High Elements

High elements are approximately 30 feet off the ground.

During the high element activities facilitators may supervise participants by moving from element to element as needed. All high elements will use a dynamic belay system that allows the belayer to lower the climber at any time during the activity. Belay school is a mandatory activity that takes place prior to participating on the high elements and covers necessary safety procedures such as clipping into the climbing system, belaying, and back up belaying.

During belay school the group is broken down into belay teams that include a climber, belayer, and back up belayer. Participants should be told that they are responsible for their teams safety and should double check all harnesses, knots, clip-ins, and belay techniques. Facilitators need to explain how to use the following equipment: ropes, harnesses, carabineers, belay devices, and helmets.

Bosuns Chairs Description: A cable strung between two poles approximately 25-30 feet long with swings suspended from the cable. Objective: For participants to travel from one end to the other using the swings.

Cat Walk Description: A utility pole is connected horizontally between two vertical poles. Objective: To walk across the horizontal log without holding onto the climbing rope.

Pamper Pole Description: A cable strung between two poles 20 to 20 feet apart with a small bell suspended from it. The belay cable is usually 30-36 inches above the bottom cable. The climbers pole is positioned five to seven feet back from the bell. A Just Right belay device is used to lower participants after they jump. Objective: For participant to climb the pole, stand on top, and leap to ring the bell.

Pamper Pole Description: A cable strung between two poles 20 to 20 feet apart with a small bell suspended from it. The belay cable is usually 30-36 inches above the bottom cable. The climbers pole is positioned five to seven feet back from the bell. A Just Right belay device is used to lower participants after they jump. Objective: For participant to climb the pole, stand on top, and leap to ring the bell.

Giants Ladder Description: A giant ladder made of eight foot beams and cables. The ladder is suspended from an overhead cable. The distance between beams starts around 4 1/2 feet and increases in distance by 1/2 foot as climbers progress upward. Objective: For one or two climbers to ascend to the top of the ladder. The cable side supports cannot be used for support or climbing.

Multi-Vine Description: Two parallel cables strung between two poles or trees. The lower cable is the foot cable, and the other cable has several multi vine ropes hanging vertically from it. Objective: Climb up the pole and traverse the foot cable using the multi vine vine ropes for balance.