ROPES COURSE AT URC

The Ropes Course is a series of individual and group physical challenges that require a combination of teamwork skills and individual commitment. Uskichitto Retreat Center offers you the opportunity to build your team skills in a clean and safe Christian atmosphere. Who should challenge themselves on the Ropes Course?

• Youth Groups • Sports Teams • School Groups • Intergenerational groups • Business leaders and human resources development • Anyone desiring to build teamwork, communication and trust

 

LOW ROPES

Low Ropes or often what we refer to as “Challenges”, are a series of physical elements using ropes, cables, trees, tires, balls and other equipment led by our own URC fully trained facilitators, and are activities that create an experience to promote teamwork. Each challenge or element usually has a basis or a “Story” to create a situation. The group using communication, trust, individual commitment, and creative problem solving work together to overcome the situation. By completing each element the group will bond, strengthen weak areas, both individually and as a group, and grow in self-confidence.

 

HIGH ROPES

The High Ropes Course is physically built on utility poles with elements at about 30 feet above the ground. Prior to participating in High Ropes, the group will have already established teamwork in two completed sessions of Low Ropes first. The URC trained facilitators will fully instruct the group on mandatory safety equipment, such as helmets & harnesses and safety commands. We use the Static Belay system, where participants have two ropes or “Lobster Claws” attached to their harness that are fully connected to the safety cable above each element. They are secure AT ALL TIMES, and checked by the facilitator. The High Ropes is challenging and lots of fun, with elements like “Pipe Dream” - working with a partner, “The Terminator” - a test of balance and perception, and the finale to the course - the exhilarating 250 Foot Zip Line!

Following each Low Ropes Element, and at the end of the entire session, the group facilitator will lead a “Debriefing”, where the team reviews the experience they just had. The facilitator will explain the aspects of the element or session in order to tie everything together. Open ended questions are asked to encourage the team to see how they can improve, and what they have learned. The facilitator will also relate the entire experience to Christian Living, who God is in our lives and how to use this experience in daily life, faith and community. The facilitator will use words and terms such as:

Cooperation • Communication • Trust • Community • Support • Listening • Dependence / Interdependence / Independence • Acceptance • Inclusive • Compartmentalized • Self-acceptance • Validation • Commitment • Safe
Place • Disagree agreeably • Tolerance • Christ-Centered • Spirit-Filled •
Grace • Love • Reconciling • Forgiving • Faith • Transforming

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ropes Course:

What age do you have to be to do the Ropes Course?
The minimum age for Low Ropes is 4th Grade (9 years), and the minimum age for High Ropes is 6th Grade (11 years).

What size of group do you need to do the Ropes Course?
The minimum is 10 participants. When groups exceed 15 participants we break into smaller groups with additional facilitators.

Can we just do the High Ropes only?
The High Ropes is only effective when prior sessions of Low Ropes have already taken place. Groups will need to have completed two sessions of Low Ropes beforehand.

Can we just do the Low Ropes only?
Yes - you can choose just one or more sessions for your group. This works well for groups who are limited on time during their retreat, but want to work on team building together.

How long are the sessions and how much does it cost?
Each session is approximately 2 ½ - 3 hours. This depends on breaks, and how the group does working as a team. To do two sessions of Low Ropes and the High Ropes Course 1 ½ days needs to be allowed. Each session is $12 per person - ($36 for 2 Low Ropes sessions and the High Ropes Course) The cost includes the URC trained facilitator(s) for your group.

Can we bring our own facilitator or just do the Low Ropes on our own?
For safety and insurance reasons the URC Low and High Ropes Course can ONLY be facilitated by our own trained staff. We want to keep you and our equipment 100% safe!

Is anyone forced to participate?
We always explain at the beginning of the sessions that all our elements are “Challenge By Choice”. This is an important part of the Ropes Course. Everyone is encouraged to participate and put forth their best effort, but each individual has different physical and emotional abilities and comfort zones. If anyone feels threatened at any time, they may stop without ridicule. The team is there to support, encourage, protect and respect one another. Adjustments can be made to the challenges which will help the participant to feel more comfortable with the experience. Also at the beginning of sessions the facilitator asks the individuals to form a team “Contract”. This “Contract” is between each participant and the rest of the team no matter the ability level of the participant. The contract covers expectations, safety including making the facilitator aware of any physical or emotional limitations the participant may have, respecting and not putting others down, encouragement and commitment.

Do participants of the Ropes Course need parental consent?
Yes - We ask that parents or legal guardians of youth participating in the Ropes Course to download and fill out our “Assumption Of Risk” (PDF) form. The completed form can be brought to camp with the participant.