Ropes Course Overview

Ropes courses are one of many tools used to develop positive team dynamics. Teams that spend time with each other outside of the work environment develop a new understanding of themselves, each other and the team. A ropes course can demonstrate the importance of trust, vulnerability, and the power of alignment.

There is something for everyone on a ropes course. A philosophy of “Challenge by Choice” is conducive to team and individual growth. For some, leaping from a 30 foot pole is an exciting challenge. For others, supporting their teammates by holding the safety ropes is a challenge. The idea is to venture out of your comfort zone, and not venture into a “panic” zone. The course at Oak Ridge has a variety of elements, both low and high, to accommodate all levels of risk taking.

Professional certified facilitation is important to help extract the learning from the course and carry it over into the office. Usually, the most valuable part of the day is during the debriefing sessions. Here, an experienced facilitator can guide team discussions on how the emotional experience they have just had relates to their ability to work together more effectively.

Safety is the first priority of the facilitator and, in turn, the team learns quickly that the job of keeping your team safe is also their number one priority. Each element is equipped with redundant safety gear and every challenge begins with a safety checklist, verified by the entire team. (Similar to the checklist and verification system a pilot uses before taking off).