High Ropes Training Manual 2018 by Joy McCauley

Camp Tecumseh YMCA, Inc. 12635 W. Tecumseh Bend Road Brookston, IN 47923 www.camptecumseh.org\

Table of Contents PURPOSE

EQUIPMENT

KNOTS HARNESS CARABINERS PULLEYS BELAY DEVICES CABLE CLAMPS BOLTS

4 4 7 8 8 9 9 9

BELAYING

BELAY TECHNIQUES BACK-UP BELAYING

10 10

ELEMENT PREPARATION AND SET-UP

SAFETY EQUIPMENT INSPECTION SET-UP

11 11

CLIMBING

PRE-CLIMB SAFETY CHECK CLIMBING COMMANDS OTHER CLIMBING COMMANDS

12 12 12

HIGH ROPES RULES THAT APPLY TO ALL ELEMENTS

ELEMENT INTRODUCTION

MT. WOOD THE LOOKOUT ZIGGY’S GULCH (INSIDE THE CREATIVE ARTS CENTER) MT. MCALISTER (INSIDE KAMPEN LODGE) CRAZY HORSE CLIFF (INSIDE THE EQUESTRIAN CENTER) GIANT’S LADDER PIRATE’S CROSSING CRATE CLIMB SOMETHING BIG TARZAN INTIMIDATION TOWER AKA “IT” GIANT’S SWING ZIP LINES

13 14 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 18 19 20 21

TAKE DOWN

TAKE DOWN PROCEDURES

DISCLAIMER AND APPROPRIATE USE STATEMENT

PURPOSE The purpose of this manual is to provide a foundation of information and definitions of terms for the purpose of training, inspecting, maintenance, documentation and safety.

EQUIPMENT The High Ropes Course, Climbing Towers and Zip Lines require technical and expensive equipment to keep participants safe. Therefore, this equipment needs to be used with great caution and care. Adequate knowledge of the equipment is important, not only for maintenance of the equipment, but also to the safety of the participants. All equipment will be checked for signs of wear. Records will be kept of all equipment, including a rope log.

Ropes

International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation UIAA

Camp Tecumseh uses Kernmantle rope. Kernmantle (kern-core, mantle-sheath) and twisted rope can be either dynamic or static rope. Dynamic rope stretches (6% to This organization was created 10%) and static rope has very little stretch (3% to 5%). in 1932 in Chamonix, France. Camp Tecumseh promotes the use of International They represent several Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) million mountaineers and approved ropes. All Camp Tecumseh Climbing ropes have climbers, worldwide, on a small loop on the end to attach the messenger line. international issues. It now NEVER clip a carabiner into this loop. includes over 88 member associations from 76 different countries. It is responsible for playing an important role in regulating safety standards for equipment used in climbing. For more information check out: www.theuiaa.org

Rope Care Every piece of equipment and hardware is important, but none more important than the rope. Participant safety depends on taking care of this equipment. Also, proper modeling of rope care will help participants and staff members understand the importance of the rope.

Hazards to Ropes Several man-made and environmental hazards exist that can shorten the effective, safe life of your ropes. These hazards include: • Sunlight: Ultraviolet radiation from direct sunlight contributes greatly to the deterioration of the nylon. • Dirt and Mulch: It is possible, by stepping on the rope, to grind grit through the protective outer sheath and into the core of the rope causing unseen damage to the interior fiber. When the rope is put under tension, as in a belaying situation, the fibers become taut and any grit or dirt within the rope will cut them. The same effect occurs when belaying the ropes through the ATC and Figure 8s. • Chemicals: Never allow a nylon rope to come in contact with any of the following: acids, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, bleach or any other chemicals that will affect nylon. These chemicals will cause unseen damage to the chemical structure of the nylon in the rope. • Misuse: Never let nylon rub against nylon, as it has a low melting or burning point. Never use a belay rope for anything other than its intended purpose.

Storage Proper storage of ropes will add to the life of the ropes on the rope course. Before storing a rope, untie all of the knots that may have been tied in the rope. A knot that is left tied in the rope can create permanent weak spots in it. If the rope has gotten wet during the day, it should be dried naturally and out of direct sunlight before it is coiled loosely and hung in storage. Ropes should be hung on a large hook, not nails, in a cool dry place. Ropes stored on concrete floors may pick up chemicals from the floor; concrete remains chemically unstable for a long time after it is poured. A way to coil the rope is as follows:

Keeping Ropes Clean Dirty ropes should be cleaned to extend their life. Special rules should be adopted to improve safety and increase the life of ropes, including: • Always check ropes tacitly and visually before each use • Keep an accurate rope usage log • Avoid sharp edges and objects • Keep dry • Avoid dragging a rope across the ground • Never step on a climbing rope • Remove knots after every use • Keep away from heat and sunlight • Wash ropes when necessary

