Share “Many challenges to be accepted at the Sky...”

Many challenges to be accepted at the Sky Trail

Members of the St. Luke's United Methodist Church youth group working through the Sky Trail challenges. Photo provided by Charlie Ludden.

A recent addition to the Boathouse District allows people to challenge themselves and work together with their group.

The SandRidge Sky Trail, which opened in March, is all about teamwork, said Elizabeth Laurent, the senior director of marketing and program development. The Sky Trail has six challenge levels, along with the Sky Slide and Rumble Drop.

“What I see when groups come in are different dynamics, camaraderie and challenges,” Laurent said. “Each person is trying to address challenges on the course. You see people encouraging and cheering others on.

“Some are not afraid, some have hesitation, but there are people standing around cheering each other on. When they finish, there is a feeling of accomplishment.”

Youth from St. Luke’s United Methodist Church accepted the challenge of completing the Sky Trail. For some, it was about overcoming a fear of heights knowing their friends would be there to cheer them on.

Out of the 20 youth there, only a few did not complete the challenge due to injuries, said Charlie Ludden, a St. Luke’s staff member who helps in the youth department.

“No one hesitated to go up, but a few got a little scared once they were up there,” Ludden said. “There were people encouraging from our group, as well as people from other groups. They all cheered them on and reassured them that they were safe and it is fun.”

A member of the St. Luke's United Methodist Church youth group about to jump off the Rumble Drop, an 80-foot free fall. Photo provided by Charlie Ludden.

A large part of making the Sky Trail what it is are the adventure guides working there. The staff has to work closely together as a team to guarantee people are having fun and their needs are met. Laurent said this takes a lot of teamwork.

It was with the adventure guides help that some of the St. Luke’s youth were able to accept the challenge of the 80-foot Rumble Drop.

“There were a few that were worried about the drop,” Ludden said. “The instructor at the top ensured them that it was safe and told them to take their time and enjoy the experience.”