Information about the Challenge Course team-building programs  

The Challenge Course provides adventurous, personalized team building experiences for your class, team or organization.  We will work with you to create a customized experience with the greatest opportunity for the growth and development for your group. 

The activities will help your group:

  • develop problem-solving skills
  • generate mutual support and trust
  • enhance each participants' self-confidence
  • improve interpersonal communication
  • overcome fear and doubt
  • cultivate an awareness of personal roles, responsibilities, and accountability
  • have fun in community and personal life

"Participating in the Challenge Course experience is especially beneficial for groups just coming together.  The activities on the challenge course get participants communicating, interacting and braking down social barriers rapidly to create strong teams."-Amber Heft, Program Coordinator

Elements and activities in a typical course

There are four types of activities on the Challenge Course. Each one builds on the others and has a specific purpose.

Read more.

Games and initiatives

Northern Arizona University’s certified facilitators will lead your group through collective and individual challenge activities that involve play and hypothetical experiences. Examples of games and initiatives include:

  • tag games
  • icebreakers
  • complex logical problems
  • physical tasks

This will transform your group into a positive support base that will foster individual risk-taking and growth.

Low elements

Participants further develop the supportive environment that is necessary on the high elements but remain at ground level. Many of these activities, such as the Spider’s Web and a Trust Sequence, will help each participant build confidence in the other group members.

High elements

The high elements provide the opportunity for individuals to practice success within their comfort level. Through the use of perceived risk and total support, individuals begin to realize how to succeed. Each of these activities begins at ground level and culminates 35 to 45 feet off the ground. While we are not simply a ropes course, we do incorporate some ropes elements into our programs. 

Debrief

Facilitators lead conversations throughout and at the conclusion of the program to connect the experience to the group’s larger goals beyond the program.  Participants are encouraged to express their opinions and thoughts through use of props, answering questions, and metaphors.    

A meaningful final debrief wraps up the experience and sends the group off with new perspectives.

Accessible version of NAU Challenge Course Photos Media Gallery
Close
NAU Challenge Course Photos

Indoor and Portable Challenge Course

A large number of challenge course activities can be conducted in any location.

Read. More

To give you team a boost, book a two hour or longer program consisting of activities that will get you team laughing, communicating, and problem solving. Our facilitators will work with you to plan an itinerary appropriate for your group’s goals, participants, and activity space.

Take advantage of our community building experience where it is most convenient for you. We are happy to send our highly skilled facilitator team and all the gear needed to your location. 

Research on challenge course participation has shown the majority of team development results from low course participation. You don’t have to wait for good weather to experience the benefits and fun the challenge course has to offer.

Looking for a little more high adventure? A Climbing Wall reservation can be added to a indoor challenge program held on NAU's Campus.

Safety

Learn about the risks and safety regulations of the Challenge Course.