CONSIDERATION FOR BUILDING A ROPES CHALLENGE COURSE
The following guide is designed as a primer to help prospective challenge course operators make decisions about challenge course design, construction and management in relation to program budget and curriculum.
If you prefer, you may also download a copy of our Challenge Course Services Catalog. In addition to most of the information found in this document, the catalog also includes ropes course designs, elements, pricing, and additional information about canopy tours, bouldering and traverse walls, and group initiatives courses.
Contents
Group Initiatives and Low Ropes Elements
High Ropes Courses, Climbing Walls, and Zip Lines
Group Initiatives and Low Rope Elements
Outdoor Climbing Towers and Structures
Equipment for High Element Courses or Climbing Walls
Staff Development and Technical Certification Training
Course Design and Construction
Challenge Course Overview
Before choosing to purchase challenge course equipment or elements, it is important to identify the goals for your program. For example, programs seeking group work and team building will generally benefit most from group initiative or low elements. Groups seeking personal growth, confidence, and individual challenge will generally benefit most from high element type courses. Many programs will opt for a combination of the two.
Serving populations of varying ages will significantly alter the potential design options. Courses for younger participants, corporate groups, disabled individuals and summer campers are all designed with varying characteristics.
Group Initiative and Low Elements (Indoor, Outdoor, and Portable)
Group initiatives, involving real and imaginary ground-based obstacles, present physical, mental, and emotional challenges that invite a group to explore teamwork strategies and demonstrate for themselves the importance of planning, cooperation, and communication.
The success of a group in meeting the challenges of an initiatives sequence will depend not only upon individual strengths but also upon creativity, tenacity, strategic planning, shared risk taking, the allocation of resources, and the ability to create a climate in which individuals are able to trust each other and in which each member’s contributions are recognized and valued. In the process, members should discover their collective power to meet the ongoing challenge of work in other settings. Whatever the focus of a program, nearly every group comes away from the experience with a renewed sense of community and common purpose.
Examples: Spider Web, 12-foot Group Wall, Trolleys, All Aboard, Muse, Prouty’s Landing, Croc Pit
Group initiative and low rope elements are best conducted within a group context of 6 to 15 learners, led by at least 1 trained facilitator.
High Ropes Courses, Climbing Walls, and Zip Lines
High ropes obstacles and climbing walls pose challenges to the individual. They present tests of physical strength, stamina, agility, balance, and flexibility, and they invite participants to confront such emotional issues as the fear of heights, the fear of failure, and the fear of losing control.
They require participants to draw upon reserves of courage and strength and to re-examine assumptions about their physical and emotional limitations. Conducted within a context of group encouragement and support, these programs often lead participants to a heightened awareness of self and to an increase of confidence and self-esteem.
Staff to participant ratios for high elements vary depending on the skill level and population served, program outcomes, course design and layout, and time considerations. A minimum 15:2 learner to facilitator ratio is industry standard.
Challenge Course Costs
When considering purchasing
a challenge course–whether it is a set
of portable initiative elements or a multi-element
high ropes course–or adding to an old
course, it is important to look at all the costs
involved and decide what will work into your
specific budget. In some cases, organizations
will find that their needs are best met by utilizing
off-site courses and providers or by developing
a program over several years. We will
work with you to analyze your options and outline
the short term and long term costs associated
with challenge course program operation.
Some costs to consider are provided below.
Short Term Costs |
Long Term Costs |
Design and planning fees Arboreal fees for courses built in trees Course construction and installation Grounds maintenance and improvements Equipment and hardware Facility costs--equipment storage, grounds development, woodchips Staff training fees Indirect expenses Consultation fees--insurance provider, lawyer Course and project approval--especially for schools Program development
|
Staffing and wages--it will be vital to have at least one person to oversee the maintenance and long-term use of the course Program overhead Training and staff development--for some programs this may be a cost incurred annually; larger programs will incur costs more regularly Annual safety inspection by a professional builder--some programs may require more frequent inspections Maintenance and upkeep Equipment and hardware replacement--an amortization schedule is recommended Program development Liability Insursance |
The cost of developing an adventure challenge
program is usually greater than the cost of
the course. It has been our experience
that the most successful programs approach the
construction of the course with a business plan
or an integrated curriculum. Failure
to develop a comprehensive plan or to shortcut
corners frequently results in unmet expectations,
increased risks to participants and staff, and
failed programs.
It is important to look at group initiative elements and high ropes course elements as learning tools. Much like textbooks, these tools are only a small part of the overall cost of a program. Successful programs will need to include the cost of curriculum design, the allocation of training resources and personnel, and the salary of a full or part-time course manager. Additional funds will need to be either raised or diverted to cover the cost of training, professional development, office or work space, office overhead, work tools, capital goods, marketing, program assessment, and program delivery.