Washing Rope •

• •

Use a hose adapted rope washing mechanism or daisy chain rope specifically designed for this purpose and place them in a washing machine on cold water, mild cycle. A soft detergent such as Ivory, or no detergent is best. Do not use heavy detergents. Do not use agitating machines or top loading machines. Use only tumble machines or front-loading machines. A device for cleaning ropes consists of a short tube with holes drilled along its interior. The tube is connected, T-fashion, to a regular garden hose and the length of rope is pulled through the tube. The least expensive way to clean a rope is to use a hose and nylon scrub brush. On a clean, non-abrasive, non-concrete, surface scrub the rope with the brush while hosing it down. This method works best on highly soiled ropes.

Drying Rope Hang ropes in a dark, cool, well-ventilated area to dry.

Rope Strength and Retirement Blue Water II 11.5 diameter

Minimum Breaking Strength = 7,679 lbs

Retirement=

3 years or 3,000 climbs

Knots A knot is a configuration of ropes to join two lines together or to fasten a rope into a loop or onto some other object. Reliability and ease of tying and untying knots are of great importance. Camp Tecumseh uses two (2) knots with specific applications. Below are descriptions and diagrams of each knot. 1. Double Figure 8 on a Bight …

Visit the link below to see an animated video for help tying this knot: http://www.animatedknots.com/ fig8loopdouble/

… and if the tail is too long, use a double barrel back-up

2. Bowline on a Bight: This knot is used with the Giant’s Swing in conjunction with the quick release.

Harness

The harness is made of 2” flat nylon webbing. It is UIAA approved and meets Association of Challenge Course Technologies (ACCT) breaking strength requirements. Camp Tecumseh does not recommend the use of rope or participant tie harnesses.

Seat Harness The Headwall and Robertson harnesses are used because of their flexibility in size requirements. One size fits almost all. Follow these procedures to assure safety: 1. Be sure that all objects have been removed from pockets. Keys, cell phones, wallets, etc. all can dig into the body when the harness is loaded and cause discomfort or injury. 2. The waist strap needs to ride above the hipbone to prevent the harness from slipping off in case of participant inversion. 3. The buckles need to be unrestricted and extra webbing may be tucked into waist strap. Make sure the buckles are on the outside of the thighs, if they’re on the inside, the leg straps are likely twisted. 4. A minimum of two inches (2”) of tail webbing must extend outward from the buckle. 5. If the Robertson harnesses do not fit the camper and there are no larger harnesses available, it is acceptable to properly outfit the camper in a Headwall. 6. Keep the webbing smooth and flat around the body for increased comfort. 7. Headwall harnesses come in three sizes: Small – Green Medium / Large – Blue XL – Dark Blue

Full Body Harness A full body harness is required for certain elements: Giant’s Ladder, Something Big, and Crate Climb. Follow these procedures to assure safety: 1. Make sure the harness is not twisted. 2. For the Edelweiss harness, have the participant step through the waist strap before putting their feet through the leg loops. 3. Have the participant pull the harness up to their waist and put their arms through the shoulder straps. 4. Tighten the shoulder straps, leg loops and waist straps. 5. At Skywalker’s elements, once the harness is tightened, secure the chest strap. The chest strap should be just above the nipple line, but not so high that it will choke the climber when the harness becomes loaded. 6. At Skywalker’s, the clip-in point at the back of the harness should rest between the shoulder blades. 7. At Accipiter, clip-in at the metal loop on chest. This should be located between the belly button and sternum.

Singing Rock Full Body Harness Sizes (Skywalker’s) Small – Gray Back Medium/Large – Yellow Back XL – Red Back

Harness Strength and Retirement Headwall Harness:

Minimum Breaking Strength = 5,000 lbs or greater Retirement = 5 Years

Robertson Harness:

Minimum Breaking Strength = 5,000 lbs or greater Retirement =5 Years

Singing Rock Harness: Minimum Breaking Strength = 5,000 lbs or greater Retirement = 5 Years Edelwiess Harness:

Minimum Breaking Strength = 5,000 lbs or greater Retirement = 10 Years

Helmets ASSOCIATION OF CHALLENGE COURSE TECHNOLOGY

ACCT This association is committed to promoting the use of Challenge Course Technology. It was founded in 1933 and sets minimum standards for Challenge Course and Aerial Adventure Course installation, operation and inspection. For more information about the ACCT please visit: www.acctinfo.org

All helmets are made of hard polyester resin (plastic) and are UIAA approved. They contain an inner suspension system for sizing. Bicycle helmets do not meet ACCT standards. It is required that helmets be worn by all participants and in certain cases instructors belaying on a dynamic system while there are participants on the course. Participants and instructors should wear properly fitting helmets. Select the appropriate size helmet based on the head size of the participant. The helmet should fit squarely on the head without leaning to either side or tilted back on the head. The front of the helmet should rest just above the eyebrows and cover the forehead. Make sure the helmet is tightened enough that the helmet will not move when the participant shakes their head. If the helmet is not properly positioned, portions of the climber’s head become exposed to impact from a fall. Long hair needs to be worn low on the head, but secured back out of the way of any other hardware. When helmets are placed on the ground, they should be placed with the dome part up. It should look like a turtle shell.

