Throughout their time at STEP, each team has the opportunity to go through the ropes and knots course as part of their training. During the course of the week, the girls learn to tie basic knots, rappel correctly off the tower, and cross a river using one rope, multiple carabiners and the beloved Swiss seats. Here is a glimpse into the week of Ropes and Knots.

Day 1- Learning the Ropes- The girls are taught the rudimentary elements of knots and rappelling.

Day 2- River Crossing

The ladies are given one rope, carabiners for each, and webbing to tie their Swiss seats before they cross the ‘river.’

Day 3 - Rappelling

It’s out to the tower for day 3. Girls are taught how to rappel from heights and angles, and how to tie off. Rappelling is a time for the girls to bond as a team as they learn what it means to trust.

The girls have reached the half-way point and are still going strong. 

Navigation involves lots of hiking through trees and bushes in addition to map reading and compass skils.

The girls have the opportunity to become certified in CPR and First Aid.

Step sisters from the blue team. 

The first week of STEP is behind us, and the girls are already learning many important lessons. God is working in the lives of each and every one to draw them closer to Himself. They would like to share with you what He is doing.

“Being in a spiritual ditch, my confidence in Christ was not what it should be. God has been using three things here at STEP to build my confidence:

1. Physical training makes me depend on God for help.
2. The spiritual training in God’s Word encourages me.
3. Genuine Christ-like love is in the people here at STEP.”

~Jennie Cade

“Coming to Advanced STEP I was looking forward to renewing friendships I made last year, and also creating new friendships. I almost forgot how much energy you must have to get you through the day; whether it’s getting up at 5am every morning or making sure you don’t fall behind in saying your verses. It’s hard work with all these things going on (and much more), and it would be very easy to feel stressed and exhausted if it wasn’t for all the time you get to spend with God. At home it’s so hard to spend time with God, but here God is in everything we do! Yes, the personal devotions are great, but it’s the fact that everything we do relates back to God. In Captain Mandreger’s personal safety class it seemed he had a Bible verse for every decision he makes as a captain. That really motivated and inspired me to rely more on God like all of our leaders and class teachers. That’s probably the biggest thing God has been teaching me: to know and trust God in all things, and to have the joy of the Lord.”

~Carrie Osborne

Preparing for the trust fall

The low ropes course builds confidence and encourages teamwork.

The green team members have their compasses ready!