What is the Agogae Trail?

What is the Agogae Trail? The Agogae (Ah-go-gay) Trail is a challenge course with high and low elements for youth, and adult groups. Agogae is a Greek word from the New Testament, which deals with character. Our goals on the Agogae Trail are to build Christian character, self-esteem, and teamwork. Through various games, challenges and elements this course encourages groups to work together to solve tangible problems while challenging each person individually at the same time.  The Trail is made of of two major components: The Low Ropes Course (or Initiatives Course) and The High Ropes Course.  The Low Ropes Course primarily consists of different elements that are used to present unique problems which groups must learn how to work together to solve.  The High Ropes Course is made up of several elements approximately 20-25 feet off the ground which challenge the individual as well as the group.

In the summer camping program who goes on the Agogae Trail? Our course is designed for children aged 8, but our risk management team requires that the minimum age for the course be 12 years old. The Agogae Trail is an activity choice for the Explorer camps. Family groups will go together, so low initiatives are chosen according to the ability of the group as a whole. Some low initiatives include The Wall, Allaboard, Trust Fall, Mohawk Walk, and Tension Traverse. The family groups will also have the chance to go on the high initiatives. High initiatives include the Tube Net, Postman’s Walk, Burma Bridge, and the Zipline.

What about Safety? Safety is our number one priority at Camp Monroe, so it is our number one priority on the challenge course. We teach spotting for the low initiatives and use belay systems for the high initiatives. We use only trained facilitators for the course who are trained by the company who installs the course, Signature Research. Signature Research is a member of the Association of Challenge Course Technicians, the governing body for the installation of challenge courses and the training of challenge course facilitators. Participants are encouraged to try an event, but this course is "challenge by choice". If a camper feels unsafe, they may choose to stop where they are at on the course.

Signing the Release Form. Because of the unique nature of a challenge course, we want you to be fully informed. As with our horseback riding program, we ask you to sign a consent and release of liability, stating that you have been informed and are allowing your child the opportunity to choose whether or not they will participate in any Agogae Trail events.

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