EnEd 4410Ropes Course Management

Ropes Course Elements:Low Course & High Course

History of Ropes Courses

• Originated as “obstacle course” .• Purpose was to build strength and

agility.• Military training• Kurt Hahn began concept within

Outward Bound as a means to build community

• Alan Hale began concept in U.S. with advent of Outward Bound (1962)

• Risk was high – minimal back-up & unsophisticated equipment.

• Karl Rohnke began Ropes Courses as a specific tool to teach problem solving skills and address psychological dynamics issues (1971)

• The “new” evolution began in PE programs.• Equipment became more sophisticated (poles,

helmets, harnesses, cables, belaying).• Use broadened to education, recreation, therapy,

and organized development.

• Ropes Courses were focused toward “youth at risk” and as “adjunctive therapy”. Why?

• Now it is considered a primary mode of therapy• Nature is not key, Challenge is.• The 1980’s brought about Project Adventure which

sets “Industry Standard” in Ropes Course management.

• Use has broadened to most camps & nature centers • Used in Corporate Training (Team-building,

communication skills, problem-solving skills, Risk-taking strategies, and stress reduction (Bunting study).

• Now, over 3,000 Ropes courses in U.S.

• Formation of Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) sets industry standards. (Karl Rohnke is still part of it)

• AEE is the accrediting body.

Problems

• More than a “fun time”.• Not just a rock climbing transfer.• Inadequately trained staff (hard

skills are focus, but soft skills are key).

• Poorly designed, constructed, and maintained courses.

Low Ropes Course Elements (or “Initiatives”)

Purpose of a Low Ropes Course

• For groups of people (8-12)• Challenge is in problem solving• Risk is low• Problem solving yields insights

toward behavior & communication

Outcomes are:• Insights on how individuals

communicate within the group• Insights on how the group works as a

unit• Insights on how individuals behave

within the group (called “group dynamic”)

• Suggestions, skills, & practice to improve

Ants-on-a-log

The Wall (14’ & 12’)

Spider Web

Trust Fall

Wild Woozey

Fidget Ladder

Nitro Crossing

Swinging Tires

Mohawk Crossing or Triangular Tension Traverse

The Wall (14’ & 12’)

High Ropes Elements

Purpose of a High Ropes Course

• Individual (self) Oriented• Challenge is in perceived risk• Risk is high (perceived)• Problem solving yields insights

toward individual response to risk (typically “trust” &/or self efficacy – [courage])

Outcomes are:• Insights on the individual’s self

belief’s• Insights on the individual’s self-talk• Insights individuals behavior to the

challenge/risk (called “self-efficacy”)

• Suggestions, skills, & practice to improve

Giant’s Ladder

Pamper Pole

Climbing Wall

Cat Walk or Beam

Zip Wire

Postman’s Walk

Postman’s Walk

Heebie Jeebie

Heebie Jeebie

Multi-Vine

Multi-Vine

Cargo Net

The Beam or Cat Walk