What is a challenge course?
A challenge course is a series of activities consisting of real and imaginary obstacles typically presented to a group in a natural outdoor setting. Challenge courses, often referred to as ropes courses, are thoughtfully organized series of experiences using trees, logs, ropes, cables, and other tools, some of which are at ground level and others which are high off the ground. The course at the Adams Campus Outdoor Education Center is constructed in a beautifully wooded rural area, and offers groups a unique opportunity to work together on a series of initiative games, problem-solving tasks, and risk-taking activities in a controlled environment. Such activities bond the group and improve communication skills, cooperation, trust, supportive feedback, and leadership. The team-building challenge courses are powerful developmental tools for any type of group.
A challenge course is a series of activities or elements designed to challenge individuals or the group as a whole. The low challenge course can be used to address group issues including communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and trust. High challenge courses provide individuals and groups the opportunity to push themselves beyond the limits of their comfort zones, to support one another while doing so and to all take part in the process of learning about themselves and one another in a facilitated process.
Pursuant to 520 CMR 5.01(2), a challenge course is a facility (or facilities) that is not located in an amusement park or carnival consisting of one of more elements that challenge participants as part of a supervised educational or recreational curriculum. Elements may include, but not be limited to, equipment designed to simulate rock climbing, beams, bridges, cable traverses, climbing walls, nets, platforms, ropes, swings, towers, and zip wires. Elements may be installed on or in trees, poles, portable structures, buildings, or be part of a self-supporting structure.
A challenge course (sometimes referred to as a ropes course) is an outdoor facility and/or program designed for group learning. Our challenge course, located at the north end of Lake Washington, is equipped with a number of problem solving initiatives designed to challenge individuals and stimulate group interaction. Our highly skilled facilitators provide the structure, assure safety, lead discussions and provide feedback.
