The Challenge Course

This experience helps groups build communication, problem-solving, leadership, and trust while strengthening confidence, relationships, and stress management. Guided by a “Challenge of Choice” approach, participants choose their level of involvement in a supportive, non-judgmental environment where success is measured by effort, growth, and teamwork.

High Elements
Static and dynamic high elements challenge individuals and partners to step outside their comfort zones while supported by the group. Activities are tailored to your goals and promote trust, responsibility, confidence, and personal growth.

Low Elements Team Building
Ground-based activities focus on collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, with guided reflection to reinforce learning and strengthen group dynamics.

Time on The Challenge Course generally consists of a progression of activities including warm-up stretches, games, initiatives, and group challenges, as well as a series of trust activities and low and high elements. All groups receive a pre-event assessment that enables the challenge course staff to create an experience uniquely geared toward individual needs.

You will be outside under and over the oak trees and in a large grassy field surrounded by trees. Expect to be in the sun, however we’ll use the shade as best we can. There are bathrooms and drinking water nearby. You know yourself best, and we will be as flexible and accommodating as we can. Please let us know how we can best serve you.

Program Waiver (PDF)

Clothing
Dress for the weather! You will be outside for an extended period of time. What you can tolerate for an hour is not the same as an entire day. On cool days, please bring several extra layers and in cold weather, gloves and hats are very useful for an enjoyable experience. In case of inclement weather, please bring a rain jacket and rain pants.
 

What To Wear
Please wear clothing that is comfortable and allows for freedom of movement.

• Top: T-shirts, sweatshirts, or button-down casual shirts
• Bottom: Loose fitting pants or long shorts (stay away from nylon)
• Shoes: Closed-toe athletic shoes such as hiking boots or tennis shoes. Sandals and opened-toe shoes are NOT permitted.
• Jacket, sweater, rain gear: appropriate clothing for the expected weather conditions.

What Not To Wear
Examples of inappropriate attire based on the nature of the activities include: flip flops, dress shoes, running or other nylon athletic shorts and tank tops. In addition, please do not wear any jewelry, including watches, earrings, rings, etc. These items can easily be caught in the equipment and cause injury.
 

Other Essentials

• Bug Spray
• Sunblock or sun protection - hat, long sleeves, sunglasses
• Water bottle - Please bring refillable water bottles. Water will be provided, but it is helpful to have your own water bottle for convenience and to keep you hydrated.
• Any necessary medications, such as inhaler, Epi-pen, etc.
• A completed General Waiver (PDF) is required for all participants.

Group Leaders: Please be sure that all Hold Harmless forms are completed and signed, in alphabetical order, and include a printed cover sheet with participant names in alphabetical order.
For minors age 17 and under, the form must be completed and signed by parent/legal guardian. Please note that without the proper signature, a minor will not be able to participate. Teachers, principals, coaches and youth ministers are not authorized to sign for minors in their care.
 

What Not To Bring

Please leave all valuables (wallet, cell phone, jewelry) in the car, and be sure to lock it. Please note that smoking is not allowed within the Climbing Wall and Challenge Course facilities, including all picnic tables and bench seating areas.
 

What To Do When You Arrive
Please plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to the start of your program. This will help ensure your group starts on time. Our staff will review the Hold Harmless Form prior to the start of the course. Upon arrival at James Island County Park, let the gate attendant know you’re here for a day program at the Outdoor Recreation Center, and you will be directed to our parking area. Follow the trail toward the climbing wall. Our facilitators will greet your group at the Climbing Wall office. We have picnic tables on the side of the building for lunch.
 

Chaperone Guidelines For Youth Groups
We ask that there are a minimum of 2 adult chaperones who accompany your group. Should your group require more, that is fine. All chaperones must complete a waiver.

We work to create an environment that is fun and full of learning. Our goal is to get your group to step up and take leadership roles, ask questions, and be creative. They may initially keep quiet and defer to those around them. Your first job will be to actively, but silently observe. This will hopefully compel them to think and act as an independent group. What we also need from you is to help with discipline. If a child does not want to participate there are no consequences from us. If we "force" a child too much, it may take away from their experience and from the others that want to participate. Our focus is the group, and we may call on you to assist with any situation that calls for one-on-one attention with an individual. We also ask for you to walk them to the bathroom as needed.

Lastly, please observe what the kids are doing. Quite often you will see interactions and experiences that need to be encouraged back at school or camp. Your extra set of eyes and ears can be crucial to transferring the experience into the future and into other settings.