FARMINGTON — It’s the personal challenge that led Sean Longley to climb a thin rope ladder Tuesday night to a wooden platform high above a court in the University of Maine at Farmington Fitness and Recreation Center.

Longley was one of 12 university students and community members who had signed up to climb, swing and rappel from lofty ropes from 8 to 10 p.m. Tuesday night.

Interest has grown since the course started in January, center Director Jim Toner said. 

After-school groups of youngsters like Girls Talk have used the equipment to help learn communication and team building as they climb together on equipment called Jacob’s ladder, the flying squirrel and the flying trapeze.

They also overcome fears and build confidence and self-esteem, Toner said. 

Parents have reserved the equipment for birthday parties.

The course, held every other Tuesday with hours varying according to court availability, is open to 12 participants including students, faculty and community members, he said. Community members are charged $5 for the night, and, with space limited, participants have to sign up prior to the course.

The course has been well received since it restarted in January.

The equipment was built 10 years ago when Kika Nigals was working at the Fitness and Recreation Center, Toner said. She completed the training and had the qualifications to hold the class and did for about five years.

When she left there was no facilitator, he said. The program was left in limbo until recently.

RSU 9 physical education teacher Jacob Gerrie is now the rope-course facilitator. He became interested in the rope workout while working at summer camps, he said Tuesday as he held a rappelling rope for one participant.

Climbing up to the platform about 25 feet in the air isn’t as difficult as climbing on and off the platform, said Alex Robinson, who is trained to help Gerrie run the session. 

The rope ladder and platform look like those used for a circus high-wire act.

“You have to climb around it to get on, and it bangs against you as you get off,” he said.

Girls ages 11 and 12 have climbed the thin rope ladders. Some feared it but did it, he said.

“It’s an adventure and a feeling of accomplishment,” Eric Meyer said.

Arm strength helps but so does leg muscle. Harnesses and helmets protect participants as they climb and swing.

Zack St. Jean, who hikes a lot, made it look easy. He enjoys the climbing, he said.

Swinging high and quickly across a basketball court, St. Jean then attempts to score by dropping softballs into a garbage can on the floor.

The high ropes course was restarted as part of the center’s Mainely Outdoors program, Toner said. Mainely Outdoors offers students and community members a variety of recreation activities that take advantage of the area’s natural resources. 

Last summer participants kayaked local lakes, biked and hiked. This winter Nordic skiing and snowshoeing under the night skies were offered, Toner said. The rope course ties in with the other opportunities.

The next ropes course takes place at 7 p.m. on April 5.

[email protected]