2014 high ropes training manual by Scout Library (WFIS-Spain)

Camp Tecumseh YMCA, Inc. 12635 W. Tecumseh Bend Road Brookston, IN 47923 765.564.2898 www.camptecumseh.org

Table of Contents PURPOSE

EQUIPMENT

ROPES KNOTS HARNESS CARABINERS PULLEYS BELAY DEVICES CABLE CLAMPS BOLTS

1 4 5 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 LINE

13 14 14 15 15 15 16 17 18 19 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. International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation UIAA

Ropes

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 10%) and is used in belaying situations. A static rope has very little stretch (3% to 5%) and is used in rescue situations or rappelling. Camp Tecumseh promotes the use of International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) approved ropes. All Camp Tecumseh Climbing ropes have a small loop on the end to attach the messenger line. NEVER clip a carabiner into this loop.

This organization was created in 1932 in Chamonix, France. They represent several million mountaineers and climbers, worldwide, on international issues. It now 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: http://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: Click below for a video example of how to coil a rope: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=C9Zhv83I2jo

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 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

PMI Dynamic 11mm diameter Weight = 6,000 pounds New England Maximum Dynamic 11mm Weight = 6,000 pounds KMIII 7/16 inch diameter Weight = 8,000 pounds KMIII Rescue Rope ½ inch diameter Weight = 9,700 pounds Retirement for all= 3 years or 1,500 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 … Click below to see an animated v ideo for help tying t his 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.

Click below to see an animated video for help tying this knot:

http://www.animatedknots.com /bowlinebight/

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, Robertson and Speed 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. 4. A minimum of two inches (2”) of tail webbing must extend outward from the buckle. 5. Keep the webbing smooth and flat around the body for increased comfort.

Full Body Harness

A full body harness is required for certain elements: Giant’s Ladder, Something Big, Crate Climb and Giant Swing. Follow these procedures to assure safety: 1. Make sure the harness is not twisted. 2. 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. 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. The clip-‐in point at the back of the harness should rest between the shoulder blades. Check the harness for the proper fit.

Full Body Harness Sizes

Small – Gray Back Medium/Large – Yellow Back XL – Red Back

Harness Strength and Retirement

Headwall Harness: Maximum Strength = 5,000 pounds or greater Retirement = 10 Years or when in poor condition

Robertson Harness: Maximum Strength = 5,000 pounds or greater Retirement = 5 Years or when in poor condition

Singing Rock Harness: Maximum Strength = 5,000 pounds or greater Retirement = 10 Years or when in poor condition

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: http://www.acctinfo.org

Helmets

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 static 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 participant’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 After about 10 years or when in poor condition 6

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 four (4) different types of carabiners: 1. Locking “Oval” Steel: 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. Locking “D” Aluminum: These are “D” shaped carabiners with locking, screwed down collars. They are used for rope connections on a seat or chest harness and are generally rated at a five thousand (5,000) pound minimum tensile strength. 3. 3 Stage Auto-‐Locking Aluminum: These are also aluminum, but have an orange gate that locks back automatically. These carabiners are used to connect the climber to the knot and the belay device to the belayer except on elements with full body harnesses, see below. 4. 3 Stage Auto-‐Locking Steel: These carabiners are only used with full body harnesses on Giant’s Ladder, Something Big and Crate Climb at Skywalkers since the clip-‐in point is metal. 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 (Do not SCREW UP!). Only tighten the twisting barrel finger tight. The carabiner is designed to expand when loaded and will become tighter under load. Participants will have an aluminum carabiner that will attach their harness to the rope.

REMEMBER…

DON’T SCREW UP!

Carabineer Strength and Retirement

Steel Carabiners: Maximum Strength = At least 22.24 kN or 5,000 pounds Retirement = 5-‐10 years, Scoring or Chemical Exposure Aluminum Carabiners: Maximum 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 Giant’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. The pulley is attached to the participant pulley by use of an auto-‐locking steel carabiner and a 5/8-‐inch piece of three-‐strand laid rope.

Pulley Strength and Retirement Small Single Wheel Pulley Large Single Wheel Pulley Two Wheel Pulley

Belay Devices

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

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

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

Belay devices are used to aid in belaying a participant. Inspect for wear and determine when and how to use belay devices before use. a. 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. 8

b. 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. c. 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 and hold it behind them around their hips, 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.

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

• • • •

Inspect harness for frays, cuts, broken buckles (same rules as for ropes) Check that helmets are clean and in good working order Ensure that locking carabiners are clean and operational Look over belay devices to make sure they are clean and smooth

•

Other Safety Equipment

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 aluminum-‐locking carabiner in this knot. Dress the knot completely. REMEMBER: A not neat knot need not be knotted. 5. 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, proceed 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 hip, 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 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, rope is threaded through the belay device and is in good working order. Equipment – 4-‐H Check, ropes 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 events:

Climber: when clipped in Belayer: when ready, acknowledging Climber: ready to climb Belayer: 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. Closed toed shoes are required to climb any high ropes element.

