High Ropes
After lunch came the adrenalin-pumping portion of the day.
“Safety is our number one thing,” said Mary as the group assembled at the “climbing wall,” and the “cat walk.”
She and Emily explained the safety rules, and the commands used in
photo by Ben Zupo
climbing. Harnesses and helmets were passed out and double-checked for proper fit. Apprehension was clear on the faces of many of the participants as they looked up, and up and the tall green wall studded with handholds and the narrow log suspended 20 feet above ground between two large trees. Some had admitted a clear fear of heights while others had some experience with climbing before.
One at a time, they hooked onto the safety ropes, and began to climb.
“Hey,” said Shawn after reaching the top of the wall, “you can see the road from here.” Then he sat back in his harness, feet braced against the wall, and “walked” down backwards as Emily lowered him back to earth.
When Shawn’s turn came for the catwalk, he had gained confidence. The goal of the catwalk was to cross the log, return to the middle, lean back in the harness, then be lowered to the ground by Mary. Shawn performed the feat while singing, “I’m walking on sunshine,” with a huge grin on his face. Then returned to the center, squawked flapping his arms as Mary lowered him. Pterodactyl.
For some the challenge was greater.
“I’m scared,” said Daniel up on the catwalk. But he continued on. Back on the ground, he said, “That was so wicked,” and lined up to go again.
Mayaan also admitted to being scared. Her friends all called encouragement from below. As she was lowered, she gave a big sigh of delight and a joyous smile lit up her face while her friends rushed over to hug and congratulate her. On her second turn, she practically danced across.
Even the Tawonga councilors, Charlie and Addi took a turn, much to the delight of their charges.
Reaching Goals
At the beginning of the High Ropes section, Mary and Emily had assured the group that they did not have to take part if they were uncomfortable with the challenges. They didn’t have to climb walls or jump off high places. Different people had different fears.
Julia’s great fear was of high places, not an uncommon or senseless feeling. But she decided to attempt the catwalk anyway. She gingerly climbed the ladder to the top, and froze, paralyzed.
“You can do it, you can do it!” came calls from the group watching.
Although reluctant and considering just climbing back down the ladder, under Mary’s guidance she turned from the tree she was hugging and faced the catwalk.
“Okay, now take two deep breaths,” Mary called up. “Now take two more.”
Julia calmed.
“Okay, now take one step.”
Julia slid one foot forward, one hand on the tree and one on the safety rope connected to her harness.
“Now just take two more steps,” said Mary.
Slowly, Julia made her way to the middle of the log. Those below urged her on to continue to the other tree. “You’re half way there,” they called.
“Can I come down now because I feel like if I get there I will want to stay there for all eternity,” she answered. But a few deep breaths later, she continued on.
She reached the tree, turned, and with growing confidence made it back to the center, where she was lowered to hugs and praise.
Later, she scrambled up the climbing wall without any problem.
“That was easier than the catwalk,” she said.
She had met the challenges and accomplished a personal triumph. She had performed the most courageous act a person can, facing their fear and overcoming it.
Leap of Faith
The group gathered in the shade at the base of the tree that contained Mother Lode’s final Ropes Course challenge. The Leap of Faith. About 40 feet up was a narrow platform. Suspended in front of the platform hung a trapeze. Participants could either jump, or if they chose, leap for the trapeze. Emily manned the “come-along,” a clamp-like safety device that helped control the rope.
Strapped into an additional safety harness, Ammi was the first to ascend.
“The longer you stay up there the worse it gets,” advised Mary.
Amid cheers, he jumped.
“Was it scary?” he was asked by his friends and quickly answered “No.” It was fun he reassured those lined up. But he did admit, “It looks higher when you’re up there,” and he warned, “climbing up there is harder than jumping off.”
Emmet was the first to jump for the trapeze, catching it with a triumphant yell.
Aaron was asked “Is it scary.”
“Nope,” he said causing some nervous chuckles, “because then you know where you’re going to die.”
Noah was urged, “Go for the trapeze, go for the trapeze!”
“Nope, not so much,” he replied before jumping.”
Max’s comment after his jump was, “The tree smells good.” But, he added, “There are lots of ants.”
Mayaan barely hesitated before jumping off with a Tarzan yell.
Sarah was a little more hesitant on the platform.
“Do you want me to take a picture?” her friends yelled.
“NO,” was her emphatic response.
“We love you Sarah,” called a friend, and was told admit laughter, “That’s just going to make her want to stay.” But she jumped and immediately broke into a huge smile.
Daniel and Rafael both tried for the trapeze, but had huge smiles anyway.
Sam crouched briefly, then leaped for the trapeze, catching it neatly.
Not to be outdone, Charlie and Addi, the councilors both got the trapeze. Charlie then did pull-ups.
Julia was one of the last to jump. Given her fear on the catwalk, some wondered if she would even attempt the leap. But she easily climbed the ladder then slowly inched around to the platform. She stood there for a moment while all watched in suspense. Using what she learned from the catwalk, she took two deep breaths. She paused, said “Okay,” and without hesitation stepped through her fear and into air with an exuberant yell and wide grin.
“That was amazing,” she said amidst hugs. “I would do it again.”
The next day’s challenge? Rafting on the American River. The group decided to dub themselves “The Veloci-rafters.”
Tags: challenge ropes course, ropes course, teambuilding, teamwork, youth ropes course