Helmet Retirement 10 years or when in poor condition

Carabiners Carabiners are aluminum or steel links commonly used to connect the climbing rope and webbing to a belay system. Each carabiner has a gate that is spring-loaded and may be snapped open in order to clip into a rope or webbing. The carabiner gate should be opened out and away from the webbing or screw connection. Camp Tecumseh carabiners are locking and use screw gates or automatic locking mechanisms on all course operations and are UIAA approved. Camp Tecumseh uses three (3) different types of carabiners: 1. Steel Screwgate: These are oval in shape with locking, screwed down collars. They are used when a belay system comes in contact with steel cable. These carabiners are generally rated at a five thousand (5,000) pound minimum tensile strength. 2. Three Stage Auto-Locking Aluminum: These are also aluminum, but have an orange gate that locks back automatically. These carabiners are only used connect the climber to the knot and the belay device to the facilitator and on the zip lines in the River Village and the Lake Village. 3. Three Stage Auto-Locking Steel: These carabiners are only used with full body harnesses on Giantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ladder, Something Big and Crate Climb at Skywalkers since the clip-in point is metal. Remember steel to steel. To tell the difference between steel and aluminum auto-locking, the steel ones are noticeably heavier. When attaching climbers to the safety system, always clip the carabiner into the tie in loop located in the front of the harness. When attaching the carabiner, take note that the twisting barrel should twist downward to lock. Only tighten the twisting barrel finger tight. The carabiner is designed to expand when loaded and will become tighter under load.

Carabineer Strength and Retirement Steel Carabiners:

Minimum Strength = At least 22.24 kN or 5,000 pounds Retirement = 5-10 years, Scoring or Chemical Exposure

Aluminum Carabiners: Minimum Strength = At least 22.24 kN or 5,000 pounds Retirement = 5-10 years, Scoring or Chemical Exposure

Pulleys Pulleys and carabiners are used to attach ropes to belay cables. Pulleys allow for smoother movement from point to point. Pulleys also help to cut down on scoring and wear or tear of carabiners. The pulley is a crucial and strong link. The pin is a case hardened alloy and the sheave or wheel is heat-treated steel used to reduce wear caused by running on steel. Camp Tecumseh also uses a Shear Reduction Block. This device reduces the shear of the belay system in the use of the Crate Climb. Camp Tecumseh uses three (3) different types of pulleys: 1. Small Single Wheel Pulley: This is used with the case hardened wheel. It is used to support a rope belay system to the belay cable. This enables the belay system to move along the cable with the participant. 2. Large Single Wheel Pulley: This is used for the Giantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Swing Set-up. One pulley is attached to the top of the pole and another to the bottom of the pole to guide haul line. 3. Two Wheel Pulley: This is used for the zip lines.

Pulley Strength and Retirement Small Single Wheel Pulley

Minimum Strength = 10,000 pounds Retirement = Dictated by Inspector

Large Single Wheel Pulley

Minimum Strength = 16,000 pounds Retirement = Dictated by Inspector

Two Wheel Pulley

Minimum Strength= 5,395 pounds or 24 kN Retirement= Dictated by Inspector

Belay Devices Belay devices are used to aid in belaying a participant. Inspect for wear and determine when and how to use belay devices before use. 1. Air Traffic Controller (ATC): This provides an aperture through which a bight or loop of rope is pushed through to be with a wire loop on the ATC and then with a locking carabiner attached to the harness. Camp Tecumseh uses an ATC to provide adequate friction in the event of a fall.

2. Rescue Figure Eight: This can be immediately recognized by its 8-shape. Its advantages are that it is easy to set up and operate. Its main disadvantage is that is twists the rope into knots because of the rolling action that takes place as the rope feeds through the eight. This belay device is only used in rescue situations and should only be used with Rescue Situation Trained Staff. 3. Anchors: Belay anchors are installed in elements where other suitable anchors are not available. These may look like: a. Posts in the ground (belay posts) with a 5/16 cable with swaged eyes on both ends b. An anchor sling attached to the ground, rocks or a log. c. On traversing elements when there is not a fixed belay post, participates not climbing may hold on to the harness of the staff person belaying and act as an anchor. .

