By: Madi Van Camp

Is everyone else as excited for Halloween as I am? Fall is right around the corner and with every passing day and every drop in tempurature, my anticipation grows for all things ghostly. From costumes and candy, to haunted houses and hot chocolate, I can’t wait for the season of spooky! One of the things I’m looking forward to the most this Autumn is the Halloween Cruise at CLAS Ropes Course. I know what you’re thinking. “You are writing an article for CLAS Ropes Course, so of course you’re going to say that.” But let me tell you a little bit about my experience working on the Halloween Cruise last Fall, and hopefully you’ll understand why I’m so excited.
It took me and my coworkers the entire month of September to set up. Every day, we would spend 8 or 9 hours out on the river, stringing up lights or hanging decorations from the trees. Some days, I felt like I was on the water more than I was on land. All the while, we would participate in our makeshift version of river karaoke as we each sang along to the music blaring from the speakers on the boat. (I’m sure the trail-goers didn’t appreciate the interuption from their peaceful walks or jogs, but we sang anyway.)

As October approached, the pumpkin carving commenced. Every day, we would each carve twenty or so pumpkins a piece. This trend continued throughout the cruise, because pumpkins don’t last very long when they’re sitting on the banks of a river. I can still smell the rotting pumpkins when I think about filling up the wheel barrows, wheeling the deceased jack-o-lanterns to the dumpster, and replacing them with fresh ones every day.

The first day of October was one for the books. None of us staff members had participated in a Halloween Cruise before because of the total crew turn-over the previous year. We ran around like scared chickens. (Trust me, I would know what that looks like. We have three chickens who are permanent residents of CLAS Ropes Course.) But somehow, we managed to pull it off. Our Captain, who had never captained a boat before, kept everyone afloat. Our pirate, who had never acted in his life, had a killer pirate accent.

Every day of the cruise brought new adventures and stories to tell. On one occasion, the pirate was so eager to pillage the cruise ship that instead of gently walking the canoe down the hill and into the river, he jumped into it at the top of the hill. He expected the canoe would slide down like a sled on snow, but it didn’t. The canoe flipped upside down as soon as it hit the water, and our pirate went overboard. He attacked the ship soaking wet that night.

​On another evening, there were a few stragglers who showed up late and we took them on the last run of the night. There was one young family and a few couples on dates. When the pirate canoed out to us and started telling his cheesy pirate jokes, the young boy who was there with his parents asked, “Is this a real pirate?” His father replied, “I think it might be.”  One of the couples chimed in and said, “He is a real pirate. I’ve heard there are a lot of pirates on this river.” By the end of the cruise, every person on the boat had told a story about pirates to this little boy, and we had him totally convinced.  His eyes grew big and his smile stretched wide between his ears as he talked to the pirate. There was something magical about the belief and wonderment of this little boy on the boat that night.

​I know I’m not the only one who has fond memories of the Halloween Cruise. All of the staff here at CLAS Ropes Course can agree that this is one of the funnest ways to spend this haunted holiday. If you’re looking for a new way to celebrate, or if you’re looking to continue this beloved family tradition,  you’re invited! Trust me, you want to be a part of this. 

By: Hannah Erickson 

People LOVE our Couples Retreat!

"Thank you ... for the very meaningful weekend we had there at your Ropes Course.  The couples retreat allowed us a respite from the cares we have every week, and allowed us to get a better perspective on ourselves. Thanks for the opportunity you gave us."
~Mike & Gail J.

Bring your significant other on June 6th, July 11th, or August 1st, 2020 to enjoy quality time together as you strengthen your relationship! Starting at 9:00am we provide four hours focusing on developing trust, communication skills, and encouraging each other. You might even learn a few things about your sweetheart that you didn’t know before. Lunch is provided after, along with time on the river in our canoes to spend one on one time with each other. Finish time is 2:00 pm.
Reservations are required.
Price $269 per couple*

*Book at least two weeks prior to the event date and get an early bird special discount! Our early bird rate is ONLY $189!

By: Madi Van Camp
 
CLAS Ropes Course is a family owned business in Utah County that offers a myriad of activities and experiences for people of all ages. Activities range from team-building grass games to obstacle courses 45 feet in the air. Because of the recent pandemic, a lot of summer camps and family plans have been disrupted or cancelled for the summer of 2020. We at CLAS Ropes Course decided that we don’t want the people of our community to miss out on the adventures that summer can hold, so we’re doing something about it! We have created our own summer camp programs for youth and families. With a variety of locations and programs, we have something that will fit all situations and schedules.

We will be holding youth and family summer camp programs at three locations this summer; Eden, Big Rock, and Provo Utah. Whether you’re looking to send your kids off to make new friends, or go camping with your family to make treasured memories, we’ve got a program that will meet your needs!
Our youth camp is for adventurers age: 10-18. The camp is split into age groups so campers are with kids their own age. Each group has the chance to participate in low ropes and high ropes. The low ropes activities are where the campers get to work together to solve unique challenges and develop the important skills of communication, cooperation, and leadership. Our high ropes activities include the Zip Tour, Adventure Park, Rock Wall, Giant Swing, and Ring Jump. Other activities are included in the camp itinerary depending on which location you chose. (www.clasropes.com)

Our family camp is a fantastic choice for any family who is looking for a unique and exciting family vacation. Families with children of any age are invited to come enjoy nature and create new memories. Families will get to play on the low ropes and high ropes activities. With the family camps, we focus our low ropes activities on learning to trust one another, communicate well, and work together as a family to overcome challenges together. The high course activities will vary depending on the age range and skill level of the individual families.

​The summer camps will run all summer long! You can find information about dates and prices on our website, clasropes.com. You can also talk to a facilitator directly by calling 801-373-8897 or emailing office@clasropes.com. 

