Challenge Course (also known as “The Ropes Course”) The use of Challenge Courses have been around for many years as either recreational in nature or as an educational tool. They are typically described in two category’s as low to the ground (low ropes) and or team initiative activities, and high above the ground (high ropes course). They construction of ropes courses use utility poles and trees connected by high strength steel cables and elements made of ropes and wood structures.
Leadership Challenge Program
For our guests interested in Team Development or personal challenges, goals and skill development, the challenge course can be very useful and adventuresome. This program focuses on group and personal skill development targeting elements of: * Trust building * Team work/team play * Communication- styles, techniques, ad insights * Problem solving and group strategy * Risk taking * Physical movement and challenged growth * Respect and appreciation of others and their differences * Cooperation
Initiative Activities
With input from an organizations representatives, our staff design specific ground level activities that focus on the team efforts of the group. Often viewed as games, these activities promote a healthy fun environment to learn and grow as an individual and as a group. People retain learned behavior longer while having fun. These activities can be done outside as well as indoors.
Low Course
The Low Challenge Course is a structure comprised of utility poles, ropes and steel aircraft cables. It is sectioned into different elements that stimulate balance and confidence. The elements are generally from one to three feet off the ground. Safety is incorporated as part of the groups responsibilities, “spotting” for their team members as they negotiate through the elements. Elements carry names such as; “Wild Woosey”, Grape Vine Traverse”, “ Tension Traverse”, Pirates Crossing” and Horizontal Swinging Log”. Trained facilitators guide the group through each of the elements and assist the group with processing the deeper implications of what it means to be supported by the group.
High Course
The High Challenge Course at Camp Kostopulos is exciting. It’s made of utility poles, rope elements, and steel aircraft cables. Imagine yourself Zipping through the air 30’-45’ off the ground, or traversing across a rope bridge 20’-50’ in the air. What about on the top of a 25’ utility pole and lunging for a trapeze 8 feet away. These elements and at least another 12 are for the excitement and fun for all ages and abilities.
Safety
Highly trained staff facilitate the groups participation while on the course. Safety is attained by using specialized equipment such as rock climbing harnesses, helmets, climbing ropes, and belay devices. The staff take the training very seriously and assist the individuals in setting their own goals for achievement. Preparations include individuals filling out health forms and liability release forms. This is done to aid the facilitators in the best and safest approach to training. Because each individual may have differing levels of comfort, each climber determines their own challenge level. The low and high ropes course is built to standards established by the Association of Challenge Course Technology and is inspected annually by an outside credentialed inspector.
Cost
Cost may vary depending on length of training, size of group, depth of training and whether the group is “for profit” or a “non-profit organization”. It can range from $10 per person for a climbing wall experience, to $45 per person for a non-profit 6 hour training. Corporate groups are generally priced at $75 per person for a full day training.
Download Challenge Course Health Screen and Liability Release forms
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