Challenge Course Helps Teams Reach new Heights
When you hear names like Pirate’s Crossing and Indiana Jones Bridge you might think of action and adventure. You wouldn’t be wrong. They are part of the Challenge Ropes Course developed and managed by the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion in the College of Science.
The Challenge Ropes Course is an adventure, but it’s much more than that - it’s about team building. Facilitators take groups of up to 25 through a variety of activities and challenges that require them to collaborate, communicate, solve problems, build trust, and share triumphs.
The driving force behind establishing the course is Professor Ken Hansen. “I was hired largely due to my expertise in outdoor/adventure education,” Hansen shared. “During my interview, I expressed the desire to build a challenge course here on campus which was received quite well by faculty because of the type of learning that is possible on a challenge course.”
Since its inception in 2015 the course has been used for classes in the Kinesiology and Health Promotion General Activity Program which is open to all CPP students. It’s also used for courses on teaching methods for kinesiology majors who are planning to become P.E. teachers.
Another group that uses the course consistently are the Bronco athletic teams. They benefit from course activities that increase team bonding, communication and group cohesion.
While the course is open to any group of faculty, staff, or students on campus, many don’t know that it’s also open to groups from local schools and businesses. There is a fee associated with the course which is led by expert facilitators who are all physical education instructors. They can tailor an event to fit the needs of individual groups.
Course manager and kinesiology lecturer Jack Beckley wants people to know that the activity is very safe. Participants do a lot of groundwork before climbing the ropes. “We train them how to use the harness and practice what they’ll do once they’re up on the ropes,” Beckley said.
“Jack and his crew know how to help the nerves get out so you can enjoy your day and not be scared of what's to come,” Keiana Hamm, CPP track team member said. “My favorite part is being allowed to do flips and hang upside down as you leave each challenge. Great team bonding experience!”
“I think that getting the team together at the challenge ropes course is always a fun & exciting way to break the ice & build some trust,” Kailen Smith, CPP track team member said. “Being able to let loose with the new team while also being competitive is something that we remember throughout the season. It's a great way to introduce everyone.”
“My favorite part of the Challenge Course was seeing our students push themselves and overcome their fears,” said Mayra Vasquez, Academic & Career Services Coordinator, The Social Justice Learning Institute. “It was a great opportunity for our students to build a bond with one another and challenge themselves.”
If your group is up for a challenge and could benefit from communication enhancement, problem-solving, trust building, and lasting team cohesion contact Challenge Course Manager Jack Beckley: challengecourse@cpp.edu, jcbeckley@cpp.edu.
Rates for CPP staff, faculty and students are $35 per person for four hours and $40 per person for six hours. Off-campus groups pay $40 per person for four hours and $45 per person for six hours.