Ropes Course Questions:
1. Are
ropes courses safe?
2. What is the
difference between "low" and "high" ropes course challenges?
3. What is a
challenge ropes course?
4. Who can participate?
5. What if I
am afraid of heights?
6. What if the
weather is bad the day of our ropes course?
 Are
ropes courses safe?
At the Adventure Center, safety comes first. Our ropes courses are designed
by an industry leader, ERi (www.experientialresources.com), to maximize
the excitement and minimize the risk. ERi inspects all carabiners, belay
devices, harnesses, and helmets, along with all components of low and
high elements.
By definition, adventures have inherent risks, both real and perceived.
Our ropes course risk management plan begins with a design that enhances
the perceived risk and controls the real risk.
The Adventure Center's ropes course facilitators complete an extensive
training program and participate in numerous refresher and continuing
education sessions each year. Each facilitator receives regular and systematic
feedback about the quality of his/her work on the ropes course.
Ropes course safety begins with a comprehensive risk management plan
and continues through design, construction, inspection, maintenance, training,
and program management. With the safety systems in place, participants
can fully enjoy the experiences Adventure Center’s ropes courses
have to offer.
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What is the difference between
"low" and "high" ropes course challenges?
With Low Ropes Course challenges, the focus
is on the team. These activities draw on the knowledge and ideas of every
group member and require the participation and cooperation of the entire
team for success. The High Ropes Course challenges provide further opportunities
for teamwork and coaching with an additional emphasis on individual challenges.
The high elements provide opportunities for participants
to expand their comfort zones (sometimes dramatically) and overcome fears
that can block personal development and achievement. The Adventure Center's
approach encourages interaction on the high elements by having team members
control the belay system and provide support for the climbers, which is
critical to success on the high elements.
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What is a challenge ropes course?
The Adventure Center offers programs that consist of team building activities
for many different groups. A facet of this program is the use of our high
and low challenge courses. A challenge ropes course is a structure built
of telephone poles, aircraft cable, and ropes. It is broken into different
elements that participants attempt 30-40 feet in the air. The safety comes
from the use of climbing harnesses, ropes, and helmets. Our facilitators
are highly trained in the use of initiatives and ropes courses.
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Who can participate?
Participants are encouraged to challenge themselves,
where no coercion is involved and the willingness to try is the criterion
for success
- Everyone in the organization can participate regardless of his or
her physical condition or ability.
- There is a role for every group member, regardless of real or perceived
physical limitation, to be part of the team. Success comes from everyone
contributing and valuing everyone's contribution.
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What if I am afraid of heights?
If someone is afraid of heights, simply climbing a foot or two up a tree
can be a major accomplishment and source of pride. We encourage participants
to push their comfort zones and achieve personal victories in a safe,
supportive, and non-competitive environment. If a participant chooses
not to attempt an event, however, we respect this decision and offer other
ways in which the person can participate and remain an active member of
the team, including providing support through belaying, coaching, or spotting.
Our facilitators preach the idea that some fear is good, in that it keeps
you safe, and that fear itself is normal.
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What if the weather is bad
the day of our ropes course?
Typically, ropes course team building programs go “rain or shine.”
In the event of lightning or high winds, we will take a break and make
programming substitutions until the weather clears. Participants report
that inclement weather actually added to the excitement and level of adventure
of their ropes course team building program.
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If you have any other
questions that need answering please feel free to contact
us.
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