What is COPE?

COPE is an acronym for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience.

Project COPE is a series of inter-related events that challenge on an individual and group level.

Events are divided into four categories: initiative games, trust events, low elements, and high elements. Project COPE has seven objectives: Teamwork Self Confidence Trust Leadership Communication Decision Making Problem Solving

Project COPE. courses typically include open areas for games and trust events, and a series of "low" and "high" elements. The concept of 'challenge by choice' encourages each person to participate fully while maintaining the right to 'opt-out' of any individual part of the program. Games introduce teamwork concepts while also serving as warm-up exercises. Trust events further the teamwork development while also developing risk-taking from low to higher levels.

Low elements can include a wall, spider web, and other cable and rope combinations that involve teamwork relatively close to the ground. High elements are generally individual events involving climbing to heights of 20-30 feet, crossing cables, etc. Each element -- low or high -- is carefully spotted or belayed to minimize danger while still challenging the individuals to challenge personal levels of risk-taking.

How Long Does it Take?

The Low Course is designed for team development. A minimum of three sessions is needed before you will see much change in a group, but we have found that a full week gives the best results.

The High Course is more complex and progressive in nature.  The least challenging elements will be attempted during the earlier part of the week and our program culminates with the Giant Swing on Fridays.

What Do I Need? Basically all you need is yourself. All equipment is provided by the COPE Program. We suggest that you wear comfortable "long" pants, a t-shirt, and a good pair of athletic shoes.  Dress for the weather forecast. Each participant should be in good physical condition.