JA Installs Ropes Course and Trains Volunteers

Safely maneuvering a spider’s web, navigating a log bridge over molten lava, or swinging like a ship’s bosun are not everyday experiences. They are extraordinary experiences made possible by JA’s new low ropes course at Ashleigh Park. The park is adjacent to JA’s sports complex, Raider Park.

Installation of the 12-element low ropes course was completed last week, and it is the first phase of a larger ropes course installation. Student volunteers received training Friday on instructing other students in the safe use of the ropes course. Renowned outdoor leader Matt Marcus, former director of the Ropes Challenge Course at Georgia Tech University for 12 years, led the all-day training. 

In each scenario presented by a low ropes course, participants work as a team. JA’s Director of SOAR Outdoor, WT Taylor, says there is no “I” in these scenarios. Learning includes group cooperation, communication, self-confidence, problem-solving, building trust, supporting others, developing strategy, and experiencing synergy. Synergy demonstrates how the sum of the parts is greater than the individual parts alone. Taylor says the idea of servant leadership is another lesson learned through ropes course exercises.

“The ropes course is fun and a great way to meet others and help students grow as individuals and as a group,” said Taylor. 

For example, in the Spider’s Web activity, ropes are stretched between two poles and configured to resemble a web. The team works together to get each person through a distinct space without touching anything. Each person goes through a different web opening. The group designs a plan. As a web opening is passed through, it is no longer available to use.

“We look forward to having this team-building facility on campus,” said Taylor. Once the phases are completed, the facility is expected to be the most complex ropes course available at any independent Mississippi school and comparable to what is on university campuses.

Questions? Contact SOAR Outdoor Director WT Taylor at 662-545-7337 or wttaylor@jacksonacademy.org.