All About Junior High Ropes

This past spring, as schools rolled in for Pine Valley Outdoor Science Camp, a lot of students gazed up at our brand-new upgraded ropes course, then turned to the nearest adult and asked, “when do we get to do that?”

In the spring of 2025, our outdoor education students got to try out the Zipline and the Step of Faith, two aspects of our ropes course. Many kids loved it and were hungry for more. That’s why we’re pleased to introduce Junior High Ropes, the newest class added to Pine Valley Outdoor Science Camp!

Who is Junior High Ropes For?

Junior High Ropes is available to any school booking an experience with Pine Valley Outdoor Science Camp. However, we expect this to be a very popular class, so sign up early to ensure that your school gets a spot!

As the name implies, Junior High Ropes is intended for… well, junior highers. However, it’s not limited to just those grades! If you are bringing older or younger students, we can accommodate them as well. For younger students, we will ask you to conduct a “reach test” for all of your students before camp to ensure they will be able to easily move about the course; those who do not have a high enough reach will need to be accompanied by an adult on the course. For teachers of older grades, you can choose between the introductory Junior High Ropes or sign up for High Ropes through our Leadership Camp.

Which part of the ropes course are available in Junior High Ropes?

Junior High Ropes is meant to be an introductory course for all comfort zones. The 75-minute class starts with on-the-ground activities that include passing our Ground School, a feet-on-the-floor simulation of what the ropes course is like. After passing Ground School, students can choose their own path on the first level of our ropes course. Level One features fifteen different elements, plus the rock walls that get you up and down the course. Students can do as many or as few of these elements as they want as time allows.

If you or your students are interested in Level Two and all that our ropes course has to offer, be sure to bring them back for Leadership Camp. Students in grades 8-12 (plus 7th graders if the majority attended Science Camp) get to explore all 30+ elements in a double-length High Ropes class. Keep in mind that the Zipline and Step of Faith are also options for Afternoon Activity Time.

What is taught in Junior High Ropes class?

You’ll get not just one, but two of our dedicated instructors to guide you through the “ropes” of everything you need to know in this social-emotional learning class. Starting on the ground, one of our instructors will talk about the difference between appropriate and inappropriate risks, how to focus what your mind dwells on, and an in-depth explanation of the knots and equipment we use on the course. As each student gears up and passes ground school, they’ll meet their other instructor up on the course, who will provide practical tips and assistance as needed while traversing through the elements. Students who are on the ground before or after their high ropes experience will get involved with activities such as knot-tying, practicing transfers, and finding positive ways to encourage those on the course.

Is this a required class?

Not at all! For the 2025/26 school year, we will be offering close to twenty different daytime class options. We have time to schedule up to three of these classes per day. So depending on the exact length of your camp session, teachers will choose between three and nine classes. If Junior High Ropes is not one of the classes selected for your school, you’ll instead get involved in a slew of other fun classes, like Heights & Balances, Target Practice, Team Building, Laser Tag, or any of our science classes.

Another important thing to note: even if your school does sign up for this class, it does not mean that students who do not want to climb up the course will be required to. Yes, every student will attend this class, learn the on-the-ground skills, and even get geared up, but this is a challenge by choice class, meaning that what you do after passing ground school is a personal choice and shouldn’t be determined by peer pressure. (However, we have found that some students who were adamant about staying on the ground change their mind after they see how much fun the ropes course is- that’s okay too!)

What kind of risk management is involved with this ropes course?

Our new ropes course was professionally built and is tested by a professional inspector at least once per year. Additionally, our staff inspect the course and equipment (including helmets and smart belays) before and after each class. Speaking of staff, each team member goes through multiple trainings and tests before they are allowed to lead Junior High Ropes. As we discuss at the beginning of this class, we know there are inherent risks for any activity done off the ground, so we enact strict safety standards to mitigate those risks. Please help us with this by ensuring that all students AND chaperones listen carefully and follow through on the instructions they are given.

Is there an added fee?

This is the only class that we offer at an additional premium, which is a modest $5-per-student. You won’t find this low of a rate anywhere else that includes what we have to offer! Better yet, teachers and other chaperones can choose to participate in the ropes course for free! If you’d like financial assistance so your students can join this class, check out these funding opportunities.

Do you have any questions about Junior High Ropes at Pine Valley Outdoor Science Camp? Drop them in the comments below, or contact us!