VĚSTNÍK
Monday, February 28, 2022
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SPJST March Věstník Project This project earns a maximum 1 point in the SPJST Youth Merit Point System. To complete the project questions to earn 1 point in the SPJST Merit Point System, scan the QR Code below, or go directly to spjst.org/programs/vestnik-project/
“Looking out over the obstacle, I feel my heart in my throat. As I look down 45 feet to the ground, it’s almost like my vision begins to swim a bit. The cheers from my friends to keep going bring me back to my task. With sweaty palms and shaking knees, I reach out and grab the rope connected to my harness, and focus on just moving forward. Step after step, seemingly taking forever. The crowd below goes wild as I find myself on the platform. I have done it; I faced my fear and conquered The Beast!”
This scene goes on every day around the world. Men, women, and children participating in the adventure called “Ropes Course.” The ropes (challenge) course originated with the military. Kurt Hahn, an exile from Nazi Germany, worked for the British Navy during World War II. Hahn’s assignment was to develop a seamanship and survival-training course for British Commandos that demanded teamwork. The first rope courses consisted of ropes strung from trees or from manmade structures, hence the name “ropes course.” Over time, construction techniques and materials were upgraded, and ropes were replaced by steel cables. The
Ropes Course . . . The High Adventure! Camp Kubena ● Ledbetter, Texas
cables were more durable and safe; however, the name “ropes course” stuck. After the war, Kurt Hahn founded Outward Bound, a school dedicated to the character development of young people through wilderness adventures. The commando obstacle course was included in the school’s curriculum. In 1971, several former Outward Bound instructors created Project Adventure, an experiential education program for high schools in Massachusetts. An important component of Project Adventure was the students’ twice-a-week use of the ropes course and initiatives (or low ropes) course. The Project Adventure staff found that the group discussion held after
each event was a valuable part of the learning and therapeutic process. At Camp Kubena, we have a low ropes and a high ropes course. Our low ropes elements are structured activities that are literally low-to-the-ground. Safety and spotting techniques are implemented by our trained facilitators. Purposely geared toward team building, we are utilizing elements like the commitment bridge. These obstacles can only be successfully navigated by utilizing effective teamwork. The navigation of these obstacles is a great tool for groups to selfexamine the overall effectiveness of their team.
The high ropes elements are challenging activities that are literally highabove-the-ground. They are geared more toward individual challenges. Our trained facilitators will guide groups through the high ropes elements. Camp Kubena’s High Ropes Course - nicknamed The Beast - is a unique program: It is a high reward, seemingly high risk activity. While there is some risk involved in any ropes course, it has been greatly minimized by our strict and thorough safety measures. On Raider’s Bridge, for example, participants wear a safety harness. If they fall, they are suspended in the air by a safety (belay) line. The participants may logically understand that they are safe, but their knees still shake when they are 45 feet in the air. In other words, the perceived risk is much greater than the actual risk.
This is what makes the Camp Kubena Ropes Course a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Our “Challenge by Choice” philosophy gives campers and adults the opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and experience a great adventure while learning important life lessons. —SPJST—
https://spjst.org/programs/vestnik-project/
