Mohawk Walk

Name and Purpose

Mohawk Walk is a low ropes course traverse that challenges a group to cross a series of foot cables strung in a zig-zag pattern between trees or poles.
Players practise teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and mutual support as they help each other across each section.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 10-17 | 8-20 players | 20-40 minutes | Professionally installed low ropes course; flat area around cables clear of obstacles

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Brief the group on go/stop signals, spotting positions, and boundaries.
Place a rope or cone line at start and end to prevent bunching.
Group crosses from the first anchor point to the last without stepping off cables.
Spotters walk alongside on both sides of each section throughout.
Celebrate every successful crossing, whether partial or complete.

Setup and Boundaries

Confirm cables are professionally installed and have passed recent inspection.
Mark a clear start zone and end zone with rope or cones to prevent crowding.
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 short whistles = stop, step off carefully, gather.
Check the ground below cables for wet patches, roots, or debris before play.
Staff positions: one lead facilitator plus one spotter per active cable section.

How to Play

Gather the group before the cables. Explain the objective: cross from the first anchor to the last as a team, without anyone stepping off the cables.
No outside objects (sticks, ropes brought from elsewhere) may be used. The only support available is each other.
The group plans their approach together before anyone steps on.
Players step onto the cables one at a time as space allows. Spotters walk alongside.
If a player steps off, they return to the nearest safe re-entry point and continue from there. No one sits out.
Round ends when the whole group reaches the far end, or when the facilitator calls time.

I-OPt Options

Start:

A (Active): Step onto cables as an early crosser, helping anchor the group.
S (Support): Act as a ground spotter, walking alongside a cable section.
Q (Quiet): Join the cable mid-sequence once the group has settled into a rhythm.
O (Observer): Watch the first crossing, help the group plan strategy, choose when to step on.

Mid:

A (Active): Anchor at a pole and assist others across the tricky section.
S (Support): Verbal encouragement and weight-shift coaching from the ground.
Q (Quiet): Move steadily along your section, focused on balance.
O (Observer): Track group progress and offer strategy suggestions from the side.

Late:

A (Active): Help pull the final players across the last section.
S (Support): Hold a stable position on the cable to give others something to lean toward.
Q (Quiet): Complete your crossing at your own pace with spotters in place.
O (Observer): Cheer the group in, then join the debrief circle.

End:

Inclusion Adaptations

For players with balance challenges, secure a hand rope at mid-height between poles for extra support.
Players who cannot cross on the cables can serve as ground anchors and spotters, providing physical and verbal support throughout.
Optional: allow walking pace only for the first full crossing to lower intensity.

Stewardship Moment

After the activity, have each small group scan their zone for any litter or displaced equipment before leaving the area.
Ask: “This course was built to last. What does that tell us about how we should use shared spaces?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This activity involves stepping on cables up to knee height with spotters on both sides. For those not comfortable with the cable height, a role as ground anchor or spotter is another great option.”
Mid-game check: After the first section, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone going?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Raise one hand to step off at any time. Call “In!” when ready to rejoin.

Risks and Mitigation

Fall from cable: spotters walk alongside every section; cables are low to ground.
Crowding at start or end: use rope/cone markers to keep traffic moving.
Rushing: remind the group that the goal is safe crossing, not speed.
Staff are aware of any campers with relevant balance or physical needs and will plan spotter positions accordingly.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Trust Lean”: pairs stand back to back, gently lean into each other, then step apart slowly. Builds physical trust before cable work.
“Slow-Mo Walk”: whole group crosses the play area in slow motion, exaggerating balance with each step.

Debrief Questions

What? “What did the group do to help each other cross the tricky sections?”
So What? “When did trust come into play? What made you more or less willing to lean on someone?”
Now What? “Where else in your life do you need to lean on people and let them lean on you?”

Cleanup and Reset