Challenge Course

A program can consist of the following types of activities and are chosen based on the goals of your group.  
 
All activities are facilitated using the concept of “challenge by choice.”  Our staff stress the importance of an individual’s choice when determining how they can best contribute to the group, push themselves and set goals, and choose their personal level of participation.  As such, we actively discourage competition or forcing people beyond what they wish to do themselves.  

• Ice breakers (in-person and virtual program option): An ice breaker is an activity, game, or event that is used to welcome the group, warm up the conversation among participants and get people moving. If participants already know each other, ice breakers can serve to set the tone by generating laughter and conversation.         
• Team initiatives (in-person and virtual program option): Initiatives are team building challenges that focus on planning, problem solving, and creative thinking, rather than physical ability. Initiatives are a great way to challenge groups, begin or enhance the team-building process, or simply have fun.
• Escape rooms (virtual program option): Virtual escape rooms allow groups to work together to uncover clues and solve puzzles. They are great for collaborating as a team or for pure enjoyment. Escape room options:
  • Escape the USS Nautilus: Oh no! All of the commanders of the USS Nautilus have come down with some sort of viral infection. Even worse, the engines have stopped running and you are 1.3 miles below sea level in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean! You and your crew mates must work together to bypass the new security system and get the engines up and running again so we can get our commanders the required medical attention! Are you up to the task?" (Time: 1.5-2 hours)
  • The Outlaw's Bounty: Travel through Horseshoe Canyon as a deputy in this wild-western themed adventure. Search to find the hidden gold left behind by a band of outlaws and solve puzzles to discover the code to open their safe. (Time: 1.5-2 hours)
  • Mission Impossible: Calling all Agents! The infamous Codename X, one of our own former operatives, has turned to crime and based his operations at the University of Maryland, where he’ll launch his next scheme. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to work with Agents Lee and Rollins to uncover Codename X’s plot and take him down! To complete this mission, you’ll need to use your training to solve puzzles and decode intelligence collected from Codename X’s team. Good luck! (Time: 1.5-2 hours)
  • Terp Falls: It's a beautiful day at the McKeldin Mall Fountain, when suddenly, you and your friends get pushed in--transporting you all to an alternate dimension! With the fountain shut off, the portal is closed. To return home, you must help the Testudos recover the spell that reopens the portal. (Time: 1.5-2 hours)
  • University of Maryland: Calling all Terps! Do you think you're a UMD expert? Think again! This escape room will test your knowledge on UMD and hopefully teach you something new! You will solve clues and learn UMD fun facts to escape! (Time: 1-1.5 hours)
  • State of Maryland: Let's go O's! Old Bay Seasoning! Smith Island Cake! Black-Eyed Susans! This escape room is all about learning about the state of Maryland. You will work with your team to solve puzzles and clues, all while learning about the Old Line State. (Time: 1 hour)
  • National Parks: Did you know that the United States has over fifty National Parks? This escape room will require participants to navigate the National Park website to learn all about National Parks, from the trails inside of them to animals you may see along the way! (Time: 1-1.5 hours) 
• Team initiatives & escape room combo (virtual program option): Combine the benefits of a  virtual team building program and an escape room with this hybrid program. This is a great way to help your group build community while working together to solve problems.
• Low ropes course (in-person program option - currently unavailable): The low ropes courses consist of a series of real and imaginary obstacles designed to challenge groups and individuals to work together to accomplish a task. Low ropes elements often consist of a series of cables, ropes, and obstacles strung between trees or poles, 12 to 18 inches above the ground. Low rope elements present tests of physical strength, stamina, agility, balance, and flexibility, and invite participants to confront fears of potential failure or losing control. Risk is managed by group members who assume critical spotting roles.
• Climbing (in-person program option): Climbing can be done on our Alpine Tower or climbing wall, depending on your program goals, group size, and interest.  

There is a 10-person minimum charge for all team building programs. 

To reserve a Challenge Course program, complete the program request form.  The Coordinator for Challenge Course and Climbing Wall will reply to confirm a program, ask any follow-up questions, or suggest alternate dates. This form allows us to design your program with your goals in mind.  

Once a program is confirmed, you will be emailed the Program Agreement and Group Leader Packet.  The Agreement must be signed and returned (along with a deposit of 50% if a non-UMD group) by the dates indicated on the program agreement.

The Group Leader Packet outlines the next steps, what to bring, parking information, release forms, insurance requirements, and a link to the program goal sheet.

Location
The Challenge course is located behind the ERC and next to the climbing wall. Get to us by using the steps outside the west end of the ERC near the Outdoor Aquatic Center. Groups meet our staff and begin at the pavilion on the course.
 
Hours
The RecWell Challenge Course operates year round when the University is open. Specific hours of operation are based on scheduled group programming. There are no drop-in hours at the Challenge Course.