OXFORD,
Miss. – Teamwork. Leadership. Bonding. And doing it all while balancing
on a thin wire suspended above the ground. If this sounds like fun,
then check out the new Rebel Challenge Course at the University of
Mississippi.
Located near the Blackburn-McMurray Outdoor Sports
Complex (also known as the intramural fields) off Hathorn Road, the
course holds its grand opening 2-4 p.m. April 24. Following a
dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, everyone is invited to climb on
the elements.
“This course is something Campus Recreation has
wanted for a while,” said Shannon Richardson, assistant director of the
Department of Campus Recreation. “My background is in challenge
courses, and I really wanted to see this happen.”
The facility
features 16 low elements and eight high elements designed to create
environments and scenarios that are challenging but possible to
complete with group collaboration and individual inner strength.
Whether the goal is to improve communication, build problem-solving skills, enhance teamwork or simply have fun, the Ole Miss Outdoors staff can tailor an experience to meet the needs of any group.
The course was built to provide alternative programming and a positive atmosphere in which to work together as a group, as well as to build self-confidence, Richardson said. The facility can be reserved by UM students, faculty and staff, as well as corporations and non-profit groups.
Twelve certified facilitators have completed a 40-hour training period with course builder Adventures Experiences Inc., of Trinity, Texas. AEI was chosen because university planners wanted a design that would fit the natural elements of the location, Richardson said.
The course was funded through generous grants from the Ole Miss Parents Association (Parents Leadership Council) and from the Office of Greek Affairs. The remainder of the funding was provided by the Department of Campus Recreation.
“We are very fortunate that they liked the idea and recognized the value in it for the students, because students are our top priority,” Richardson said.
The course benefits more than just the individuals going through the challenges.
“It is also a great thing for student development on our end, because our facilitators are learning leadership skills,” Richardson said.
The facility also offers opportunities to outside groups, said Charles Allen, coordinator of fitness at Campus Recreation. “It’s important to have the course here so that we can have not only student groups but outside organizations go through the course,” he said. “We can help with teambuilding activities and have fun. Sometimes, in the day-to-day aspects of the job, we lose the fact that we are all trying to achieve a common goal.”
On a recent sunny spring day, more than 20 UM Landscape Services employees took advantage of the course to see how teamwork applies to their jobs. Divided into two groups, they spent two hours experiencing the elements.
Tom Dickerson, senior groundskeeper, said teamwork made his experience on the course a success.
“We don’t work together all the time, so it’s nice to come together as a team,” Dickerson said.
When each challenge was over, the Landscape Services participants received feedback about their strengths and weaknesses.
“Sometimes set goals that are lofty, and you will still do well,” Richardson told one group. “Even if you don’t accomplish it, look and see how far you’ve come.”
Ole Miss student Christina Palmer of Atlanta recently navigated the course. She said it was a great opportunity to push her personal limits.
“The variety of low and high elements challenge common fears and provide a way to conquer them with the protection of a carabineer,” said Palmer, a marketing and Spanish major. “The wall has a side for every level climber with the option of sliding back down the zip line or traditionally rappelling back down with the help of a facilitator. My favorite element was the vertical playpen. It was the most challenging of the elements and well worth the effort.”
Reservations can be made by calling 662-915-6735.Visit the Campus Recreation Web site .