Not all learning at the Southeast CUNA Management School takes place in the classroom, and students recently participated in a variety of outdoor challenge activities designed to promote teamwork, self-confidence, leadership, and the expansion of their problem solving abilities.

Second-year students took to the “high ropes” course at the UGA Challenge Course and navigated their teams through elements comprised of cables, logs and ropes, building courage and confidence throughout the day as the challenges increased in complexity. First-year students participated in the “low ropes” challenges where they used critical thinking skills and teamwork to navigate complex challenges and solve problems, with the concluding activity consisting of getting students over a 12-foot wall without the use of stairs, ladders, ropes, or other assistance.

“It was amazing to watch the transformations that took place in both the individual students and the team dynamics out on the course throughout the day. We witnessed students’ self-confidence increase as they stepped out of their comfort zones and accomplished things they never would have even attempted without the encouragement of their teammates,” explained Jennifer Green, SRCUS Student Liaison. “The ropes course has been a highlight of our program for many years because students see the results – increased self-esteem, group cohesion, and leadership, just to name a few– right away. And they can easily see how these skills will transfer into their daily work back at their credit unions.”