High Ropes

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You may have experienced high ropes courses in other programs, but the ropes at Temagami are like no other. They are about building relationships and trust. They are about taking risks – not physical risks, but emotional risks. You may find yourself stretching to work in ways you’ve never worked before. You may find out who you are and what you need. You will definitely find out that you and the other participants are there for one other, to give and receive support. You learn together. You later build from these relationships.

Past participants talk . . . about the high ropes course:

"Unfortunately, offices rarely (if ever) do these kinds of activities. And if they do, they rarely transfer the learnings back to the office." My Time

"I remember singing to my partner on the high ropes course. I perform better when I’m trying to help somebody else. I found I could focus on her fear. It’s amazing how powerful it is for me to be in that role. I tried to get her to focus. She was paralyzed by her fear. I asked her to look me in the eyes. I threatened to sing. I got her to unfreeze to the point where she could express her own wants and desires." Running Bear

"When I was up there in those trees watching some of the others trying to cross the beam, I felt so powerful. I remember thinking at the outset: ‘I hope I can do this.’ But once I got across the very first element I felt this surge of power. Then I realized how much I had let go of my own power. I asked myself: ‘why have you given your power away?’ It gave me a positive first experience." Infinity

Creative Activities

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The creative component of the workshop involves free drawing and free writing exercises. Participants are asked to shut off ‘the critic’ and let their hands work. Many yearn to explore other parts of themselves but have tremendous fears related to drawing and writing. (The doors to their creativity have often been bolted shut by negative childhood messages.) But by this point in the program, the community feels safe. People find it exciting to actually express themselves. They are able to go into the creative part of themselves with acceptance. They feel successful.

The following is an excerpt from a piece written during one of the free exercises:

The wind upon my face feels like the feel of freedom
It's hard and its direction changes and spits and licks . . .

Beware you old, old doll –
I'll fix you up from head to toe
And then you'll see a face on me, of me –
It's me.
- Infinity 1999

Past participants talk . . . about the creative activities:

"My own feelings of anger and frustration (which had surfaced during some of the preceding activities) came out during the creative activity to darken the pages in front of me. I was almost frightened by the passion that ripped across the pages beneath my hands. Something had been unleashed; it was exciting and empowering to think that I could tap into real emotions for use in my writing career." Balance

"I’m now able to do art again. I am able to pick up a brush and paint. I remember the first time I painted upon returning home from Temagami. I looked at the painting and said: ‘these things really look like mountains and that really looks like the sky!’ I thought I had lost it. I feel good about having myself back." Sunshine

Playtime

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Although T.E. participants are expected to work hard, the program is by no means all work and no play. Free time and playtime balance the course intensity and give people a chance to absorb what they have learned. They also regenerate peoples’ energy, which has been depleted. The camping/canoe trip is a time to play. The outing provides the chance to do something as a team. There’s laughter, friendly competition, and, as always, new information for participants to tap into.

Past participants talk . . . about playtime:

"I loved canoeing in the war canoes, being physically challenged, getting away, getting out, but still feeling protected within the group. Down time within the camp setting was great. It was an opportunity to develop friendships based on laughter, singing, conviviality and time spent together outdoors." Laughing Woman

"It was fun being in a coed cabin. We could be playful – get into mischief." Heartful

"I felt like I was at summer camp for the first time in my life! The meal hall, the cabins, the laughter . . . these are all aspects not written into the workshop description!" Laughing Woman