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