INTRODUCTION TO CHALLENGE COURSES

What is a Challenge Course?

A "Challenge Course" covers a wide range of activities, from initiatives on the ground to walking on cables high in trees. Courses may have two types of activities, low and high. On low challenge course activities the group forms a "safety net". On high activities a harness system and safety ropes protect the participants. Due to their more dramatic visual nature, most participants' attention focuses on the high activities. A Challenge Course is much more than the activities themselves. A team-learning plan helps maximize the experience.

What happens on the Low Course?

The PAL Low Ropes Course is a series of 15-20 problem-solving experiences that physically and mentally engage teams to develop and execute a plan. The challenges are low to the ground but are more difficult than they might look. Each challenge draws on every team member's contributions-their ideas, their support, and their efforts. The group then has a guided discussion of how they worked together and shared information during the task. The low ropes course is structured so that the activities gradually increase in level of difficulty.

What happens on the High Course?

At the PAL high course participants may walk on wires and beams, climb giant ladders, or jump towards a trapeze bar 40 feet in the air. Because high activities can be 20 to 40 feet above the ground, physical and emotional safety is of the utmost concern. Each individual has the opportunity to go up on activities while those below encourage, support, and participate in providing for their safety. All participants are attached to a safety rope and belayed similarly to rock climbing.

Is our Challenge Courses safe?

Exceptionally trained facilitators work to keep participants physically and emotionally safe. Remember it's not high you climb, it how far you go as a team that's important. No one fails on our course- challenge by choice ensures that each participant measures success by his or her own comfort and risk levels. On the ropes course the actual risk is very low. It is the perceived risk that provides powerful experiences that can be used to foster immediate personal and team development. On the rope courses everyone can participate, regardless of physical ability or athletic experience- from climbing, spotting, belaying to verbal and moral encouragement. It's how far you can go with help from your team that counts.

What can a group gain from a Challenge Course experience? Our Challenge Courses offer the opportunity for individuals and groups to learn about themselves and each other. Activities help to clearly focus on the way the group is working together, in real time. Participants have the chance to develop and fine tune productive ways of interacting and communicating. The initiatives allow individuals to achieve things that they may initially have seen themselves incapable of accomplishing or even trying. Reflection, influenced by the group's stated goals, assists participants in applying the lessons learned personally and professionally. After the experience, many individuals voice an increased sense of trust, both of themselves and their group. Moreover, people have fun!

Contact sales at the South Thompson Inn, Guest Ranch and Conference Centre for more information and pricing. sales@stigr.com or 1-800-797-7713