Finlayson Field Centre –
High Challenge Ropes Courses
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A day at the Challenge
Course is an opportunity
for discovery about
yourself and the people
you come with
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It will involve :
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TEAMMWORK
COOPERATION
COMMUNICATION
POWER OF POSITIVE
GOAL SETTING
WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE COURSE
THE CHALLENGE COURSE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN
ABOUT YOUR SELF AND OTHERS. IMAGINE AN ADVENTURE
PLAYGROUND 25 TO 30 FEET IN THE AIR/10 METRES. IT DOES
NOT MATTER HOW FAR, FAST OR HIGH THAT YOU CLIMB, JUST
THAT YOU TRY YOUR BEST.
THE CHALLENGE COURSE
IS MADE OF HYDRO POLES,
AIRCRAFT CABLES, WOOD
AND ROPE.
THE COURSE IS
INSPECTED EACH DAY
BEFORE WE CLIMB.
WHAT TO EXPECT
YOUR DAY STARTS WITH A QUICK
WELCOME AND INRODUCTION TO
STAFF AND GEAR
GEAR IS PUT ON AND INSPECTED BY FIELD
CENTRE STAFF
WE THEN HIKE UP TO THE CHALLENGE
COURSE, 5 – 10 MINUTES, WITH ALL
YOUR STUFF. THERE IS A PORTOLET
AT THE COURSE AND A PICNIC
SHELTER WHERE WE EAT LUNCH
YOU ARE INTRODUCE TO THE CHALLENGE
COURSE THEN WE START TO CLIMB
WE CLIMB AS MUCH AS WE CAN, EAT
LUNCH AT THE COURSE AND CLIMB
MORE UNTIL BUS TIME
DISCOVERY ABOUT SELF AND TEAM
The day will provide
an opportunity for you
and your class to have
experiences that may
be different than at
school
 It is a chance to work
with and learn about
people in your class
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THE CHALLENGE COURSE ITSELF
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The Challenge Course is made up of 10
different elements. Each element will involve 1
– 4 climbers. We will only be climbing on 1 -3 of
the elements during a visit , depending on time
Climbers are always on a belay system when
they leave the ground. The belay system may
include the Field Centre Staff as well as
students from your class. The belay system is
what keeps you safe when climbing. You will
not fall to the ground if you slip or fall off an
element
Field Centre Staff are trained/certified to
operate the Challenge Course
TEAMWORK COOPERATION
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While at the Challenge Course you
will need to work as a team in order
to successfully accomplish goals
This may include spotting
individuals, belaying fellow
classmates or teachers and
encouraging each person to do
their best
COMMUNICATION – POWER OF
POSITIVE
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Communication is a key
concept of the day
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Positive communication is
stressed
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Stay away from "don't,
can't"
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Use safety terms such as
On Belay, Spotters Ready
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Listen, empathize,
support each other
"DON’T LOOK DOWN"
AND "I AM GOING TO LET
GO OF THE ROPE" ARE
NOT FUNNY 30 FT IN THE
AIR
TRUST
A day at the Challenge
Course involves Trust
 Trust of Field Centre
Staff
 Developing Trust with
fellow students you
may not know very
well
 Trusting yourself, to
climb and participate
the best that you can
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CHALLENGE BY CHOICE
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Challenge By Choice ?????
CHALLENGE BY CHOICE
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Challenge By Choice means that
you set your own goals
You are responsible for how high
you climb and what part of the
element you wish to try
Participation is not an option
while on the ground, but once in
the air the choice is yours
But….challenge yourself, we do
not want you to think later "I wish
I would have done more "
BE PREPARED FOR THE DAY
There are a number of things you should do to prepare for a safe and fun day on the
Challenge Course
•All climbers must wear long pants that cover their ankles
•All climbers must wear lace up closed heel/toe shoes. No slip-on shoes.
•All climbers must wear a base layer shirt that extends over or can tuck into the
waist/hips of their pants
•All pockets must be empty, anything that dangles must be taken off. Watches, tight
fitting, small items of jewellery are fine
•All long hair ( hair that can touch in front of your face) must be pulled back into a
low ponytail or braid
•No hats with peaks or buttons under your helmet. Toques are allowed.
•Only gloves with leather grip palms can be used for climbing/on rope
•All climbers must bring a water bottle and ample food for the day. Please try to
bring a litterless lunch as all garbage and recycle items will be going home with you.
•Electronics are not permitted on the Challenge Course except for cameras
• No spikey or oversized belt buckles.
CLIMBING GEAR
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Everyone that comes to
the course must wear a
helmet (even if not
climbing)
All participants
climbing must wear a
harness
All equipment will be
supplied by the Field
Centres
Field Centre Staff will
inspect all equipment
ITS YOUR DAY
It is up to you and your fellow classmates how the
day goes
 The more effort, focus and positive energy you put
into the day, the more you will take home from it
 It is not important how fast , far or high you
go…..just that you did your best. Do not compare
yourself to anyone else
 Leave with a sense of joy in yourself, your
classmates and your team
 CAN'T WAIT UNTIL WE SEE YOU
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