Belay Devices and Retirement Maximum Strength = 5,000 pounds Retirement = Scoring, Chemical Exposure or when dictated by Inspector

Cable Camp Tecumseh uses 3/8” 7x19 Galvanized Aircraft cable (GAC), wire rope, with a minimum breaking strength of 14,400 pounds for all safety systems

Clamps All clamps utilized for safety systems are 3/8” U-clamps or 3/8” fist grips and are of drop forged construction, tightened to a minimum of 35 foot pounds of torque.

Bolts All bolt attachments points are 5/8” minimum size and are drop forged when used a belay cable termination points. These bolts have a minimum breaking strength of 12, 500 pounds.

BELAYING The object of belaying is to keep the slack out of the rope as a climber moves up or down and element and to use friction to hold the climber in the event of a fall. Belaying protects a climber by the use of ropes, carabiners, cables and belay devices. A rope is attached to the climber, which then runs between the safety cable and the belayer. The only people who can belay on High Ropes programs are those trained in proper belay procedures as outlined by Camp Tecumseh. Any training received at Camp Tecumseh only certifies the belayer on Camp Tecumseh Ropes Courses.

Belay Techniques • • • • • • • • •

Always use proper belay commands. Keep brake hand on the rope at all times. Assign a participant the job of a back-up belayer. Stand close to the element when you are belaying from a traversing element. Use both hands equally while pulling in belay rope. Maintain eye and voice contact with climber at all times. Always keep appropriate tension on the rope. Stay aligned with a moving climber. Always lower participant in a slow and controlled manner.

Back-Up Belaying All redundant belay/element back-up systems exceed 80% of all the primary system attachment. Camp Tecumseh also uses other participants as a back-up belay for some elements. The participant back-up belayer should stand next to the facilitator belayer, in line with the belay system. They should collect slack from the facilitator belayer, but leave enough rope to create a “U” or “smiley face” between them and the facilitator belayer. As the participant back-up belayer collects more slack from the facilitator belayer, the excess rope (from the hand farthest away from the facilitator belayer) should be sent to the ground next to them. Take care that no one steps on the excess rope on the ground. Make sure that the participant back-up belayer is paying attention to the climber and facilitator belayer. Back-up belayers will also be required to wear helmets on dynamic belay systems.

ELEMENT PREPARATION AND SET-UP Safety Equipment Inspection Continuous inspections are important to make sure that wears in the equipment can be found before a climber puts any added stress on a weak spot. There are several things that should be inspected as the equipment is taken out and before setting up.

Ropes •

• •

Check ropes for: o Sheath fray spots o Flat spots o Cuts in the rope o Solvents, odors or stains Check Rope log from previous climbs for any notes or concerns Look for loose or missing messenger line loop at the end of use.

Other Safety Equipment • • • •

Inspect harness for frays, cuts, broken buckles (same rules as for ropes) Check that helmets are clean and that all buckles are working and not broken. Ensure that locking carabiners are clean and operational. Look over belay devices to make sure they are clean and smooth, use the side of the ATC that is smooth and not sharp for braking.

Set-Up 1. Do a visual inspection of the element: a. Any vandalism, broken glass, sharp objects? b. Belay cables appear normal and have a proper back up? c. Any visual damage to the element? 2. Trace climbing rope through the shear reduction block device to ensure a continuous smooth bend in the climbing rope. 3. Clip steel carabiner or rapid link into belay anchor (anchor sling, belay loop on harness, or 5/16 cable with swaged eyes on both ends) and run the rope through the belay device. 4. Tie a Double Figure 8 on a Bight with 2” – 4” of tail, if tail is longer use the backup knot. The bight should be just large enough that you can fit a fist through it. Use one aluminumlocking carabiner in this knot. Dress the knot completely. REMEMBER: A not neat knot need not be knotted. 5. ALWAYS have another staff member check your knot before someone climbs. Even if you have to yell across main field for a check. 6. Attach removable holds if applicable.

Remember… A not neat knot need not be knotted!

CLIMBING Pre-Climb Safety Check All critical connections must be checked before any participant can approach any element. Facilitators should supervise harnessing to catch any mistakes. Then, before you start the climbing commands, precede through these two safety checks to ensure the safety of the participant and facilitator.

4-H Check – for the climber

Helmet – Is the helmet on correctly and securely? Harness – Is the harness on straight, secured above the hips, and buckled back? Hardware – Are all carabiners clipped into the harness and belay device correctly? Heart – Is the climber mentally and emotionally ready to climb? S.A.F.E. Check – for the belayer

Stance – Belayer is standing on solid ground, feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and has a strong balanced position. Anchor – Belay anchor is solid and any top anchors are solid.

