Our New and Improved High Ropes Course lets campers SOAR!
Very few activities are as exhilarating as they are rewarding, and the High Ropes Course at SOAR is one of them! Campers encounter elements that require them to problem solve, communicate, listen, and most of all to push past their perceived limits and challenge themselves. Teammates and staff encourage each camper as they navigate through elements testing their balance, coordination, and mental strength.
Since 1986, our High Ropes course has challenged a wide number of SOAR campers. Throughout the years, it’s had its changes and updates, but we are especially excited to share with you the latest developments! We have added a new element, the “Pirates Plank” and extended our zip line to over 320 ft long! Campers will get an eagle eye view of our Balsam Base as they soar from high in the trees, past the Admin building, and landing on a perch located just above our Low Ropes course area.
The course was built by the highly experienced crew at Phoenix Experiential Designs. (Check out their website here) – what amazing stories these guys have!) The skilled team worked with our live trees to ensure the state of the art course is safe & challenging, while taking advantage of the amazing views our Balsam Base has to offer. The work began in early 2014, and the crew worked through the cold and rain to ensure the new course was ready to be used by our Academy students.
In addition to the appreciation we have for the folks at Phoenix, a HUGE thank you goes out to the Amos Family (Jenifer and Tripp) whose generous contribution made all of this possible. Their gift has already greatly impacted a number of SOAR students, and it will continue to do so for many years to come!
Earlier this spring, our staff got to experience first-hand the excitement the upgrade course provides. Follow their journey below!
What a view! Perched high above our base, each camper’s bravery will be rewarded with amazing views and increased confidence in themselves and their abilities. It may be hard to imagine now, but soon the treetops will be filled with green leaves, as well as the squeals and cheers of our SOAR campers.
Robbie Oates, of Phoenix Experiential Designs leads SOAR staff through “ground school,” training each staff on how to safely facilitate the new elements. While the high ropes course can be challenging and scary, campers will learn the value of trusting in themselves and others (and some state of the art technology too).
Robbie shows the SOAR team the newest element, the Pirates Plank.
Camp Director Laura Pate accepts the challenge and walks the plank for the first time! Go Laura, Go!
Hello down below! This shot shows the low ropes course from the perspective of campers as they soar high above.
Julie Lambert smiles with excitement as she zooms by the Admin Building! This photo was taken from our back deck. Don’t you think we should have the water guns ready for help “cool off” our campers as they zoom by the office this summer?
We couldn’t help ourselves…we decided to call the zip line landing platform the “Eagle’s Landing,” complete with the SOAR eagle painted right on. After successfully completing their journey, campers can shout “The Eagle Has Landed!!!”
Want your kids to experience the confidence-building High Ropes course? Each of these North Carolina programs participates in the course:
Note: We are also fundraising to build an Alpine Tower at Eagle View Ranch in Wyoming. Have you been impacted by a challenge course or high ropes course? If so, you understand the value this incredible opportunity gives our youth. Contact us today at 828-456-3435 for more information on how to give your tax-deductible contribution.
Author: Catey Terry