310 likes | 492 Views
EnEd 4410 Ropes 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.
E N D
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.
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
The Wall (14’ & 12’) Ants-on-a-log
Swinging Tires Nitro Crossing
The Wall (14’ & 12’) Mohawk Crossing or Triangular Tension Traverse
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
Zip Wire Cat Walk or Beam Climbing Wall
Multi-Vine Heebie Jeebie