High Ropes Course
Constructed on our campus in 2018, our high ropes course serves as a form of experiential therapy. It stresses the association between behavior and emotion, reinforcing the goal of replacing negative behaviors or thoughts with positive ones. Used as complementary therapy, the ropes course aims to help facilitate personal growth and build coping skills.
The 40-foot tall outdoor climbing wall on Mountain Lake Academy's campus.
A student makes progress up the climbing wall.
A student stretching to grab a hold on the 40-foot climbing wall.
The 40-foot tall outdoor climbing wall on Mountain Lake Academy's campus.
Climbing Wall
Climbing is part of the new physical education movement with a focus on lifetime fitness for every student, not just the "natural athletes." Rock climbing is a dynamic activity that is attractive to a diversity of people—even those not typically interested in physical activity. Climbing provides opportunities to build physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills.
A counselor assists a student as they work to complete the high ropes course.
Students make their way through the high ropes course on Mountain Lake Academy's campus.
A counselor assists a student as they work to complete the high ropes course.
Challenge by Choice
Some aspects of the ropes course require teamwork, which can lead to building trust in others and interpersonal growth. Working together enables students to achieve new goals, which translates to other areas of their lives. Our students learn skills involving cooperation, problem-solving, goal-setting, and strategic risk-taking. Studies show ropes course activities help reduce anxiety on both a short-term and long-term basis.
A student pulls himself a long the high ropes course while staying balanced.
Students and counselors work together to accomplish the high ropes courses.
A student makes a brave step as he works his way through the high ropes course.
A student pulls himself a long the high ropes course while staying balanced.
Experiential Learning
Ropes course activities help students struggling with anxiety, addiction, and other mental health challenges. By mastering the ropes course, students experience a boost in confidence that can help them overcome fears and complete challenges they never thought possible. The knowledge gained from this experience can promote new coping skills and facilitate healthier behaviors and relationships moving forward.