Stepping out of comfort zones and facing challenges often results in personal growth, self-discovery and empowerment. We see this take shape as students navigate the rigors of the classroom and now with the pairing of the Barnes Center at The Arch Challenge Course and Zip Line opportunities, students can cultivate holistic health and wellness.
Students enjoying the zip line experience.
Why is it important to encourage participation in the Challenge Course and Zip Line?
Skills learned through outdoor adventure, inclusive of the challenge course and zip line experiences, are transferable throughout students’ unique health and wellness journeys. When explored through the Barnes Center at The Arch Wellness Wheel, they encompass Emotional Wellness, Environmental Wellness, Intellectual Wellness, Physical Wellness and Social Wellness.
“Woven into daily interactions, these skills can be used to successfully navigate group projects and tasks while developing healthy, positive relationships with peers, colleagues, faculty, staff and future employers,” says Scott Catucci G ’21, Barnes Center at The Arch associate director for outdoor adventure, esports and student development.
Growth themes focus on reexamining how students relate to the people and places around them. Additional highlights include:
Students learn effective communication skills, cooperation, resiliency and more while participating in the University challenge course.
What is needed to participate in the challenge course and zip line?
Individual challenge course and zip line opportunities, along with group challenge course registration opportunities, are available throughout the end of the semester and into the summer months. Students are asked to register on the Wellness Portal. For registration instructions and more information visit the Wellness Portal Instruction webpage.
There is no additional cost to participate. Students are asked to wear closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or boots, in addition to weather-appropriate attire, such as athletic gear. The health and wellness team will further support experiences through education, guidance and providing all other needed materials, such as a helmet and harness.
Where is the Outdoor Challenge Course and Zip Line?
Located on South Campus, the Outdoor Education Center, challenge course and zip line can be accessed using the Syracuse University Shuttle.
Are there other outdoor adventure opportunities?
Throughout the academic year, the Barnes Center at The Arch offers a variety of outdoor adventure experiences. Future offerings will be available on the Wellness Portal and the Syracuse University Event Calendar.
About the Supporting Student Wellness Series
Through a student-focused lens of integrated health and wellness, this series explores a variety of Barnes Center at The Arch resources and services. In the pursuit of enhancing the student experience, topics empower faculty, staff, students, families and supporters as catalysts of health and wellness within their daily interactions.
For more information or to request accommodations, visit the Outdoor Adventure webpage or call the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000.
