What Is A Challenge Ropes Course?
/files/Pages Images/Our Programs/ropes_1.jpgA challenge ropes course is a progression of activities, initiative problems, challenges and trust activities that help develop both within a group and individually:

  • Cooperation
  • Goal Setting
  • Leadership
  • Increased Self-Confidence
  • Faith Development
  • Trust

At first glance, a challenge ropes course, with all of its cables, ropes, trees, logs, and telephone poles looks like an obstacle course. But, unlike an obstacle course its elements are not used for physical conditioning or competition with others.

Our course, which has been in operation since 1988, is a blend of both low and high elements, presented in a prescribed sequence, designed to integrate the following goals:

  • increased confidence & self-esteem
  • increased mutual support within a group
  • developing decision making abilities, leadership and trust
  • fostering appreciation and respect for differences in a group
  • practicing goal setting and problem solving
  • relating Christian principles to the ropes course experience and to life

Low Course Elements
Low ropes course elements involve group participation in which everyone is needed to achieve a goal. Only through unified team work can the group succeed and move on to the next element. As group members work together, they develop trust, caring, decisiveness, determination, cooperation and communication.

High Course Elements
High ropes course elements are belayed (a rope attachment system) to ensure the safety of a participant. These elements are 30 feet or more above the ground, providing an individual challenge where a person must overcome fear, doubt, self-consciousness, and preconceived notions of failure. Positive qualities that high elements develop are trust, concentration, commitment, a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Debriefing discussions center on trust in God and the value of encouraging one another.

Who May Participate?
/files/Pages Images/Our Programs/ropes_2.jpgThe challenge ropes course is perfect for:

  • School Groups
  • Christian Organizations
  • Youth Groups
  • Families
  • Boards
  • Clubs
  • Universities
  • Sports Teams
  • Businesses
  • Leadership Teams

The greatest benefits of the challenge course experience are realized with persons who are in adolescence or beyond. Therefore, participants must be in sixth grade or above, or age 12 through adult.

Ropes Course Policy
In keeping with the mission of Black Rock Retreat, instructors are encouraged to share their faith in God as it relates to the Ropes Course when they are debriefing an element. The Ropes Course is intended to create an open discussion of belief in which both participants and instructors share in a non-threatening environment. Instructors also are encouraged to pray for safety with each group before starting the course during which participants are invited, but not obliged to participate.

Download Brochure! (PDF Format)
To download or view a copy of our Ropes Course Brochure, click here.

Reservations and Pricing
Click here for pricing information for full or half day programs
or e-mail ropes@blackrockretreat.com for more information.