The Challenge Ropes Course – located on the Winona campus of Saint Mary’s University – provides a unique and fun environment for experiential and adventure-based education. Diverse populations can participate in activities designed to build self-confidence and teamwork, as well as develop an understanding of the complexities of human nature through the use of a wide variety of elements and initiatives.

The course includes low challenge elements that are 2 to 3 feet above the ground, and high challenge elements that are 25 to 40 feet above the ground. The low elements course includes a variety of elements, games and initiatives. The high elements course has nine elements, including a zip line. The tower includes a climbing wall with multiple routes for varying skill levels.

School groups, youth organizations, community groups or clubs, non-profit organizations and staff from businesses are invited to use the course starting summer 2009! The course can accommodate a group with as few as 6 participants or as high as 50. (Groups with more than 32 members should call for pricing.)

Submit a Ropes Course Interest form

Sports Information Director Donny Nadeau '85 learns the ropes.

Mission

To provide quality experiential educational programming with the primary purposes being personal development and team development for a diverse clientele base.

Programs offered:

• A quarter-day low elements/initiative program – a one- to two-hour workshop presented on elements 2 and 3 feet above the ground.
• A half-day low elements/initiative program – a three- to four-hour program that includes a progression of activities on the low element/initiative course.
• A half-day high elements program – a three- to four-hour program including a minimum of one hour of low element/initiatives and up to three hours on the high element course.
• A full-day program – a six- to seven-hour program including a progression of activities on the low element/initiative course, as well as the high element course. If clients request a full day of high elements, at least the first hour will be spent on the low course before progressing to the high course.

Contact

All booking requests must be made no less than two weeks in advance to the Outdoor Leadership Office, (507) 457-8740 or email outdoorleadership@smumn.edu.

Staff

The ropes course staff – comprised of SMU students and professional staff – is highly trained in safety procedures and are first aid and CPR/AED certified.

Rates

*Indicates pricing for internal Saint Mary's University groups

Forms

Informed Consent / Medical History Form (PDF)

Participant Agreement, Release and Consent for Emergency Treatment Form (PDF)

Program Assessment Form (online)