Schneider Family Challenge Course Opens on Gates Mills Campus

After opening remarks from Outdoor Leadership Director Cris Harris, the crowds’ eyes were drawn skyward by a breathtaking spectacle: a student soaring above them, trailing celebratory red and gray streamers, as he glided along the new 370-foot zip line. The audience erupted in spirited cheers and applause as multi-colored confetti, released by students standing on the platform above, filled the air. Guests were then entertained by demonstrations by additional students while enjoying hot cider, doughnuts, and the warmth of the campfire.

This extraordinary new outdoor classroom, the largest of its kind among Northeast Ohio high schools, will support Hawken’s robust Outdoor Leadership Program and the school’s commitment to experiential education and character development. Gifted by Hawken parents Kyla and Mitchell Schneider of Solon and constructed by Redpoint Adventures on Hawken’s 325-acre campus in Gates Mills, the new Goliath Series High Challenge Course was constructed this fall on the site of the former tennis courts on Hawken’s Upper School campus. The course features a climbing tower entrance with three 38-foot high climbing walls; a zip line, an oversized platform, a catwalk dual belay, multi-vine dual belays, and numerous additional features including silva swings dual belays, dangle duo, pamper pole, UFO trolley, cargo net, and islands in the sky dual belay. The total length of cable used on the course measures approximately 3,600 feet.

The Schneiders, having witnessed the growth in their sons Sam ’15 and Keeva ’16, both of whom participated Outdoor Leadership, hope that the new challenge course will inspire other students to be a part of this life-changing program by “taking the leap into self-challenge, self-development, and leadership.”  Program Director Cris Harris is thrilled with the new structure, commenting, “We have plans to make the course available to many groups beyond OL as well – teams, classes, faculty, staff, alumni and beyond.”