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 three-‐stage 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 three-‐stage aluminum 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.

Mt. Wood Continued… •

•

When you have a participant on the beginner wall and the intermediate wall, make sure that they are not climbing next to each other. Stager 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 a three-‐stage 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 a three-‐stage 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. 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 three-‐stage 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 • •

• • •

Giant’s Ladder Continued… • • •

• •

The climber is only allowed to climb high enough to stand on the second to the last rung. The 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. Have another participant push away the rope ladder as well, so that the climber does not get caught in it. Climbers should be lowered slowly from this element in order to prevent injury. Climbers use a full body harness for this element. The camper is clipped into their harness using a three stage steel carabiner.

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 three-‐stage 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 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 camper 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 three-‐ stage 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 as high as possible, 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 should also wear a helmet. • 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 14 crates high. Once they have reached that point, they must come down. • Climbers use a full body harness for this element. The camper is clipped into their harness using a three stage steel carabiner. So you’re thinking about g oing 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. A three-‐stage 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. • 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 campers 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 if the climber outweighs you. 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. • Climbers use a full body harness for this element. The camper is clipped into their harness using a three stage steel carabiner. 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 g oals. 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 • •

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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. A three-‐stage 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. Have a climber 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 camper 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).

Intimidation Tower AKA “IT” • •

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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. A three-‐stage 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 on the foot cable. They will grab the ropes on both sides of them for balance and traverse across the element.

Intimidation Tower AKA “IT” Continued…

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.

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Giant’s Swing 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 1-‐2 campers 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 bight in the haul line. 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 far away from the camper 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 pulling 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 while making sure not to wrap the release cord around their fingers or hand. 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.

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Zip Line • •

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.

Zip Line Commands

Participant: once unclipped from lanyard Staff: after checking area is clear Participant: ready to zip Staff: when ready and checked area again

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

River Village Zip Line

When setting up the zip line, you need the following items: • Harnesses • Helmets • 6 -‐ 2 Wheel Pulley • 6 -‐ Zip Static Lines • 12 -‐ Three Stage Auto Locking Aluminum Carabiners

River Village Zip Procedures • • •

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Follow all operating procedures detailed in the high ropes training manual. A staff member will need to put on a harness for this element. Once harnesses and helmets are checked, bring 2 participants to the top of the stairs inside Mt. Wood. The staff member should attach himself or herself to the lanyard belay before stepping out onto platform. Attach lanyard belay to participant #1 and #2. Place 2 wheel pulley over cable and attach it to the zip static line using a carabiner. Then attach to participant #1 using an aluminum carabiner and have them sit down on the platform. Repeat for participant #2. Make sure that the ladder is out of the way. Use zip commands with the staff member on the ground. Once the commands are given, unhook the participants from the lanyard belay. Participants are not allowed to hang upside down When participants have slowed down to a stop, have staff member on the ground use ladder to unhook each participant. The participant’s zip static line will be unhooked from the zip cable and given to the next participant who is ready to zip. 21

Lake Village Zip Line

When setting up the zip line, you need the following items: • Harnesses • Helmets • 10 -‐ 2 Wheel Pulleys • 10 -‐ Zip Static Lines • 10 – Handle Bars • 10 – Oval Steel Carabiners for the handle bars • 20 – Three Stage Auto Locking Aluminum Carabiners • Rescue Rope Bag

Lake Village Zip Procedures

Follow all operating procedure detailed in the high ropes training manual. • A staff member will need to wear a harness for this element. • Once harnesses and helmets are checked, bring 2 participants to the top of The Lookout. • The staff member should attach himself or herself to the lanyard belay inside The Lookout first. • The staff member across the lake that is unhooking, should hook up the rescue ropes to the zip lines prior to any participants zipping. Participants may not cross the red line unless hooked to the lanyard belay on The Lookout. Attach the 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. Then attach to participant #1 using aluminum carabiner and have them step out onto the platform. Repeat for participant #2. Once they are ready and standing on the platform. Use zip commands with the staff member on the ground. After the commands are given, unhook the participants from the lanyards. 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.

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Lake Village Zip Procedures Continued… •

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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 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 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.

TAKE DOWN Take Down Procedures 1. Attach messenger line to loop in rope before pulling down rope. 2. Pull down ropes and inspect for any damage. Then coil the ropes. 3. Inspect harnesses for damage. 4. Inspect belay devices and carabiners for damage. 5. Return coiled ropes, harnesses, helmets and other equipment to storage area. 6. Log number of climbs and condition of gear and write your initials in the rope log. 7. Lock storage area. 8. Check for any forgotten gear that was left out. 9. 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 handout to any specific ropes course or climbing situations. This manual is for educational purposes only