Wall obstacles require participants to scale vertical barriers, often with limited handholds and muddy surfaces that make gripping difficult.
The refugee parallel
Walls represent the literal and symbolic barriers refugees face – border walls, checkpoint barriers, and obstacles designed to keep people out. These aren’t just physical challenges but represent moments where refugees must overcome seemingly impossible barriers to reach safety.
Your role as leader
Setting the scene Approach with determination mixed with realism:
- “This wall blocks our path to safety – we must find a way over”
- “They built this to keep people like us out, but we won’t be stopped”
- “Everyone over, one at a time – we help each other up”
Leading by example
- Attempt the wall first, showing it’s possible despite the challenges
- Demonstrate perseverance even if you struggle
- Show problem-solving: trying different approaches or handholds
- Maintain modesty whilst being practical about the physical demands
Supporting your group Once you’re over or positioned to help:
- Offer physical assistance: “Give me your hand, I’ll help pull you up”
- Provide technique guidance: “Use your legs, not just your arms”
- Encourage persistence: “Try again, you’re getting stronger with each attempt”
- Acknowledge effort: “Look how determined you are – that’s real courage”
Maintaining the experience
Build collective determination
- “This wall won’t defeat us – we’ve come too far to give up now”
- “Every person who makes it over proves it can be done”
- “We’re not just climbing for ourselves, but for everyone who needs hope”
Handle struggles with empathy When someone can’t make it up:
- Validate their effort: “You gave everything you had – that shows real strength”
- Encourage team support: “Let’s work together – everyone boost her up”
- Keep hope alive: “Sometimes the biggest victories come after the hardest struggles”
After the wall
- Acknowledge the collective achievement: “Look what we accomplished together”
- Reflect on inner strength: “You found strength you didn’t know you had”
- Connect to the bigger journey: “Each barrier we overcome makes us more determined”
Working with course instructors
The professional instructor will:
- Ensure safe climbing and landing techniques
- Manage who attempts the wall when to avoid overcrowding
- Provide physical spotting and assistance where needed
Your role complements by:
- Maintaining the emotional journey of overcoming barriers
- Building team spirit and mutual support
- Keeping participants connected to the deeper meaning
- Celebrating individual and collective courage
Addressing different abilities
For those who scale easily
- “Your strength helps the whole group – now help others up”
- “Use your success to encourage those still climbing”
For those who struggle
- “This wall is testing all of us differently – your determination inspires us”
- “Sometimes the journey teaches us as much as reaching the destination”
For alternative routes If someone needs to use an easier route:
- “There are many paths to safety – what matters is that we all make it”
- Frame it as strategic thinking rather than giving up
Key reminders
- Demonstrate that barriers can be overcome through determination
- Build collective responsibility for everyone’s success
- Show that strength comes in many forms
- Maintain hope and determination even when facing setbacks
- Celebrate both individual courage and team support
- Keep the focus on reaching safety together