I trekked along a long, winding, dirt trail, a slight breeze of warm wind flowing through the thick green forest. On my right side lay a beautiful blue, sparkling lake, known as Walloon Lake. On my left rose a short, steep bluff that shallowed into a hill that was covered with tall and fallen trees. Before long I came to a clearing in the woods. High above me I could see rope bridges and other random pieces of wood that I assumed was a ropes course. Further still I saw a tiny cabin of wood and several worn benches. Each of the 3 benches had about six kids on them. About four or five yards in front of them two young women and 3 young men sat in personal yard chairs. These people I assumed were Camp Michigania staff members. This gathering I guessed was the ropes session at the camp. It was also my destination.
Once I had sat down, a male staff member sat up from his lazy slouched position and said,"Well I suppose we have everyone, so now we can start. Welcome to Ropes. In a minute we will be able to climb that rock wall..." Everybody looked to there left and stared at the towering rock climbing wall. "...but first we must lay some ground-or should I say wall- rules. Firstly, you must wear your safety harness and helmet at all times, secondly, you will have to follow the directions given precisely. That is all you really need to know. Alright, let's get you ready for the wall."
With that the man got up and led the group into the cabin. Inside was an assortment of tools, helmets, and harnesses. He instructed us to grab a helmet and a harness. After waiting in line to get the gear I put the helmet on and strapped it under my chin. I noticed many of the kids were getting help from the staff with getting the harnesses on. Once I examined the harness, I put that on, too. When all of the kids had there stuff on, we walked over to the rock wall. Standing at the bottom, I could see that the wall was easily 150 feet or more. I shivered, but it was a very warm summer day. The director pushed through the crowd and called for attention.
With authority the staff guy said,"Form two lines please."
The class did so. I rushed to be first in line and made it. Another staff member attatched his rope and pulley to my harness and told me to start climbing. I did. I always like to stick to climbing only one color because it's more challenging.
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