Arrowhead High School gives students the opportunity to participate in a challenge course which was built in 2008 at North Campus. The challenge course involves a series of rope courses along with a rock climbing wall. A 40 feet pole challenges students to go beyond their comfort zone.

When ascending a cliff, boulder or even an indoor rock wall, physical strength and endurance are required. According to the HuffingtonPost.com, rock climbing has been proven to be extremely healthy. This activity can increase muscle strength and endurance, brain activity, helps reduce stress, and can teach people valuable life lessons.

According to Arrowhead’s Challenge Ropes Course Policy And Procedures Manual, “A ropes and challenge course uses physical challenges and a series of problem solving events to tap into a different and often time’s new realm of resources. By using a system of cables, poles, and ropes at varying heights from one to forty feet off the ground, individuals and groups are given the opportunity to experience physically and emotionally safe challenges.”

Kari Sagal is the PE teacher who runs Adventure Gym at Arrowhead. This is how students gain access to the challenge course.

Sagal says, “Only a handful of high schools in the state of Wisconsin have a ropes course for use. It allows a more diversified offering of physical education classes for students to choose from. Along with exposing students to a potential lifetime activity to pursue.”

“Mrs. Sagal’s everything a gym teacher should be. She’s both respectful of boundaries but still encourages people to step outside of their comfort zones. She’s also involved and personable; I can tell that she really cares about the well-being of her students,” Daniel Paulmeter, a senior at Arrowhead High School says.

Many students at Arrowhead High School attempt to fit Adventure Gym into their schedule for the purpose of completing a physical education credit, challenging themselves and having a good time.

“The challenge course is such a good experience for students because it challenges you to push past your safe zone and embrace the unknown. It also gives students a chance to go outside and get some fresh air and exercise,” Lexi Oleniczak, a senior at Arrowhead High School, says.

Paulmeter says, “Regardless of the type of person the ropes course can provide a healthy challenge for anyone. We recently had the 4th graders and special needs kids come to try out the challenge course, and I think it was a great opportunity for everyone involved.”