Most of these activities can be done on the grass or even indoors, as they do not require fixed equipment. Many groups choose to spend a whole day on initiatives, and the variety of activities available is limited only by facilitator creativity. These activities are designed to build group cohesion by increasing trust and interdependence. Although they are fairly low to the ground, they are significant challenges because they require participants to rely on the group rather than the equipment to keep them safe. Generally these activities are done in series, starting with some basic skill building before moving on to further challenges.
Participants balance on cables, climb on logs, and swing on ropes.
These elements range from a few inches to twelve feet above the ground, and require group creativity, cooperation, and support to complete. The safety systems here consist of group spotting skills that have been developed over the course of a program. Low elements provide a safe, fun environment in which a group can learn to work together, trust one another and reach attainable, enlightening goals. The Hartwick College ropes course consists of eight high elements ranging from 20 to 60 feet above ground. Imagine traveling from tree to tree using only a few cables to help you, or jumping off a small platform to catch a trapeze hanging in mid air.