Friction – Rope is threaded through shear reduction block correctly and is not twisted, it is not rubbing on any steel wires, rope is threaded through the belay device and is in good working order. Equipment – 4-H Check, rope has properly dressed knot(s) and all carabiners are locked with barrels down and out.

Climbing Commands Commands should be used and mastered in belay practice so that they are automatic during climbing situations. The belayer maintains voice and eye contact with climber at all times. Facilitators must insure all participants know, understand and use the commands. The following standard commands should be used during all climbing events: Climber: Belayer: Climber: Belayer:

when clipped in when ready, acknowledging ready to climb when ready tells climber to go on

“On Belay?” “Belay On” “Climbing?” “Climb Away

Other Climbing Commands Here are some other commands that participants may use while climbing: “Up Rope” Belayer removes slack rope in safety system “Slack” Belayer gives 6” – 8” of rope in safety system “Tension” Belayer removes ropes slack and rope stretch “Falling” Climber calls out, if possible, before a fall 12

HIGH ROPES RULES THAT APPLY TO ALL ELEMENTS 1. 2. 3. 4.

Challenge By Choice! We do not demand participants to climb. Always utilize climbing commands for every participant. Participants must be lowered slowly. Do not allow fast lowers or bouncing. Before a climber descends an element, they must grab the rope just above the knot, lean back, and have their feet flat against the wall. They must walk down. Do not allow them to bounce or jump. 5. Participants may not climb above belay cables/anchors or in a manner that is different from the approach demonstrated during training. 6. Tennis shoes are required to climb any high ropes element. 7. Retie all knots after every 10 climbs. To make this easier, untie all knots at the end of your clinic period making sure next clinic has to retie the knots.

ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Each element should be briefly explained to the group. This includes discussing access points, element objectives, exit points, and special safety considerations.

Mt. Wood • •

• •

• • •

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. For the outer walls, the belay device will be hooked up to the facilitator harness. A steel carabiner will be connected to the back of the facilitator harness and the steel cable. The ATC belay device will be attached to the aluminum carabiner on the front of the facilitator Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. For the inner walls an adjustable sling anchor will be used. A rapid link will attach the sling anchor to the nut eyebolt. A steel carabiner will be attached to the opposite end of the sling anchor. The ATC will attach to the aluminum carabiner on the front of the facilitator. Make sure that the anchor is adjusted for your height. The ATC belay device should be right at about hip level. Do not let the participant use the metal staples to climb the walls. When you have a participant on the beginner wall and the intermediate wall, make sure that they are not climbing next to each other. Stagger them so that if they both fall; they do not crash into one another. Do not allow participants to stand directly below the climber and do your best to reduce traffic under the ropes while somebody is climbing.

The Lookout • Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. • The belay device will be hooked up to the facilitator harness. A steel carabiner will be connected to the back of the facilitator harness and the steel cable. The ATC belay device will be attached to the aluminum carabiner on the front of the facilitator. • When feeding the ropes through the shear reduction blocks on The Lookout, make sure that the ropes go over the guy wires cables. Not underneath them. If they do not go over the cables, they will create friction. • Do not allow campers to stand directly below the climber and do your best to reduce traffic under the ropes while someone is climbing.

Ziggy’s Gulch (inside the Creative Arts Center) • •

• • • • •

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. An adjustable sling anchor will be used. A rapid link will attach the sling anchor to two of the links on the chain that are designated for belay anchors. See the chart at Ziggy’s Gulch for appropriate anchor points for each wall. A steel carabiner will be attached to the opposite end of the sling anchor. The ATC will attach to the aluminum carabiner. Make sure that the anchor is adjusted for your height. The ATC belay device should be right at about hip level. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. Do not allow other participants to stand on the floor mats while someone is climbing. Never allow participants to sit on the rocks at Ziggy’s Gulch. Make sure that you are visible to others when hooking participants up to the ropes, harnessing, etc. Do not allow participants to wander around the Creative Arts Center. Keep everyone together at the climbing wall. They should not be allowed to bother other clinics or activities.

Mt. McAlister (inside Kampen Lodge) • •

•

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. An adjustable sling anchor will be used. A rapid link will attach the sling anchor to one of the two L.E.A.P. anchors designated for the wall you are using. An aluminum carabiner will be attached to the opposite end of the sling anchor. The ATC belay device should be right at about hip level. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc.

Mt. McAlister (inside Kampen Lodge) Continued… • • •

Do not allow other participants to stand on the floor mats while someone is climbing. Do not allow participants to sit on the log. Especially when you are belaying. Do not allow participants to wander around Kampen Lodge. Keep everyone together at the climbing wall. They should not be allowed to bother other clinics or activities.

