Challenge Course

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a challenge course (and isn’t it called a “ropes course”?)

A challenge course experience consists of a series of individual and group physical challenges that require a combination of teamwork skills and individual commitment. Parts of our challenge course are constructed of rope, cables, and wood, but depending on the needs of a specific group, those elements may or may not be used. Our course consists of low and high elements. Many ropes course experiences take place completely on the ground and others have opportunities to climb.

How safe is a challenge course?

Your safety is our primary concern. It is very difficult for people to have fun if someone is injured. Our course facilitators have been trained in the standards and procedures that make this course safe. Our safety policy is congruent with and adheres to a strict industry standard and includes regular examination of all challenge course practices.

What should I wear or not wear?

You should wear:

• A good sturdy and comfortable shoe (sneakers or boots) with good traction.

• Loose comfortable clothing that is suitable to the season and that you do not mind getting dirty.

  • Athletic pants or shorts, or loose fitting Jeans. (Please no short shorts)

  • T-shirts, Long sleeve shirt

  • Jacket or Rain Jacket (we do continue in the rain)

  • Hat, Gloves, and Winter Jacket if it is cold outsi

Please do not wear:

• Open toed or open heeled shoe or any kind of sandal.   This includes Crocs, Clogs, flip-flops, Teva's, and Birkenstocks.  (You will not be allowed to participate without the correct footwear.)

• Clothes that you do not want to get dirty.

• Jewelry, bracelets, watches, rings, necklaces, earrings, or other items may be dangerous for you and others in your group.
  

Remember we will be outside and the temperature may fluctuate quite a bit. Dress in layers so that you can be comfortable all day long!

What if the weather is bad?

Bad weather? We never have it.  It is very possible that we will be out on the course in the rain. Your adventure will not be canceled because of rain; it will just become more fun…that is, if you are prepared with a rain jacket! Consider wearing a hat. A baseball hat can keep the sun off your head on hot days and a fleece hat can be pulled over your ears on cold days. If it is colder, it would be a good idea to wear gloves or mittens. The only weather that would require us to cancel or reschedule your Challenge Course experience would be lighting, high winds or any other weather that would make it unsafe to be out in the woods.

What about lunch?

There are 2 options.   You can bring all food and beverage for your day on the course.   OR, you don't have to worry about packing anything to eat - we can take care of it for you!  Talk to our Challenge Course Manager about our Meal Options!

***Please bring plenty of water for your entire group. There is running water at the Challenge Course however it is not drinkable.

How many people can we bring?

Your group can be between 8 – 60 participants. Special circumstances will be considered.

Who can participate?

The staff at Life Adventure Center strives to tailor each adventure to the group’s specific needs and abilities. There are certain areas of our course that are physically demanding, but many of our activities can be modified to accommodate participants of varying physical abilities. The purpose of our challenge course is to help build up teams and individuals through the use of experiential education. The focus of the day is not on what each individual can do, but what you can accomplish as a team and the process each group goes through to reach their own goals.

We welcome participants age 9 to 109, however due to the focus of our program we usually do not work with individuals who are younger than 9 or have not yet entered the 4th grade in school. We have found that our more mature participants are invaluable members of their teams. These participants are usually an inspiration to their team as they share their wisdom and wow everyone around them with their incredible 'inner' youth.

What can my group do on the Challenge Course?

Either a full or half day. A half-day includes low elements only and is generally 3-4 hours long. A full day is 6-8 hours and can either be all low elements OR low and high elements. The Challenge Course Manager will work with you to figure out what will be best for your group.

What if someone does not want to go on the HIGH COURSE?

At Life Adventure Center, our facilitators will never force anyone to do something they do not feel comfortable with. The entire day is about making personal decisions. We DO ENCOURAGE participants to choose their own challenges and to be willing to consider taking on some perceived risks so they are able to grow from the experience. All participants can have great success without ever leaving the ground!

What if someone in our group has a physical limitation?

Our Challenge Course Manager will need to be aware of any physical limitations before the group comes out. This will help in planning for the day on the course! We can accommodate almost anybody!