Members of Delta State University’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity recently journeyed to Clear Creek Recreation Area in Oxford for a leadership retreat. The group of 16 participated in a series of leadership, trust, and team-building exercises with the University of Mississippi’s Outdoor Program at the Outdoor Challenge Course.
Todd Davis, instructor and coordinator for recreation leadership under the Dave Heflin Professorship, explained that this was a first for the recreation program. “Last year several SAE members approached me and wanted a program designed where they could bond and have a leadership experience. I suggested a ropes course in the area, and they wanted to do it. I set it up with a colleague at the University of Mississippi, and their recreation students collaborated with us in developing an amazing experience.”
A ropes course is a series of outdoor elements made up of trees, wires, poles, and other equipment, designed to create unique and challenging problem solving scenarios. Teams work together to negotiate the elements and successfully meet the challenges presented. Developmental learning focuses on concepts such as team dynamics, effective communication, decision making, and leadership, woven into discussions following the completion of each element.
Ropes courses are a dynamic and fun training tool, designed to help individuals and teams maximize their leadership potential. Davis stated, “As a new fraternity on the campus of Delta State University, this was an opportunity for the SAE members to grow as fraternal brothers, experience situations requiring ultimate trust, and developed bonds through teamwork. It is the ultimate challenge in developing leadership, trust, and bonds with people.”
If you have an organization interested in an outdoor retreat, please contact Todd Davis at 662.846.4555 or email tdavis@deltastate.edu.