Crazy Horse Cliff (inside the Equestrian Center) • • • • •

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. A static three-strand rope will be used to attach to the two anchor points. A steel carabiner will be attached to the opposite end of the sling anchor. The ATC will attach to the aluminum carabiner. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. Make sure that the two yellow ropes are connected in order to prevent access from the hallways. Do not allow participants to stand directly underneath the climber as they are climbing.

Giant’s Ladder • •

• • • • • • •

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. The belay device will be hooked up to the facilitator harness. A steel carabiner will be connected to the back of the facilitator harness and the steel cable. The ATC belay device will be attached to the aluminum carabiner on the front of the facilitator. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. Climber will face the belayer, with the ladder and cargo net between them. The climber is only allowed to climb high enough to stand on the second to the last rung. They can touch the final rung with their hands. Climbers are not allowed to grab onto the wire cables while climbing. As the climber is coming down from the element, make sure that they keep their feet out in front of them so that they can push away from the ladder rungs. Climbers should be lowered slowly from this element in order to prevent injury. Climbers use a full body harness for this element. A three stage steel carabiner is used to clip into the back of the climber’s full body harness.

Pirate’s Crossing • •

•

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. The belay device will be hooked up to the facilitator harness. A steel carabiner will be connected to the back of the facilitator harness and the steel cable. The ATC belay device will be attached to the aluminum carabiner on the front of the facilitator. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. • Make sure to attach the pole climbing steps to this element. • Two three stage auto-locking carabiners will be used to attach the climber to the rope. These are used since screw gate carabiners have the potential to come unscrewed on this element. • Belayer must pay close attention to make sure not to pull the climber off of the element while they are climbing the incline log. However, the belayer also needs to make sure that the rope does not have a lot of slack in case the climber falls while crossing the incline log. Make sure that the climber has three points of contact on the incline log at all times.

Crate Climb •

• • •

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. The belay device will be hooked up to the facilitator harness. A steel carabiner will be connected to the back of the facilitator harness and the steel cable. The ATC belay device will be attached to the aluminum carabiner on the front of the facilitator. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. Climber will need to stack two rows of crates, stepping from one row to the next, in an effort to get as high as possible. A long pole may be used to hand crates to the climber as they are climbing. You may have another participant assist with this. Make sure that the participant keeps a safe distance away from the climber in case the crates fall. The participant must also wear a helmet.

Crate Climb Continued… • • • • •

Instruct the climber to announce when they think that they are falling so that the participant assisting with the crates can get out of the way. Belayer must pay extra attention during this element in order to make sure that there is no slack in the rope. Especially when the climber is only a few feet off of the ground. Instruct the climber that when they fall, they should make an effort to push the crates out from underneath them. Climber is only allowed to go 10 crates high. Once they have reached that point, they must come down. Climbers use a full body harness for this element. A three stage steel carabiner is used to clip into the back of the climber’s full body harness.

So you’re thinking about going into Real Estate? A survey done by Project Adventure was interested in a safety study of injuries that occurred to participants and facilitators during programs that included Low and High Ropes Course activities as well as Initiatives and Games over the past 20 years. It recorded over 57 million participation hours with a total of 250 injuries reported. This resulted in an overall injury rate of 4.33 injuries per one million hours of participation. Interesting enough, “roughly speaking participating in [these activity] program[s] is approximately as risky as working in the field of real estate…” that has an injury rate of 4.5 injuries per one million hours of participation.

Something Big • •

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. The staff belayer will need to put a harness and a helmet on for this element. The belayer will belay from their harness belay loop. An aluminum carabiner will be attached to the harness of the belayer. An ATC will attach to this carabiner as well. This will be the belay point. • Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. • The climber will begin by climbing to the top of the wall. Once they reach the top, they will reach out to the rings and attempt to swing from one to the other without falling. Instruct the climber that their head must be lower than the first ring prior to applying their weight to the ring.

Something Big Continued… •

• • • •

Before the climber starts climbing the wall, the belayer must be standing just to the left of the wall in order to catch the climber should they fall while climbing. The belayer will continue to move along with the camper as they are traversing the element. Make sure that other participants are not in the belayer’s way as they are watching. Do not allow other participants to stand directly under the climbing wall or directly underneath any part of the element. Have a participant or staff member act as a backup anchor. The closer you stand towards the climber, the easier it will be to handle the load. If you step out and away from the climber, it will be more difficult to absorb the shock. The back-up belayer and participant anchor must also wear helmets. Climbers use a full body harness for this element. A three stage steel carabiner is used to clip into the back of the climber’s full body harness.

CLIMBING WITH A PURPOSE Sure climbing is something fun to do, but can it be more than that? It is important to remember that these activities can have an impact on the participants. So how can you help? Start with setting goals. Explain to participants what a realistic goal is. For instance, would it be a realistic goal to reach the top of the wall if you have never climbed before? Also can you surpass your goal if it is to reach the top of the wall? Have each participant decide on a goal and tell you before they start the activity and revisit their goals after the activities are done.

