Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Students participating in the outdoor Campus Recreation Challenge Course.
  1. NAU
  2. Campus Recreation
  3. Outdoor Adventures
  4. Challenge Course

Challenge Course

Experience the ultimate team-building adventure with the NAU Challenge Course. Designed to promote community and individual growth, our series of adventure-based learning activities will inspire and unite your company, class, or organization. Whether you’re looking for a recreational outing or a developmental experience, our skilled facilitators will tailor each program to meet your specific goals. Join us for an enriching and unforgettable experience unlike any other.

Male student smiling as he is held up by ropes on the Campus Recreation Outdoor Challenge Course.

Is the Challenge Course right for you?

The Challenge Course is perfect for a wide range of groups and occasions, including NAU students, youth groups, schools, sports teams, and even birthday parties. Whether you’re looking for team-building exercises or just a fun outing, it has something for everyone. Our staff is happy to visit your Flagstaff location for a free 15–30-minute presentation on our experience.

Group benefits

We specialize in creating personalized recreational and team-building experiences that are tailored to meet your group’s specific needs and goals. Our activities are designed to enhance problem-solving skills, build mutual support and trust, boost self-confidence, improve interpersonal communication, conquer fears and doubts, foster a sense of personal responsibility, and, above all, have fun. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will bring your group closer together.

Our philosophy

At our program, we value the diverse knowledge and experiences that each participant brings. As facilitators, it’s our responsibility to foster a safe environment where everyone can challenge themselves, share ideas, and learn from each other. To achieve this, we guide participants through a series of activities that incorporate experiential learning theory. Together, we work toward the group’s goals and create an engaging space for growth.

Location

Whether you prefer to visit our stunning campus location, boasting amazing views of NAU and the San Francisco Peaks, or would like us to bring our exciting programming to you, we’ve got you covered.

Typical elements and activities

Join NAU’s certified facilitators as they guide your group through engaging challenge activities designed to cultivate teamwork and personal growth. Our Challenge Course offers five distinct types of activities, each one building upon the others to achieve specific goals. Embark on a transformative journey of play and hypothetical experiences, and discover the power of collective and individual challenges.

Introduction, goal, and expectation setting

Facilitators begin each program with introductions and interactively set shared expectations, goals, and a vision for the program. This is the first step in creating a positive and secure environment for challenge, growth, and learning.

Games and initiatives

Our games and initiatives include tag games, icebreakers, complex logical problems, and physical tasks. These activities are designed to help participants relax and put into practice the expectations set at the beginning of the program.

Low elements

Our ground-level program focuses on improving communication, problem-solving, and building trust. You’ll have the opportunity to work through various activities, including the Trust Sequence, Wild Woozy, and Spider’s Web.

High elements

Looking to set a personal goal that requires teamwork and support? The high elements provide just that. By combining perceived risk and total support, you’ll learn how to succeed. These activities start from the ground and reach heights of 35 to 45 feet. Get ready to elevate your accomplishments.

Debrief

Make the most of your program with a debrief led by our expert facilitators. We’ll help you connect the experience to your group’s larger goals and encourage everyone to share their opinions and thoughts. Through the use of props, questioning, and metaphors, we’ll create a meaningful conclusion that will leave your group with new perspectives.

Safety and perceived risk

At the NAU Challenge Course, your safety is our top priority. While our activities may seem daring, we prioritize your well-being and understand the importance of safety, both physically and mentally. We take extensive measures to minimize any potential risks.

Here’s what we do to ensure a safe, enjoyable activity:

  • We strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), the leading authority in our industry.
  • Our facility is inspected by Experiential Systems a trusted Professional Vendor Member of the ACCT.
  • Our team consists of highly trained facilitators who prioritize safety above all else.
  • We follow the “challenge by choice” philosophy, allowing participants to choose their level of engagement based on their comfort.

Furthermore, our “challenge by choice” approach empowers you to make decisions that suit your preferences. You won’t be forced to take any action that puts your well-being at risk. For instance, you can decide whether or not to tackle a high element, but for safety reasons, wearing a helmet is mandatory during climbing.