outdoor
pursuits:
challenge program

Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits provides an effective way for you and your organization to achieve your highest potential by participating in a Challenge Program workshop experience. Utilizing the high challenge course, low challenge course, rappelling wall and climbing tower the Challenge Program encourages you and your group to take risks, work as a team, and work at the edge of your comfort zone.

Program participants utilize physical and mental strengths to reach individual and group goals. But the challenge program is not all about individual strength - it is designed to maximize group abilities to accomplish more than the individual can alone. The challenge course is built to the standards of the Association for Challenge Course Technology and only trained facilitators lead each group.



Why Choose a Challenge Program?
Challenge Program workshops promote teamwork, group problem-solving skills and communication as well as individual growth. Meeting and overcoming the obstacles found on a challenge course inspires a sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and improved group effectiveness. Challenge Program workshops encourage self-condifence and leadership while enhancing personal and group relationships. Utilizing an experiential learning approach, the Challenge Program provides a unique opportunity to discover, reflect on, and identify better ways of working together.

Challenge by Choice Philosophy:
Challenge Program participants will not be forced to do anything they do not feel comfortable with. While the facilitators encourage particpants to step out of their comfort zones, at no time will the participant be coerced into a challenge he or she is against. This is the "Challenge by Choice" philosphy of adventure recreation.


MOBILE TEAMBUILDING & WORKSHOPS

Low Challenge Course
The low challenge course is composed of many stationary activities known as "elements" and numerous portable activities. Participants engage in activities on ropes, cables, and freestanding elements. Some challenges are found on ground level while others can be up to 12 feet high. A mental and physical experience, the low challenge course emphasizes team-building and group cohesion.

High Challenge Course
Building on the lessons of the low course, the high course adds the challenge of elevation and allows individuals to push themselves beyond their comfort zone and building self-confidence. While the centerpiece of the high course is the 50-foot wooden climbing tower, the majority of the course features a mulititude of cables and ropes. The course is designed to allow participants to climb, jump, and walk high up in the air. Unlike the low course, the high course does not feature any group problem-solving activities; it focuses more on the individual effort and peer support. Groups benefit on the high course through encouragment and discussion of shared experiences.

Rappelling Tower
Step from a platform into a 40+ foot vertical drop using only climbing equipment and your own judgement to make it down. Rappelling addresses the individual issues of trust, decision making, and mental focus to complete the task.

Climbing Tower
To scale the 40+ foot outdoor climbing tower requires strength and persistence. Climbers are given instruction on technique and use of the equipment before attempting this challenge, which promotes self-confidence, trust, physical effort, and mutual support.

What to Wear, What to Bring
The challenge course sessions are conducted outdoors. Please be sure to wear old clothes. Each participant should bring:

Rental Information
The outdoor challenge program facility is available year round on a private basis to OU students, faculty/staff, alumni, and the community. Portable programs are also available, and allow the challenge program to come to you with a variety of workshops that address the same goals of our outdoor programs. Contact the program coordinator for more details.

 
Fees
High Challenge Course
1/2 day (4 hours)
$300
Low Challenge Course    
1/2 day (4 hours)
$250
Rappelling  
2 hours
$200
Climbing Tower  
2 hours
$175

Please note: After 15 participants, another group must be formed. Four groups can use the low course at the same time. Only one group can use the high course, climbing tower, or rappelling wall at any given time. We suggest that your group have at least 1/2 day of low course before attempting the high course. Reservations must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.

For more information, please contact:
Dan Vorisek, Assistant Director, Outdoor Pursuits
Challenge Program

Division of Campus Recreation
Ping Recreation Center, South Green Drive
Athens, Ohio 45701

Phone: (740)597-1485
Fax: (740)593-9903
Email: vorisek@ohio.edu