A high ropes course was installed near the MLC’s practice field last spring. This will be the first year the course is open to students. Last week, several employees received training from ABEE, Inc. instructor Dan Miller on how to keep participants safe while on the course.

“Having a ropes and challenge course on campus is a game changer for Martin Luther College and the community of New Ulm,” Miller said. “The programming possibilities are endless. A ropes course challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, builds trust through teamwork, and proves that the strongest bonds are formed one obstacle at a time.”

MLC Physical Education Professor Breanna Olson said there will be three classes using the high ropes course next year as well as some other student groups and staff.

“This is intended as a soft opening for the rope course,” she said. “For the first year it will be used by the college and groups connected to the college. Next year it will be open to the wider public.”

MLC Physical Education Professor Breanna Olson tests the cargo net on the new high ropes course. Olson said the cargo net is one of the most physically challenging parts of the course. Submitted photo

Next year, MLC plans to open the course to outside groups for team-building events. Schools, businesses, sports teams, and other organizations will have the opportunity to take part in guided experiences focused on leadership, communication, and collaboration–all set in a safe and encouraging environment.

Olson said described it as an obstacle course designed for team building exercises. People are not intended to complete the course as individuals. In fact, the course cannot be used without support. For safety purposes, anyone using the course must wear a helmet and harness tied to a belaying team. It is a fully supervised course.

Though it is called a “high” ropes course, Olson said the course includes several low rope stages as well. There are seven stages in total with most of them based around group problem solving. However, she admitted it was physically demanding.

“The cargo net and vertical play pen is a physical challenge,” Olson said. “That will increase heart rate to a moderate level rate.”

Olson said the high parts of the course are not too difficult, but they can be intimidating. The high rope stages involving traversing an area that’s 43 feet off the ground. She said some people get nervous at that height and not everyone is able to complete the high ropes section of the course, but that is OK.

Martin Luther College (MLC) staff take part in safety training for the new high ropes course on the campus. From left to right: Becca Kvam, Paul Huebner, MacKenzie Holzbauer and Allison Bovee. Submitted photo

“The purpose of it is to celebrate what people can do,” Olson said. “Some might only make it to the top of the ladder, or part way up the ladder. Everyone has a different comfort level or fear factor with heights and we cheer for them regardless.”

Olson said she believed the high ropes course will make a great addition to the campus and will be a unique feature in the community.

MLC staff help lower Scott Schmudlach during their safety training for the new high ropes course on campus. In photo (L to R) Jacob Miller, Michelle Markgraf, Benjamin Matzke, Mary Hames and Becca Kvam. Submitted photo

Mark Maurice climbs the vertical play pen stage of the high ropes course. In photo from left to right, Jacob Miller, Matt Doering, Mark Maurice, Aaron Spike and Allison Bovee Submitted photo