The Swinging Log is a popular ropes course element
that is constructed between trees or poles. A tree or log is suspended
with cables between trees or poles, making it very difficult to stand
on.
The objective is to perform various group balancing
tasks on top of the log.
Sample Tasks
Have individuals stand on one end of the log and walk
to the other side. Not as easy at it sounds - the log rocks back and
forth and side to side!
Have one individual stand on top of the end of each log. They can
hold on to the cable to start. On "Go" each person must balance
without holding on to anything, and try to rock the log to shake the
other person off. (We call this activity "Jousting")
Have individuals try to step up onto the middle of the log and balance
for 5 seconds on the first try. Create a line in the dirt in front of
the log and have people step onto the log from behind the line. Move
the line back to making increasingly more difficult.
Have the group sit on the log and lift their legs off the group simultaneously
for a count of ten.
Have the group stand on the log at the same time for a count of ten.
Very difficult!
Some facilitiation tips:
The group initiatives are very difficult to spot. Many ropes course
companies now recommend only doing individual activities on the log.
When performing group initiatives on the log, be sure to have participants
hold the log until the last person is up. Staff spotters should secure
the log when the group jumps off to prevent it from swinging.
Be sure that your ropes course contractor has installed safey cables
that limit the swing of the log.
Do not let participants go between the log and the trees it connected
to. They could be struck while between the log and tree, which would
be very dangerous.
Be sure that only properly trained staff supervise all ropes course
activities!
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