Cadets from Det. 085, University of California, Berkeley traverse the Lake Heron Challenge Ropes Course in Napa, Calif. Sept. 29. The cadets tested their strength, leadership and teamwork skills during the course. (Air Force courtesy photo)
Cadets from Det. 085, University of California, Berkeley traverse the Lake Heron Challenge Ropes Course in Napa, Calif. Sept. 29. The cadets tested their strength, leadership and teamwork skills during the course. (Air Force courtesy photo)
Cadets from Det. 085, University of California, Berkeley traverse the Lake Heron Challenge Ropes Course in Napa, Calif. Sept. 29. The cadets tested their strength, leadership and teamwork skills during the course. (Air Force courtesy photo)
11/20/2012 - BERKELEY, Calif. -- Recently, the University of California, Berkeley Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 085 visited the physically and mentally challenging Lake Heron Challenge Ropes Course in Napa, Calif. Activities ranged from group leadership challenges to physically demanding ropes courses.
Although, the freshman and sophomore cadets were intimidated by certain obstacles, stating that they were "impossible," junior and senior cadets showed them the obstacles were possible to complete.
Cadets Krista Abrams and Christina Barajas motivated the newer cadets by demonstrating how to cross one of these "impossible" obstacles that involved two diverging wires and nothing to hold onto but each other.
"It's all about trust, balance and communication," said Abrams. "You have to get your balance together and push on each other with an equal force and trust that the other person isn't going to let you fall. You also have to remain calm and communicate with each other so that you move steadily at the same time."
Using situational awareness, critical thinking skills, and leadership abilities, trainees were able to solve problems and conquer even the most difficult obstacles. According to the cadets, it was an outstanding experience that provided a new perspective on leadership that they can carry with them throughout this semester and beyond.
