Drivers zipping down University, passing the campus, may not notice the tall structures in the woods across from the commuter parking lot. They don’t know that on occasion people are doing some zipping of their own from these mysterious structures.
These zip-line towers are one element of the SFA Experiential Learning Center or ELC. The ELC provides organizations with the opportunity to promote teamwork and build leaders through the unique physical challenges presented by the zip-line, high ropes, low ropes, and various other activities run by Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Pursuits department.
This past Saturday I observed these exciting activities while a student group from Lufkin First Assembly of God ascended challenging ropes, climbed rigorous rock walls, and made literal leaps of faith. Their Student Pastor Jim Ramsey led the charge.
The students had to communicate efficiently with one another to solve various problems. On the high ropes students climbed the obstacles while their peers belayed. The rest of the group provided encouragement, urging those that struggled to fight the temptation to quit.
So far this semester the ELC has hosted a handful of events, but the department has ambitions to be working every weekend. The ELC is available to any organization that is interested.
The ELC offers various levels of programs to fit different budgets.
One to three hours of low ropes and teambuilding initiatives cost $10 per person for an on-campus organization, $12.50 for a non-profit organization and $20 for off-campus organizations.
The high ropes and rock climbing program for one to three hours cost $12.50 for an on-campus organization, $15 for a non-profit organization and $25 for off-campus organizations.
The largest package runs for three to six hours and includes low ropes, initiatives, high ropes and rock climbing. This all inclusive package cost $17 per person for on-campus organizations, $20 for a non-profit organization and $30 for off-campus organizations.
The next Experiential Learning Center event takes place March 25. The intramural staff will be stepping up to challenge the zip-lines and thwart the ropes courses.
Interested parties may contact Michael Maningas, Assistant Director for Outdoor Pursuits, at (936) 468-6234. Also, Graduate Assistant George Glavasis is happy to help anyone wanting to schedule ELC activities. He can be reached at (936) 468-6054.
The teamwork skills required to overcome the ropes courses and master the initiatives of the ELC apply directly to the workplace. The ELC seeks to inspire a belief in one’s self and a trust in one’s peers. With the ELC one will hone interpersonal skills and utilize them at the workplace.
Jack’d up – Zachary Overfield
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