and weaknesses before the tougher elements. They may or may
not use equipment or structures like the elements.
• Trust Activities:
These are designed to build group dependence. They are set fairly low to the ground,
but are based on group participation and cooperation more than equipment. Generally,
these are done in a series and start with some basic skill building before moving
on to more challenging activities. An example would be a Trust Fall where all
the members of the group catch one member who falls backward off a low platform.
• Low Elements: Low elements are sets of stations built into the forest.
You may balance on cables, climb logs, or swing on ropes – or do all three!
They range from a few inches to 12 feet off the ground and make the group really
work together. Group members learn communication, creativity, cooperation and
support as they work to help everyone in the group get through the activity.
• High Elements: These activities challenge group members with “perceived
high risk” situations. They go as high as 20 to 60 feet off the ground, and
make the group members challenge their fears. Some activities may include traveling
from tree to tree using only a few cables or jumping off a small platform to catch
a trapeze after climbing 50 feet. Though participants might feel like they’re
in danger, they are really quite safe.
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