For over 10 years SAMBICA has been talking about having a high ropes course. Thanks to the generosity of Chris and Kristina Shaffer the dream is a reality. Chris began talking with Mike McCorkle almost six years ago about their common interest in team building and leadership development. About the gift Chris says, "my passion is creating environments where people and teams can learn, grow and realize their full potential. The vision of leadership development at SAMBICA and the Christ centered focus of what they do made it a great fit between what the camp is about and what God has placed in my heart and given me a passion for."

In November 2009 all the talking and planning became a reality when work began on the course. Built on SAMBICA's southern campus (agacent to the recreation field) in existing trees, the course offers something for all skill and comfort levels.

 

 

SAMBICA’s ropes course was designed and built by Andrews Consulting LLC where safety comes first. Ropes course leaders at SAMBICA complete an extensive training program. With the safety systems in place, participants can fully enjoy the experience. Our harnesses are fabricated out of the same material that seat belts are created from and are inspected before use at the start of every program. SAMBICA’s course is inspected annually by an authorized ropes course building company.

 

Ropes course programs work toward building self-confidence, honing communication skills, developing critical thinking skills, while helping to establish the importance of setting goals.

 

 

Activities on our ropes course include:

 

 

High Ropes: A series of obstacles based 25 feet off the ground, making use of an overhead static belay to protect participants. Course includes: Cargo Net, Organ Pipes, Islands in the Sky, Dragons Tail, Swinging Planks, Chaplin Walk, Hourglass, Heebee Jeebee, Multi-Line, Stirrups, Railroad Crossing, Floating Stumps, and the Jungle Swing.

 

Flying Squirrel: A team building activity where teammates on the ground participate in the belay for the participant, lifting them from the ground and letting them fly through the air with the greatest of ease.

 

Tree Climb: See how high you can climb (up to 40 feet) up one of the tallest trees at camp while on safety belay.

 

 

The course opened in June 2010 to our first week of summer campers. In addition to summer use, the course will also be available to our guest groups.