The COPE  & Challenge Course Programs

 

COPE and Challenge Course programs are scheduled for fall and spring weekends.  All participants must be registered Scouts, Venturers, or adult leaders; please review the individual programs for additional requirements. The minimum group size is 6 participants and the maximum group size is 24 participants

COPE Announcements

Fall Applications

 Now Available - Registration Starts July 1, 2008

In-council units            $35 per person

Out-of-council units     $45 per person

Non-BSA units *          $50 per person

  * Non BSA units  must file a certificate of insurance

COPE Description

 

The Challenge Course

The Challenge Course is a half day program open to any registered Scout, Venturer, or adult leader.  This program includes challenges, initiative games, and low course events.  Participants may schedule other activities at Schiff, including Pine Tree programs, Shooting Sports, or individual programs conducted by the unit. (revised 7/23/2006)

The COPE Course

COPE participants must be registered Scouts 13 years old or older and have completed 7th Grade by January 1st of the year registered.  The program starts Saturday morning at 8:00 AM (0800) SHARP and conclude for the day at the discretion of the COPE director.  Depending on the size of the group, the Course will resume on Sunday morning at 8:00 AM (0800) SHARP and will conclude at the discretion of the COPE director.

 

Climbing

Click here for the Climbing flyer.

Click here for the Climbing Fact Sheet.

 

COPE Course Elements

The course has two types of elements.  It comprises group initiative games, low course (12 feet and under), and high course activities (about 30-40 feet high).

Low Course

The low course elements typically do not require the use of a safety line of any type but do however require the assistance of the group to "spot" the individual's) on the element. 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. Group activities are ideal for emphasizing the patrol method and developing leadership skills.

The activities are not designed to be competitive or to be a race against time. More important goals such as leadership, trust, teamwork, self-esteem, problem solving, communication, and decision making are emphasized.

High Course

 

 

History of the

Schiff COPE Course

In 1983, our council was selected as the Northeast Region's  "Project COPE Test Council", utilizing the high ropes course at Onteora Scout Reservation.  At the end of the test, the council hosted the first regional COPE camp school; due to the seasonal limitation, it was decided to construct a COPE course at Camp Wauwepex, now known as Schiff Scout Reservation. 

The construction of the course was completed in 1985, and camp school was held, staffed by council professionals and volunteers.  In 1999, the course was named in honor of Arthur R. Noble upon his retirement from the Council Executive Staff.

High-course elements range in height from ground level to 6'+ (typically around 25-30') in the air. These elements require the use of not only "spotting" but safety (belay) lines as well. The High Course has a 42-foot high tower, a 300-foot zip line, two wire walks, a Burma bridge, vertical play-pen, Giants ladder, Caving ladder, Cargo Net, and a Rock Climbing/Rappelling Wall.  Troop 5 provided donations to construct the original tower, and Troop 261 donated the Rock Climbing/Rappelling Wall. 

The course will run in sunny or inclement weather EXCEPT when:

  • there is lightning
  • there is freezing rain
  • there is snow or ice conditions
  • there is high winds 
  • the COPE director determines a combination of conditions will not permit safe use of the course.

Click HERE to go to COPE objectives.