COPE stands for "Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience". It is comprised of group initiative games, Low Course, and High Course activities. Some of the activities involve a group challenge while others test individual skills and agility. Participants climb, jump, balance, swing, and find many solutions to a variety of activities and problems.

Group activities are ideal for emphasizing the patrol method and developing leadership skills. The activities are not designed to be competitive or a race against time, but stress more important goals.

The Goals

Objectives of

Project COPE

Trust
Teamwork
Leadership
Communications
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Self-Esteem

What is a COPE Course?

A COPE course consists of a number of elements; that is, events which the group will encounter. Each event is designed to challenge the group in a different way, but all are designed to emphasize one or more of the Project COPE goals. An example of one event would be "The"Wall"; a 12.5' wall that the entire group must cross over. There are some restrictions, limited only to the imagination of the Facilitator and the safety precautions of the individual event.

There are two classifications of elements:

Low Course and High Course. Low Course elements are those elements that range in height from ground level to 12.5' in the air. These elements typically do not require the use of a safety line of any type, but do require the assistance of the group to "spot" the individual(s) on the element.

High Course elements range in height from ground level to around 30'. These elements require the use of safety ("belay") lines as well as the use of spotters.

How Long Does It Take

The Low Course is designed for team development. A minimum of four (4) hours is needed before you will see much change in a group, but we have found that around six (6) hours gives the best results.

The High Course is more complex. You can expect about 30 to 45 minutes per person for your group.

Who Participates in Project COPE?

The COPE Course is a tool for improving a groups morale, communication, and teamwork. It is ideal for school, professional, and executive groups, as well as clubs, small and large businesses, and government agencies. Participants must be at least 13 years old (high ropes course) by January 1 of the year of participation. Each participant/parent must sign a waiver of liability and complete a health form.

Each group that uses the course has a custom program designed to address their specific needs. Two facilitators are assigned to each group. These facilitators will contact or meet with a group representative before the group arrives at the course to discuss the group need's, wishes, concerns, and questions.

How Much Does It Cost?

COPE programs are customized to the groups needs. Therefore the cost of the activities will vary depending on the program desired. There is no fee to Occoneechee Council Scouts for the use of the facility; the fees cover the program and facilitators. 

E-mail the council COPE Director (edwillms@bellsouth.net) for a quote for your group. In our opinion this will be the best training dollars you will ever spend.

What Do I Need?

Basically all you need is yourself. All equipment is provided by the COPE Program. We suggest that you wear comfortable "long" pants, a t-shirt, and a good pair of athletic shoes.  Dress for the weather forecast.

Each participant should be in good physical condition.