mentally. Initiative games are not a race against time, but focus on a trial and error achievement. These games are particularly useful for enhancing the trust, responsibility, and self-esteem of each member in the group. Initiative games are used to teach spotting at the beginning of the course and are utilized throughout the course as needed.
Some of the more popular initiative games include: The Trust Walk, Human Knot, Willow In TheWind, Blind Shapes, and Cookie Machine. Below are some pictures of common initiative games used on the COPE Course.
The Low-course is nestled within a set of tall pine trees. This is where groups begin to develop into a solid team. It is important to us that we do not describe the Low Course elements. We feel that by explaining the objectives of each Low Course element we may be degrade the experience of a future participant.
Some of the Low Course elements that the Mid-Iowa Council COPE program currently operates are: The meat grinder, Spiders web, UP shuffle, wild woozy, tomahawk walk, the wall, nuclear reactor, nitro cross, trust fall, artesian beams, Bermuda triangle and more.
The high course is the final stage of the C.O.P.E. program. Unlike the Initiative Games and Low Course, the High Course is more of an individual program with the support of your team. The course includes a 400 foot zip line, a balance beam, and skywalk events. Each of these events is approximately 30 feet up in the air.
Climbing
Tower
The purpose of the climbing program is to introduce rock climbing and rappelling to the participants at Camp Mitigwa. The climbing and rappelling program will give participants the basic knowledge of equipment, techniques, equipment use, and safety concerns needed for a safe and effective climbing and rappelling experience. The program is not designed to give participants the skills or knowledge to go out and climb on their own (without an experienced climbing professional).
Rock climbing is one of the most rapidly growing outdoor sports. Many young people are now engaging in it withvarious degrees of knowledge and ability. The purpose of this program is to introduce rock climbing and rappelling to the participants at Camp Mitigwa. As their knowledge and skill increase, participants become more confident and develop more self reliance.
Good physical condition is a prerequisite for participating in rock climbing or rappelling. Participants with serious medical problems must have approval from a physician licensed to practice medicine and have had a medical examination within one year. Staff must be informed (privately) of the physical or mental limitations of any participant.
The rock climbing and rappelling program will be conducted using the books Outdoor Skills Instruction: Rappelling/Climbing, Boy Scouts of America and the Climbing Merit Badge Book.
NON-SCOUT GROUP COSTS
C.O.P.E. COURSE
Low C.O.P.E. (only) $ 25.00/person ($200.00 minimum group charge)
Low and High C.O.P.E. $ 35.00/person ($280.00 minimum group charge)
CLIMBING TOWER
1 day (2 3-4 hour sessions) $ 25.00/person ($250.00 minimum group charge)
½ day (3-4 hours) $ 15.00/person ($150.00 minimum group charge)
SCOUT/CAMP PARTNER COSTS
C.O.P.E. COURSE
Low C.O.P.E. (only) $ 10.00/person ($ 80.00 minimum group charge)
Low and High C.O.P.E. $ 20.00/person ($160.00 minimum group charge)
CLIMBING TOWER Capacity
Day = (2) 3-4 hours sessions Capacity is 1-12 participants $180.00/day $ 90.00/half day
½ Day = 3-4 hours Capicity is 13-18 participants $270.00/day $135.00/half day
Click here for reservation instructions.