What is a Challenge Course?

A challenge course program is defined as an adventure program that consists of a progression of group games, initiatives, low elements, and high elements. The group games aim to warm-up the group and begin to establish trust. The initiatives are program-solving challenges that strive to build communication and team-building skills. Low challenge course elements vary greatly, but in general, they are activities that are close to the ground, that involve little risk, but require solving mental and physical problems cooperatively. High challenge course elements are literally challenges that are often set up to forty feet off the ground. They are designed to allow participants to safely take risks with the support and trust of their teammates.

Essential Elements

Two important elements of any challenge course are "Challenge by Choice" and the "Full-Value Contract." Challenge by Choice is the principle that encourages all to participate within their comfort zone; no one is forced to complete any task, but all are encouraged to challenge themselves. Similarly, the Full-Value Contract creates a safe environment establishing ground rules for the program. One example of such a "contract" is asking everyone to "play hard, play fair, and play safe." All participants must have agreed to those terms. (For more information on CbC and FVC see www.pa.org ).

How can participation in a challenge course benefit students?

Research has shown that students with self-confidence, self-efficacy, and a strong locus of control are more successful in school than their peers that lack these skills. It is also widely understood that challenge course (or ropes course) programs benefit students by building these same skills. Previous studies have documented the use of challenge course programs to build skills such as self-efficacy, self-esteem, and resiliency. These characteristics are critical for academic success.