Ropes course. Those two words probably call into memory several things. Military-themed action films, summer camp, amusement parks or perhaps a paralyzing fear of falling. However, few people are presented with the words “ropes course,” and immediately think, “Great tool of education!” Yet they are just that, which is one of the reasons why militaries from the world over choose to use them as a teaching tool. For civilians, ropes courses can be just as effective in training and education, teaching the valuable life skills of communication, teamwork and personal development.
How Ropes Courses Reinforce Personal Development
While some ropes courses look short and simple at first glance and others look like an impossible challenge, anyone willing to tackle the obstacles will quickly realize that looks are deceiving. Some ropes courses are built for exercising speed and agility, while others are built for mental strategy and physical execution. Both involve the fear factor. Regardless of athletic ability, ropes courses are a challenging task to complete.
As mentioned, ropes courses play on fears - the fear of falling, the fear of failure, the fear of embarrassment. It is in that fear for some individuals, or in the challenge to succeed for others, that an individual will find another level of personal achievement and confidence. Once completed, it becomes about repetition and mastery: How many times can it be done flawlessly? How much time can you shave off of each attempt? How many different ways can it be navigated? The possibilities are as broad as the imagination considering them.
Heeding the call of a challenge with a successful effort is one of the greatest personal achievements anyone will experience - whether personal or professional. Ropes courses are a wonderful teaching tool to metaphorically relate that achievement to many walks of life.
Positive Adventures, LLC. Ropes Courses are Great Team Building Activities
While the personal growth is evident in completing a challenging ropes course, there is another element to consider. Teamwork. Having the support of a team is a wonderful way to attack a ropes course. Some team members will naturally be more adept at the course and they can “paint lines” and serve as an example as to how it can be completed.
Team members also offer a perspective from multiple angles to help problem solve a course. Such a support team will boost confidence and help fearful team members through the process.
