Low elements are approximately 1-2 feet off the ground
Some experts in the field of adventure education will differentiate between low elements
and initiatives. The main difference lies with the responsibility given to the group
to decide how individuals are organized to spot the activity. With certain activities,
spotters perform in a predefined order as orchestrated and controlled by the facilitator.
Initiatives give more freedom to the group to make responsible safety decisions. With
initiatives, the participants negotiate an activity safely without the use of spotters.
In short, the participants have demonstrated that they have the ability to make sound
judgments concerning spotting. Some believe a continuum of facilitator involvement
exists based upon the readiness and confidence of the group. For instance, a newly
formed group may need maximum facilitator involvement to steer the group into responsible
spotting of activities. A group that has been together for some time may be able to
make independent decisions with little facilitator input. But, situations could arise
where a group is not progressing to the point where they can be independent and the
facilitator's input is necessary. Low elements and initiatives are both close to the
ground and require spotting and safety mechanism.
- Swinging Log
- Description: The swinging log is approximately 15 feet long and is suspended about
one foot off the ground. The log is suspended by a cable at each end which is connected
to a tree.
- Objective: To access the log at one of the ends and walk across to the opposite end.
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- Adventure Walk
- Description: a series of cables connected to trees approximately 1 foot above the
ground.
- Objective: To have the group cross the cables without falling off.
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- Spider's Web
- Description: The Spider's Web is a prefabricated web strung between two trees, poles,
or any freestanding objects. The upright poles/trees are approximately 10 feet apart,
but his can be adjusted depending on conditions and group size. Webs may be constructed
from a variety of materials from heavy kite string to bungee cord. Webs may also be
portable or semi-permanent depending on needs and conditions. The web is constructed
of 10-15 holes/openings so that every participant in an average sized group can have
their own hole. The top border of the web should not be much higher than a group could
lift a participant to be passed through a hole, about 6 feet.
- Objective: To get the group from one side of the web to the other side going through
the web holes without touching any of the lines and staying within the predefined
boundaries of the task.
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- Nitro Crossing
- Description: A swing rope is attached to a cable handing down from the catwalk. Two
boards are placed on the ground approximately 10 feet a part to determine the swing
distance.
- Objective: To get the entire group across the swing distance.
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- Trust Fall Platform
- Description: A platform or tree stump 3-5 feet off the ground.
- Objective: To develop physical trust in the group. The participant climbs on top of
the platform, turns his/her back towards the group, hold their body rigid, and falls
backwards to be caught by the group.
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- Triangle Tension Traverse
- Description: A series of three cables strung between three trees/poles forming a close
proximity equilateral triangle. The cables are approximately 15 to 20 feet long and
2 feet off the ground. A rope is secured to the tree/pole at the starting point and
is long enough to reach the far end of the triangle. The height of the attachment
is approximately 8-10 feet off the ground. The rope is used by the participant to
help them balance while attempting to traverse the activity.
- Objective: For participants to traverse the triangle using the rope for balance, without
stepping off the cable. Two people may go at the same time and crossover one another
on the far cable.
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- Wild Woozy
- Description: Two cables approximately 20 feet in length connected to trees or poles
in a "V" formation approximately 2-3 feet above the ground.
- Objective: From the starting point two people will step up onto the cable and clasp
hands above their heads. With arms above heads they will lean against each other and
attempt to travel out on the cable as far as possible without touching the ground.
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- Multivine Traverse
- Description: Two cables strung between two poles/trees approximately 20-30 feet apart
with one cable approximately 2 feet off the ground and the other cable approximately
10 feet off the ground with ropes suspended from it.
- Objective: For participants to walk from one end of the cable to the other without
touching the ground, using the suspended ropes for balance.
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- Mountain Games
- Description: Three 3' x 3' wooden platforms on the ground approximately 5' apart and
two 3's x 8 boards.
- Objective: For the group to travel from the starting platform to the ending platform
without any member of the group or the boards touching the ground.
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