Tarzan • •

• • • • • •

•

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. The staff belayer will need to put a harness and helmet on for this element. The belayer will belay from their harness belay loop. An aluminum carabiner will be attached to the harness of the belayer. An ATC will attach to this carabiner as well. This will be the belay point. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. Make sure to put the climbing steps on this element. Have a participant hold onto the rope on the pulley so that the climber can grab it shortly after reaching the first foot cable. The belayer will stand to the left of the first pole prior to the participant climbing. The belayer will travel along with the climber as they traverse. Instruct the climber to hold high on the rope as this well keep the climber more balanced. The climber will need to traverse to the other end of the element, climb the pole to the next foot cable and then proceed across the vines until they reach the other pole. Have climber come back to the middle of the element prior to coming down (if possible). The back-up belayer and participant anchor must also wear helmets.

Intimidation Tower AKA “IT” • •

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• 19

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. The staff belayer will need to put a harness and helmet on for this element. The belayer will belay from their harness belay loop. An aluminum carabiner will be attached to the harness of the belayer. An ATC will attach to this carabiner as well. This will be the belay point. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. Make sure to apply the pole climbing steps to this element. The belayer will stand to the right of the first pole prior to the climber climbing. The belayer will travel along with the climber as they traverse. The climber is allowed to climb the cargo net until they get just below the foot cable. Once they reach the foot cable, they will want to move back to the pole, continue climbing until they can step onto the foot cable. They will grab the ropes on both sides of them for balance and traverse across the element. Have the climber come back towards the middle of the element prior to descending. The cargo net is connected to the telephone pole via rapid links that are connected to staples on the poles. Instruct the participants that there is a chance that they can get their fingers pinched on these staples as they are going on and off the cargo net. The back-up belayer and participant anchor must also wear helmets.

Giant’s Swing • • • • • • • • • •

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Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. Have at least four campers at a time assigned as the ladder crew. You will need at least 6-10 campers to help hoist the camper up when they are ready to swing. While the ladder crew are holding the ladder, the staff person and the participant will both climb up opposite sides of the two-sided ladder. Never go past the second to last step. Hook camper’s harness up to the steel carabiner. The screw gate should be pointed towards the camper. Hook the quick release up to the opposite side of the screw gate. Instruct camper on how to properly pull the release cord. Make sure to stress that they cannot wrap the release cord around their hand or fingers. Staff and camper will step off of the ladder and the ladder crew will move the ladder past the poles so that the camper is not at risk of hitting the ladder while they swing. Once the ladder is out of the way, the camper will acknowledge that they are ready to be pulled up by saying “Up, Up, and Away”. 6-10 campers will pull on the rope in order to lift the participant up into the air. The rope crew will make sure that they are out of the way of the swinging camper. Camper will say “Ready to Swing” Staff member will say, “Swing Away” if they are clear to swing. Camper releases the quick release cord away from them. After the participant has been swinging back and forth a few times, the staff member will slow the camper down by slapping their ankles and feet gently as they swing back and forth. Do not grab their feet or ankles. Once the camper has come to a stop, the staff will order the ladder crew to move the ladder over so that the staff member may unhook the participant and proceed with the next participant.

Zip Lines Zip Line Commands Participant: once clipped in Makes a big patting motion on top of head Staff at Termination Point: after checking area is clear Makes a big patting motion on top of head Participant: ready to zip Makes a chopping motion to the side of body Staff at Termination Point: when ready and checked area again Looks and points behind, then toward participant

“Ready to Zip?” “Zip Area Clear” “Zipping?” “Zip Away”

Lake Village Zip Line Lake Village Zip Procedures • • • • • •

Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. A staff member will need to wear a harness for this element. Make sure you are visible to others when hooking participants up to ropes, harnessing, etc. Once harnesses and helmets are checked, bring participants to the top of The Lookout. The staff member should attach himself or herself to the facilitator lanyard belay inside The Lookout first. Participants may not cross the red line unless hooked to the participant lanyard belay on The Lookout. Attach the participant lanyard belay to participant #1 and #2 before unlocking gates to the zipping platforms. • Stand on platform and place a 2-wheel pulley over cable and attach it to the zip static line using a carabiner. Attach the handle bars to pulley between The Lookout and the zip static line. Then attach to participant #1 using aluminum carabiner and have them step out onto the platform. • Repeat for participant #2. • Make sure to shorten zip static line to properly fit the height of the participant. • Use zip commands with the staff member on the ground.

