Alpine Tower's new location unveiled
It offers team-building courses and adventure programs.
May 1, 2007
Venture Out at MU unveiled the new location of the Alpine Tower, part of the Department of Student Life's team-building course, on Friday.
The Alpine Tower is a 60-foot climbing structure made up of cargo nets, swinging poles and a giant ladder. It was moved from east campus to its new location at Epple Field, adjacent to the Green Tennis Center.
Venture Out Graduate Assistant Scott Owen said Venture Out is dedicated to providing unique experiences that promote teamwork through communication, trust and fun.
"We are excited to be growing," Owen said. "My position is a new position with the program, and I think that along with the move of this tower puts us on track to do that."
Student Life Director Mark Lucas said the tower was constructed in 1994 with money from Student Affairs and became a part of Student Life in 1997.
"We constructed the tower because we believed it had a value to the campus," Lucas said.
Venture Out offers team-building courses and adventure programs for student groups, university staff and faculty, community groups and area businesses. Team-building courses are scheduled year round at both indoor and outdoor locations and include backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, multi-day trips and emergency medical training.
Lucas also said most groups associated with the department are doing low ropes courses and team-building activities offered by Venture Out. One of these activities is an initiative wall, which forces teammates to help each other climb over.
Other activities include the nitro swing crossing, the electric fence and shuffle the muse.
"I believe that while the Alpine Tower is the feature, there is so much more that people can do to build valuable teamwork," Lucas said. "You learn a lot about yourself and others when working as a team, and doing any activity out here will benefit any group or organization."
Missouri Students Association Vice President Andrew Cafourek said student organizations would benefit from trying these activities because students develop leadership skills in those organizations. He said these skills are needed not only for college but for a career after college as well.
"Rather than sitting at a table discussing leadership goals and skills, this actually gives you an opportunity to get out and experience and develop those skills together," he said.
Venture Out Coordinator David Ogrodowczyk also talked about the program's growth.
"We have more opportunities now for students and people in the community to experience these team-building activities than we have ever had," he said.
Members of the public were invited to climb the wall after the grand opening ceremony.
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