Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of clothing and shoes should participants wear?
Due to the nature of the program and the wilderness location, participants should wear well fitted clothing that does not allow anything to hang loose or get tangled in cables and ropes. The clothing should be easy to move around in and appropriate for the season’s weather, keeping in mind you will be wearing a safety harness. Long hair should not be left loose. Footwear is important; flip flops and sandals are not acceptable. Athletic shoes, trainers, hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
What should I bring or not bring?
Bring: weather-appropriate clothing, jacket/rain coat, sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, a camera, a hat and a good attitude toward having some fun and learning
Do not bring: gum, candy, jewelry and valuables. Rings, necklaces and earrings can be lost, broken and/or pose a hazard to you or a fellow participant.
At our youth retreats cell phones, alcohol and cigarettes are not allowed.
What if the participant is afraid of heights and not comfortable participating in an activity?
We operate under “Challenge by Choice,” which means we invite you to challenge yourself during the course of the program, but at no time will our staff members make you do anything you absolutely do not want to do. We can only challenge you if you play at 100%; however, if you are completely out of your comfort zone, your facilitator will work with you and give you another way to participate, such as coaching or belaying.
Is the ropes course safe?
The actual risk on a ropes course is really very low, due to the many controls in place. It is the perceived risk that provides the powerful experiences that will leave a memorable imprint for all participants.
Our new course was designed and built by one of two Canadian builders certified by the ACCT (Association of Challenge Course Technology) standards. All staff have been trained and certified as Level 2 Ropes Course Instructors, which is a new certification being implemented by the Association.
What youth group sizes can be facilitated?
The group sizes may vary depending on the program you would like to participate in. We find the optimum group size for our youth retreats to be between 14-42 participants with this number being divided into 2 or 3 teams depending on the program format and activities selected; however, we can work with any number of participants. There are however, minimums required depending on the program selected.
Are there height, weight or age restrictions for participants?
Course participants should be a minimum height of 130 centimeters or 48 inches. Harnesses fit up to a maximum waist size of 120 centimeters or 46 inches. Minimum age, with parent or legal guardian present, is 8 years on the low ropes and 10 years on the team high ropes. Minimum age on the static course is 14 years.
Those under 18 must fill out an “Informed Consent Form for Minors” and have it signed by their parent or legal guardian.
What if there is inclement weather when our ropes course is scheduled?
Our outdoor events are designed to operate in all weather conditions, and we have never had a client comment that the event was ruined by the weather. With proper dress the weather often becomes irrelevant. Occasionally inclement weather conditions actually IMPROVE the event by bonding the participants as they overcome the elements together.
However, the high ropes activities may be cancelled at the discretion of the Ropes Course Instructor, due to high winds or electrical storms.
On a Pay-to-Play basis what is the time duration and what size of group can be accommodated?
It takes approximately 2 hours to complete either the high or low ropes course. The maximum number of participants utilizing both courses during a 2 hour period is about 20 people. Larger groups would be accommodated in two or more successive sessions. Pay-to-Play on the low or high ropes requires a minimum 8 participants. Pay-to-Play on the zip line requires a minimum 10 participants.
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