Lake Village Zip Procedures Continued… • • • •

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Once commands are given, unhook participant from participant lanyard belay. Participants are not allowed to hang upside down. Once participants have reached the other side of the zip line have them walk to the top of the hill to be unhooked by another staff member. If a participant doesn’t make it across the zip line and gets stuck in the middle of the zip line, the staff member across the lake should use the rescue rope attached to the zip line with a pulley to retrieve them. Walk the rope back toward the participant until the participant can grab it and pull them to the end of the zip line so they can be unhooked. The rescue ropes should be attached to the zip line prior to anyone zipping. The participants should walk back to The Lookout on the Lake Road to return the zip static lines for the next participants to go. Do not allow participants to drag the pulleys on the ground when walking. During the Summer Camp Program, you must be in the Pathfinder unit to use the zip line. During the Fall and Spring seasons, you must be 12 years old and weigh 90 lbs. to use the zip line.

TAKE DOWN Take Down Procedures 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Attach messenger line to loop in rope before pulling down rope. Pull down ropes and inspect for any damage. Then coil the ropes. Inspect harnesses for damage. Inspect belay devices and carabiners for damage. Put away all removable holds, if applicable. Return coiled ropes, harnesses, helmets and other equipment to storage area. 7. Log number of climbs and condition of gear and write your initials in the rope log. 8. Lock storage area. 9. Check for any forgotten gear that was left out. 10. If you lose a messenger line, let the Ropes Director know. Then you will die! 11. Equipment needed? Repairs? Questions? Please see the Ropes Director.

Lose a messenger line and you…

DISCLAIMER AND APPROPRIATE USE STATEMENT It must be emphasized that this manual is neither a complete training exercise or a “how to” construct ropes courses; rock climbing applications, safety system or facilitation. The reader must obtain the proper training and experience in order to make sound judgments when applying the content of this manual to any specific ropes course or climbing situations. This manual is for educational purposes only.

River Village Mountaineering Weekly Schedule The first mountaineering clinic is responsible for setting up the walls and the last mountaineering clinic is responsible for the tear down. Each clinic must log their own climbs. Monday – Mt. Wood -Name games / get to know you games / goal setting -Explanation and demonstration of the harness, helmets, ropes, and carabiners -Practice appropriate climbing technique on bouldering wall Tuesday – Mt. Wood -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open the two inside walls -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Close the walls and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!! Wednesday – Mt. Wood -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open the Beginner and Chimney Climb Walls -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Close all walls and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -LOGS ALL CLIMBS!!!! Thursday – Mt. Wood -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open the Intermediate and Nub Town Walls -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Close the walls and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!! Friday – Ziggy’s Gulch -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open both walls -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Rules – NO sitting on the rocks, all campers sitting behind rock, not running around -Close the walls and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!!

If you climb inside due to weather, use Ziggy’s Gulch on that day and shift the other walls back one day.

Lake Village Mountaineering Weekly Schedule The first mountaineering clinic is responsible for setting up the walls and the last mountaineering clinic is responsible for the tear down. Each clinic must log their own climbs. Monday – Lookout -Name games / get to know you games / goal setting -Explanation and demonstration of the harness, helmets, ropes, and carabiners -Open the Left and Middle Walls of the Lookout -Close the walls and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!! Tuesday – Lookout -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open the Middle and Right Walls of the Lookout -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Close all walls and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -LOGS ALL CLIMBS!!!! Wednesday – Giant Swing -Grab the Giant Swing bag from Kampen -Set-up the swing – using ladder to begin set-up -Place ladder under the swing – assign ladder crew -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -All campers not swinging will be on the rope crew Thursday – TLC Wall -Open the Climbing Wall at the TLC -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Close the walls and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!! Friday – Mt. McAllister -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open two walls -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Rules – NO sitting on the log, all campers behind the log -Close the walls and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!! If you climb inside due to weather, use Ziggy’s Gulch on that day and shift the other walls back one day.

Lake Village Skywalkers Weekly Schedule The first mountaineering clinic is responsible for setting up the walls and the last mountaineering clinic is responsible for the tear down. Each clinic must log their own climbs. Monday – Skywalkers -Give an introduction to each element -Split into groups -Name games/ get to know you games/ goal setting -Explanation, demonstration and practice with harnesses and helmets -Return all equipment to the appropriate bags -Sign-up for the next day’s elements Tuesday – Skywalkers -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open elements that you have signed up for the previous day -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Close elements and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -Sign up for the next day’s elements -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!! Wednesday – Skywalkers -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open elements that you have signed up for the previous day -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Close elements and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -Sign up for the next day’s elements -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!! Thursday – Skywalkers -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open elements that you have signed up for the previous day -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Close elements and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -Sign up for the next day’s elements -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!! Friday – Skywalkers -Set-up all equipment before campers arrive -Open elements that you have signed up for the previous day -Help campers with harnesses and helmets -Close elements and return all equipment to the appropriate bags -LOG ALL CLIMBS!!!!