Element Costs
The following price list is designed to convey an idea of general costs involved in constructing and maintaining a challenge course. Prices do not reflect the cost of initial site visits, utility poles, guy wires and anchors, specialty equipment for custom jobs, or cost of site preparation (clearing, woodchips, landscaping, or building alterations).
Group Initiative and Low Elements
Portable group initiative elements generally run between $125 and $750; Constructed group initiative and low rope elements run between $250 and $2500. A modest course of 10 to 12 constructed elements can generally be installed for $5000 to $7000. Starter courses utilizing portable elements and low-prop activities can be purchased for less than $3000.
High Ropes Courses
There are several different options in regards to safety systems and operating costs. The two most common belay or safety management systems are 1) static and 2) dynamic.
Static systems attach participants to overhead safety cables or tracks via sling lines (adjustable ropes with fasteners at the end). Obstacles on static courses are often designed as traversing activities and the participants are always required to take a more active part in managing their own safety. Once a participant is up on the course, they generally remain on the course, completing several obstacles in a row before coming down by way of ladder or a dynamic element (zip line, big swing, or rappel). Participants who fall are able to self-rescue and continue on the course. Two trained staff members are recommended for a group of up to 16 participants. This number will vary according to course size, layout, population, and safety procedures implemented.
Dynamic belay courses attach a participant to a climbing rope that runs to a high anchor above the element and back to the ground. As the participant climbs, a person or persons are required to belay (to manage the slack and secure the rope in the event a fall) the climber. Dynamic belay course are frequently higher off the ground. Elements are either vertical in nature or participants are required to climb a ladder, climbing wall, or staples to access the event. When a participant falls they are lowered to the ground by the belay. One trained staff member is recommended for each active participant unless time permits to effectively train participants to a level of basic belay mastery.
In general, high elements run between $1000 and $1500 each before the cost of utility poles, guy wires, anchors, etc. A thirty-foot, four element dynamic course with little clearing would cost roughly $8000 to $12,000. A twenty-foot, 12-15 element static course would cost roughly $22,000 to $28,000. Custom courses, including either steel frames or built into an existing structure can be considerably more expensive and will be bid out separately. Travel, training, and equipment are not included in projected costs above.
Outdoor Climbing Walls and Towers
There are many configurations for outdoor climbing walls and towers, some of which may also incorporate dynamic-belay high elements. Climbing towers are generally designed with three to five poles, thirty to sixty feet in height. The objective of most towers is to challenge the individual’s perceived limits and fear of heights. Climbing “structures” generally offer shorter routes, maximizing the number of opportunities for participants to climb, and focus on technical skill development. Both structures can be built with fixed or modular holds and specialty features–bulges, overhangs, slabs–can be added to vary the level of complexity. Interior staircases and roof structures are also a possibility. Climbing surfaces can be built with planks, textured wood panels, or imitation rock paneling.
Due to the number of options available, it is difficult to present an accurate idea of costs. After pole installation, a forty-foot, three pole tower is likely to cost between $18,000 and $30,000. For each additional pole, add $4000 to $8000 more. Travel, training, and equipment are not included in projected costs above.
Indoor Climbing Walls
We offer two types of indoor climbing walls: 1) climbing holds attached to cinder block walls, and 2) climbing holds attached to textured wood panels.
Cinder Block Walls: Attaching climbing holds to a cinder block wall is the most cost effective method of building a climbing wall. Some features–bulges, flares, overhangs–can be included depending on the structure of the wall. Climbing holds are permanently anchored; it is recommended that modular systems not be used. The cost of a climbing wall with 4 to 6 climbing routes would generally be $5000 to $8000 before including safety equipment.
Textured Wood Paneling: Climbing walls built with textured wood paneling offer much greater flexibility. Additional features like overhangs, bulges, slabs, cracks, flares, and flakes can be added to offer additional challenges and variety. Holds are most often modular and can be moved to adjust routes and offer new challenges to programs that have returning customers or varying populations. The general cost of an indoor 4 to 6 route climbing wall can range from $12,000 to $30,000 before safety equipment and travel is included.
Equipment for High Element Courses or Climbing Walls
The overall cost of challenge course equipment will vary greatly depending on the type and amount of equipment desired. In some cases, all participants will need to be fully equipped. In other cases, participants may share harnesses or climbing shoes. If a wide clientele is to be served, different harness sets will be needed for children than for adults. Additional equipment may be opted for to serve disabled populations.
The amount and level of use will determine an overall amortization schedule for equipment retirement and replacement. Heavy use may require replacement on an annual or semi-annual basis. Smaller programs may find that their equipment lasts the full length of the manufacturers anticipated use period.
