Challenge Course

A program can consist of the following types of activities and are chosen based on the goals of your group. In your program request form, you can indicate how much of your program you’d like to dedicate to each activity type.  Note: all programs will consist of some community building activities so that our facilitators can get familiar with the group members. 

• Community Building Activities: Community building activities are activities or games used to welcome the group, warm up the conversation, help everyone get familiar with one another, and get folks moving. If participants already know each other, community building activities can serve to set the tone by generating laughter and conversation.  
• Team initiatives: 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.
• Low ropes course: 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 ability, 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. Note: our facilitators can make accommodations to ensure all group members can participate in some way, regardless of their ability level.
• Climbing and High Course: Climbing can be done on our Alpine Tower or Climbing Wall. We also have the High Course, Leap of Faith, and Giant Swing. At least an hour will be dedicated to climbing if you’d like this activity included in your program. The High Course, Leap of Faith, and Giant Swing have group size and time constraints that the Coordinator for Challenge Course & Climbing Wall will discuss with you should you express interest in these activities on your program request form.

To reserve a Challenge Course program, complete the online 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.  

Program request forms should be completed at least three weeks prior to the desired program date. 

Once a program is confirmed, you will be emailed the program agreement. 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.

Cancellation Policy: Programs must be cancelled no less than 7 business days prior to the event date. A service charge of $50 will be assessed for such cancellations.

Program Request Form

Each semester we offer programs that are free to students. These programs will allow you to experience some of the high course elements that the Challenge Course has to offer. Take a look at the programs we'll be offering this Spring 2024 semester! 

Registration is not required, but we do ask that arrive by the scheduled program start time, or you may not be able to participate. All activities are first come, first serve. No prior experience is necessary and all you need to participate is comfortable, athletic clothing and close-toed shoes!