When Clayton Davidson first heard the Syracuse University was building a ropes course at the end of his freshman year, he knew he wanted to get involved.

“I just expressed interest and kept in contact,” Davidson said. “And eventually I came back in August of 2013 and started doing training.”

Now a senior, the accounting management major works for the Outdoor Education Center as a student program coordinator, leading groups through the challenge course and training new facilitators.

The outdoor challenge course is an eight-element high ropes course on South Campus. Including zip lines, a “leap of faith” and a low ropes course, it’s mainly used for teambuilding and leadership exercises.

Interested in the outdoors his entire life, Davidson said he loves being outside on the ropes course.

“Once you’re standing on the platforms, if you look out over the zip lines you get a whole view of the city,” Davidson said. “You can see the lake in the background — it’s really a beautiful view.”

He emphasized the most defined experiences of his job are those that involve personal and collective growth, especially for individuals who are nervous to be so far outside their comfort zone. Davidson also underlines goal-setting as a major component of his work, as it’s central to teambuilding.

As much as he enjoys leading groups through the ropes course, Davidson insists that safety is always the top priority.

“We make it as safe as we possibly can,” Davidson said.

Additionally, the Outdoor Education Center prides itself on facilitating programs in the most effective way possible, helping groups to meet their full potential and achieve their goals.

After graduation, Davidson will be doing risk consulting for an accounting firm, a job he sees as connected to his current experience. Unfortunately, Davidson’s new job will not be outdoors, but he said he’s enjoying his time at the outdoor challenge course while it lasts.

“I love doing it,” said Davidson. “I think it’s the most fun job on campus.”

Published on April 27, 2016 at 12:01 am