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C.O.P.E. Stands for
Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience.
COPE consists of a series of
obstacles and challenges designed to foster problem solving skills and
group interaction. Seven key goals are developed:
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LEADERSHIP |
SELF ESTEEM |
TEAMWORK |
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PROBLEM SOLVING |
TRUST |
Plus!
FUN! |
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COMMUNICATION |
DECISION MAKING |
These goals are accomplished through obstacles and
challenges to force the group to work together, communicate with each
other, and trust the group decision as they attempt a solution to the
obstacle. The COPE program generally consists of
Initiative Games, Low Course, High
Course, and Rappelling.
Going
Through COPE
The
C.O.P.E. Program is for scouts age
13 and older. The program is available to Scout Units, Explorer Posts,
and other groups wishing to participate. All participants must have a
Class 3 Medical form and a completed Hold Harmless Agreement. Required
clothing includes long pants, and soft-soled shoes.
Classes are
offered each morning during Summer Camp from 9:00 am through 11:50 am. Project COPE
provides an every participant the opportunity for success as an
individual and member of their group.
Initiative
Games
The first
part of the program is Initiative
Games. Participants and
Instructors do some stretching and exercising, and then some initiative
games. Generally initiative games are group problem solving activities.
Generally these activities are used to get everyone acquainted with each
other, establish communication and teamwork skills, and creative
thinking. Many of these do not require spotting, but help prepare the
group to spot each other in later activities.
Willow in the wind, also sometimes
known as the Trust Circle is used to
gain trust in other group members and get more acquainted with spotting.
Spotting is integral to the program. Because many of the
obstacles are elevated group members work together to spot each other to
prevent falls and injury.
Low Course
The
Low Course
obstacles promote teamwork and problem solving. For each obstacle, the
Instructor will provide a scenario and some general instructions.
Participants work together to complete the obstacle. Some of the
obstacles used on the low course are The Wild Woozy, Bermuda Triangle, Punctured Drum, Trust
Fall, Wall, and many others.
HIGH
COURSE
Some of the
High Course at the Camp Blue Heron COPE course are 55-60 feet above the
ground. At all times while on the course, a participant maintains two
points of attachment, usually a belay line and a set of rabbit ears, to
prevent accidents. Everyone within the High Course area must wear a
safety helmet. Project C.O.P.E. is offered each week during our
Traditional Summer Camp program. Scouts as well as Scout Leaders are
encouraged to participate in this exciting program.
SAFETY IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR ALL
ASPECTS OF COPE
 BSA
Climbing Merit Badge
Camp Blue Heron will be offering afternoon Climbing Merit Badge sessions
for those older scouts, 13 and above, looking for a challenging new
experience. Reach new heights of adventure as you take on our awesome
climbing wall and tower. Learn new rope and knot tying skills beyond the
eight basics. Two-hour sessions will be conducted each day during the
summer operations. A Council Hold
Harmless Agreement and a Class 3 BSA Medical Form are required for
participation. There will be a $15 activity fee for the program.
Participants will receive a special certificate and patch for the week’s
program.
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