By: Madi Van Camp

Tessa never imagined she’d be in this situation; the kind of situation where you question whether you’re going to live or die. But somehow, she’d managed to get herself into this very dangerous pickle. Tessa and her friends had saved for months to come on this trip to Africa, and it was going really well until their safari guide took a wrong turn, flipped the jeep, and left them stranded in the middle of the African Savanna. It was getting dark, and they knew they had to get back soon or they’d be someone’s dinner. She was pretty sure those lions they had seen earlier were stalking them, just waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. And now they were stuck on the edge of a swamp with no way around. They were going to have to go straight through. Tessa knew what was hidden under the murky waters of an African swamp; crocodiles. They would have to get through without falling in the water.

Tessa looked around, scanning the scene, hoping to find anything they could use to get across the water without touching it. She could see that there were tree stumps scattered throughout the swamp peeking out of the water. As long as those stumps were stable, they’d be able to stand on top of them. Off to the side, Tessa saw three large logs. If they placed them on top of the stumps, they should be able to walk across.
“Hurry,” Tessa called to her friends. “Grab those logs. If they’re long enough to reach between those tree stumps, we’ll be able to walk across!”

​Do you think you could get across the swamp if you were in Tessa’s shoes? Bring your family and friends into CLAS Ropes Course to test your imagination, creativity, and problem solving. Our exciting low-course activities will immerse you in situations just like this, and will provide a safe way to experience adventure right here in Provo. 

YES WE ARE OPEN! Until we hear otherwise from the Utah Health Department, we are still taking reservations for Zip Tours and Ropes Course experiences to groups of 8 or less (No person limit on Families).
We are open Monday through Saturday from Sunrise to Sunset so that we can provide ample space and availability to groups of all types.
We also have canoes to take out on the Lower Provo River next to the Ropes Course, a two-story, 16 obstacle Aerial Adventure Park, Big Swing, Climbing Wall and more!
Feel free to schedule a morning or afternoon session in the great outdoors with us as we weather through this difficult time together. 801-373-8897

​Hi there,

I’m Jennifer Christy and I’m the Executive Director of Families-Up, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing at-risk families a ropes course experience.  As all of you who have been to CLAS Ropes know, a ropes course experience is a great way to build teams, strengthen problem-solving skills, and improve communications.  We at Families-Up would like to offer that same experience to families as well.
At Families-Up, we believe that the strength of our community, even our nation, lies in the strength of the family.  By strengthening families through experiential education in communication, team building, problem solving and more, we are helping to build strong communities throughout our nation.
Many of the families we work with are single-parent families or newly blended families who can’t afford the training offered at CLAS Ropes even at the discounted rates.
So, we are turning to the friends of CLAS Ropes to ask for donations to go towards scholarships for these families.  Our Family Strengthening program is a 6-week program that includes a weekly meal with a certified facilitator/family advocate followed by 90 minutes on the ropes course working on family goals and developing communication skills through facilitator led conversations.  The weekly meals provide needed nutrition for financially struggling families as well as helping them to develop the important habit of eating healthy meals as a family.

Your donation will strengthen families in your community.  If you would like further information, please visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FamiliesUp/) or contact us at FamiliesUp@gmail.com.  You can even call me directly at 385-230-4097

Businesses can benefit directly when their employees and families are strengthened. Happy families make for happy employees. Consider sponsoring a Families-Up program for your employees and families.

By: Madi Van Camp

​As Summer comes to a close, Autumn jumps into action with jack-o-lanterns and black cats lurking around the corner. CLAS Ropes Course is no exception to these festivities as we come to life with decorations and fun that the whole family can enjoy. Our Halloween cruise takes you on an unforgettable adventure down Provo River, where our ship’s Captain tells ghostly stories and keeps you safe from the dangers of a dark night; at least, he tries. But beware of any plundering pirates that may try to sneak past the watchful eye of the Captain. 
​When October ends, our river cruises don’t. The Christmas spirit will fill CLAS Ropes Course this December and you don’t want to miss it. All of your favorite Christmas traditions will bring the magic of the season to our beautiful Provo River. With bright lights, festive music, and hot cocoa that warms you to the center, you’ll want to spend all twelve days of Christmas on the water. There may even be a special guest for those who have been extra nice this year.
​Come find out how the story ends and join in the fun this holiday season at CLAS Ropes Course!

By: Madi Van Camp

Tessa never imagined she would be caught in the predicament she was now caught in; not only was she slowly sinking on a ship in the middle of the ocean, but the water she was sinking into was infested with sharks. And on top of that, she was on this sinking ship with her family, for which she was now responsible. Her and her family were peacefully sailing from Spain to Morocco when their ship was attacked by ruthless pirates who took all of their possessions and left them for dead. In the heat of the moment, she hadn’t noticed them cut the ropes that tied their life boat to the main body of the ship.
The water sloshed back and forth with the waves and slowly inched closer to Tessa’s feet. The only way to save herself and her family was to figure out a way to get to their life boat, which was drifting farther and farther away with every passing second. She had to act fast. She scanned the scene, hoping to see something she might have missed before. Suddenly, she saw it. The ticket to their safety! Hanging from the mast of the ship, which was growing shorter as they sunk, was a rope that dangled into the water. It was only twelve feet from where they stood. Only twelve feet of shark infested sea stood between them and their safety.
Tessa turned to her family and yelled for their attention. “Quick! Help me think of a way to get that rope. If we can reach the rope, we’ll be able to swing over to the life boat. It’s the only way we’ll survive!”

​What would you do if you were in Tessa’s boat? Come test your problem-solving skills in high stress situations like this. Your adventure awaits at CLAS Ropes Course!