Staff Development and Technical Certification Training
S.T.E.P.S., Inc. offers training that covers all the technical skills needed to operate a high elements course, climbing structure, or group initiatives and low ropes course. Depending on the size and type of course installed, training will range from one to five days. The cost of training will run between $1000 and $4000 for up to 12 participants before travel expenses are included.
Additional workshops and training are offered throughout the year. Whereas larger programs may choose to develop their own internal training programs, smaller programs should budget funds for training on an annual or bi-annual basis. A system of follow-up training and supervision should be sought to ensure that skills are maintained and safety and program standards are not compromised.
It should never be expected that even three days of rigorous training will sufficiently prepare a facilitator to safely or effectively manage a challenge course program. Ongoing assessment and development programs should be structured ahead of time to ensure that standards are met by all staff.
Course Design and Construction
Selecting Elements
Selecting the elements for a low or high elements course can be both exciting and overwhelming. The field is full of innovative creations and obstacles, many of which are dramatic and inspiring.
The selection of elements should, however, be made in lieu of a set of program and curricular objectives, not vice versa. The safest and most beneficial programs to participants will be those that take into consideration the learning objectives and needs of the participating population.
The adventure challenge field is constantly evolving and new activities tend to appear rapidly. It is important to note that not all elements are designed with equal value. The best course for one program will not necessarily suite the needs of another. Likewise, the most dramatic events are not always the most worthwhile for participants and may even place participants at elevated levels of risk. Careful thought should be given to each element selected.
Site Considerations
When selecting a site, several factors need to be considered.
Program Size. If multiple groups will be using the course at one time, it is best to spread out elements so that groups are not distracted by one another or lulled into a sense of competition. A lack of space between groups can lead to a sense of contagion and directly impact the value of the program.
Security. High courses and climbing walls present real risks to participants when trained personnel are not present. It is important to select a location that is low-key and off limits to trespassers and vandals. Most low elements and group initiatives can be made portable or removable if desired to reduce the chance of theft or vandalism. Additional anti-theft and access measures can be designed into the course as needed. Fences and/or other barriers are another option which may be worth considering.
Trees, poles, or indoors: The choice of whether to install courses in trees or on utility poles balances aesthetics with cost and programmatic considerations. In general, pole courses cost more upfront but require less maintenance in the long run. Tree courses are restricted to the number of trees and the spans between them. They require annual inspections by an arborist and equipment adjustment to compensate for tree growth. Indoor courses can often be erected in open spaces, supported either by structural components of the facility, or designed to be free standing.
Constructing a Course
An initial meeting will be set up (on the phone or in person) to answer any questions about challenge courses or adventure challenge programs. A site visit is usually required to help layout the course and select the appropriate obstacles. It is often recommended that prospective course owners visit several other successful challenge course programs ahead of time to get a clear picture of what elements will work best for their program.
Following a site visit, a custom proposal will be drawn up. Once a contract has been signed, construction dates will be agreed upon. T he length of construction will depend on the size and complexity of the course to be installed. For most installations, 1-3 weeks are needed.
Training
There are currently no requirements or standards necessary to operate a challenge course. The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and Association for Experiential Education (AEE) have drafted some basic guidelines that are widely accepted in the industry. For all courses built by S.T.E.P.S., detailed instruction and proper use of equipment will be provided. It is encouraged that program operators and staff stay up-to-date on current trends and that training be conducted on an annual basis through a reputable provider.
Training generally occurs in two parts: First, an intensive training program (usually one to five days in length) covers the fundamentals of facilitation, technical skill development, risk and site management, and program design. Second, follow-up mentoring and additional training is scheduled to help develop staff in a real learning environment.
Various arrangements can be made with training providers to development staff and ensure proper use of your course. It is highly recommended that such arrangements be in addition to oversight by a designated on-site course manager.
Where to go from here
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Conduct a Need Assessment: for some organizations this will be a formal process, while for others it may take shape with a pen and napkin over lunch. Consider the following preliminary questions:
External Review
Who is your target audience?
What are their needs?
What can the local market bare? capacity? pricing?
What are other local programs offering? pricing?
What will set your program apart?
Internal Review
What plant and staff resources do you have available?
How will a challenge course be integrated into your vision, objectives, goals, or mandate?
How will constructions costs be covered? overhead? annual costs?
What decision makers need to be involved in the process?
How will an adventure challenge program affect insurance rates? -
Contact S.T.E.P.S., Inc. at (734) 971-7470; Arrange for a teleconference or personal meeting
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Review program objectives, view site, outline action plan
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Complete cost analysis
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Receive S.T.E.P.S. proposal
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Sign proposal
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Begin construction and program development
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Conduct training
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Complete mentoring and staff review
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Begin conducting programs
