Ropes Course Refurbished, Building Character One Climb At A Time
By: Gina Benitez
Updated: June 21, 2012
A ropes course at camp Tonkawa was out of commission for several years but thanks to the local Boy Scout council it's open again.
This particular COPE course, which stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience, is nearly 20 years old and the scouts helped re-certify and refurbish it.
This may look like a high flying good time. However, its just a bit more than that.
Nathan Williams, COPE and Camp Climbing Director says, "We give them problems and we make them work together and to come together to try to deal with a situation."
It's a ropes course, hidden away bordering the Abilene State Park and the only one of its kind in the immediate area. Benjamin Moore was one of the first to tackle today's element.
When asked if there was any point Moore didn't think he could make it through, he says, "Nope."
I can't say the same for myself, but if you're wondering, I did get to participate today and surprisingly completed the challenge. Not without a little self-doubt. But I guess that's what it's all about, learning to overcome.
"Don't give up on yourself, that's what I've learned," says Moore.
Williams adds, "It's challenge by choice. We don't make anybody do anything."
And it's not just for children.
"Older people are just like kids. They get stuck into ruts and they get stuck thinking about limitations and COPE is something that we can cater to that group and to help them extend themselves. Cater out to them and help them find new confidence," says Williams.
The course is open to any organizations or groups that would like to participate. To find out more, simply click here.
This particular COPE course, which stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience, is nearly 20 years old and the scouts helped re-certify and refurbish it.
This may look like a high flying good time. However, its just a bit more than that.
Nathan Williams, COPE and Camp Climbing Director says, "We give them problems and we make them work together and to come together to try to deal with a situation."
It's a ropes course, hidden away bordering the Abilene State Park and the only one of its kind in the immediate area. Benjamin Moore was one of the first to tackle today's element.
When asked if there was any point Moore didn't think he could make it through, he says, "Nope."
I can't say the same for myself, but if you're wondering, I did get to participate today and surprisingly completed the challenge. Not without a little self-doubt. But I guess that's what it's all about, learning to overcome.
"Don't give up on yourself, that's what I've learned," says Moore.
Williams adds, "It's challenge by choice. We don't make anybody do anything."
And it's not just for children.
"Older people are just like kids. They get stuck into ruts and they get stuck thinking about limitations and COPE is something that we can cater to that group and to help them extend themselves. Cater out to them and help them find new confidence," says Williams.
The course is open to any organizations or groups that would like to participate. To find out more, simply click here.
