Georgia Tech's Campus Recreation Center is opening a new ropes course to teach leadership skills and team work. The new structure stands more than 40 feet tall and can handle groups from 8 to 64 people in size.

"It is all about learning and collaboration," said Mathew Marcus, Challenge Course Manager at the Campus Recreation Center. "As teams go through the course, they are learning to solve both mental puzzles and physical challenges."

The new course will celebrate its opening with Georgia Tech President G.P. "Bud" Peterson riding down the zip line beside the Institute's mascot, "Buzz."

"It should be a really exciting grand opening," said Marcus. "We're honored to have President Peterson and Buzz volunteer to be the first to officially slide down the zip line."

Technology is a key component of the Institute, and it is no different for this ropes course. Teams will be able to use computers and cameras throughout the structure and communicate with other team members who may not be present via the Web. The entire structure has Wi-Fi throughout it.

One example of how technology can be used is for a team offsite to load a video onto Youtube describing how to do something on the course or how to complete a challenge. Marcus says that if the team members who are offsite do not make the instructions specific or clear enough, then they will get some quick feedback from their fellow team members who will struggle to complete the task.

"The integration of technology really makes this leadership course unique," said Marcus. "Even the zip line at the end of the course has technology integrated into it. The zip line is hooked up to hydraulics and as you slide out on it, the hydraulics kick in and gently float you down to the ground."

Georgia Tech's new Leadership Challenge Course is open to all members of the Georgia Tech community as well as organizations and businesses that may be interested in leadership development and team building.

"This is a wonderful learning tool, and we are glad that we're able to share it with the extended community as well as campus," said Marcus. "If you're interested in having a group try out the course, then please see www.crc.gatech.edu/lcc."