The Adventure Team Challenge was created for teams whose goals are recreational team building with a small budget.  The program works best with teams who already work well together or who are just coming together for the first time. If you are adding a few staff and you want to achieve instant buy-in without the need for deeper team development, then the Adventure Team Challenge is a great fit. Getting ready to begin a new school year, and want an energizer? The Adventure Team Challenge is the team building option that will fit the bill.

The PORTABLE Team Challenge brings the team building to your location or to a park or retreat center near you. The Portable Team Challenge is a facilitated team building experience – our expert facilitators will sequence activities that are not only fun and challenging, but relevant to your goals, needs and group dynamics. Following most activities, your facilitator will lead the team in a debrief that relates the lessons learned in the activity back to the ‘real world’ of work dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

The ROPES Challenge combines the facilitated team building of the Portable Team Challenge (getting-to-know-you activities, problem-solving initiatives and trust-building exercises) with the individual challenge of the high elements (challenging climbing, traversing or leaping activities that take place up to 40 feet in the air) to create a uniquely powerful team building experience. The accomplishment of the high element portion of the day is often the most memorable and individually satisfying component.

The NEXTeams Process begins where traditional team building programs end. Designed for teams whose goal is to get to the root of organizational dysfunction and build a foundation of trust that will foster commitment, innovation and higher performance, the NEXTeams Process bridges the gap between team building and ‘teams working’. NEXTeams is “The NEXT Step” in team development. Check out our other professional facilitation services at The NEXTeams Companies website: www.nexteams.com.

Learn more about our different Team Building options…

Accordingly, it is only sensible that those people who intend to embark on an extreme outdoor adventure activity fully prepare themselves for the tasks ahead. Indeed, it is often the case that serious injuries are inflicted upon those who fail to address the demands of their chosen activities or, in fact, nature itself. The world is already a dangerous place and nature can kill human beings effortlessly, so it is always important first and foremost to recognize the dangers posed by the natural environment. Of course, when extreme sports and activities are also undertaken, the risk factor facing outdoor adventure enthusiasts is magnified enormously. Thus, physical conditioning is also key to effective preparation for enjoying extreme outdoor adventures.

In respect to personal fitness levels, it must be stated at the outset that no two people are identical and it is always sensible to seek professional medical advice before undertaking any kind of strict exercise regime. Notwithstanding this, it is generally advisable to exercise the body on a regular basis in order to maintain a basic standard of fitness and good health. Of course, where extreme outdoor adventures are concerned, advanced physical conditioning is usually required. Thus, swimming, running and other cardiovascular exercises, in addition to a moderate weight training routine, ought to be regularly undertaken ahead of an extreme outdoor adventure. Moreover, it is useful to train in preparation of a given set of conditions. For example, if training for a snowboarding holiday, it is worth running in the cold morning air – preferably on a hill or mountain – in order to condition the body effectively.

Likewise, dressing appropriately is key to enjoying a successful, fun and safe outdoor adventure activity. In the spring and summer months, it is important to focus on controlling body heat in order to avoid hyperthermia, which refers to a dangerously elevated body temperature that can be caused by heat stroke. Equally, in the colder months, hypothermia, which refers to a dangerously low body temperature, is a significant threat to hikers and mountain climbers who fail to dress appropriately. Base layers and insulating fully waterproof jackets are key to avoiding hypothermia, whilst summer outdoor adventure enthusiasts ought to wear clothing that helps to wick sweat away from the body. Furthermore, it is essential that certain outdoor adventure gear is brought along on any such trip. For example, mountain equipment may comprise protective and insulating down jackets, body warmers and trousers in addition to ski gloves and mittens, beanies, mountain tents, down bags and various communications and navigational equipment.

I’m not speaking of the power that I wield as a facilitator, but rather the awe that I feel when I am part of a ropes course experience.  I don’t get the goosebumps every time, but every once in a while I share a moment with an individual or a team that reminds me of what a wonderful gift it is to be a team building facilitator.

This past weekend, I worked with a youth group from a local Unitarian church.  It was an odd mix of high school students – a couple of natural leaders, a bunch of quiet “average” kids, two or three very “energetic” youth and one teenage boy with cerebral palsy.

When the client mentioned that Matthew was wheelchair bound, I had to warn her that the ropes course is set in a combination of hilly fields and forest – not exactly an ideal setting for a power chair.  In the next moment, I assured the organizer that if the group was up for the challenge, I would design a program that would include every member of the team – regardless of mobility.  The deal was struck and the date was set.

When the group arrived, my co-facilitator and I decided to keep the group of 24 participants together, taking them through a series of activities that could include everyone and still be appropriately beneficial.  Name games, ice breakers, and problem-solving activities punctuated the morning, and during each activity I could see that the group of teens was supportive and inclusive (with an occasional reminder – “remember that one of your team has less mobility than the others, so be sure your planning and action takes place with him in mind…”).

The group was progressing well, and the long-awaited “high element” portion of the day was fast approaching, yet I still hadn’t decided how I was going to get a wheelchair bound participant onto a high element.  I had to commit to either rigging a makeshift “Giant Swing” or using a haul system on our “Leap of Faith.”

Deciding that the trail to the  Leap would be an easier terrain for Matt’s power chair, I set about devising a way to get him up to the 20-foot platform.  I rigged up two separate ropes – one would be used to haul the climber up, while the other would be used to belay the climber down.  Using a “team belay” on the haul rope, I would clip in and climb next to Matthew as his team hauled him up to the first platform.  After testing the haul system myself (whee!), I judged that everything should work well, and Matthew was clipped onto the two ropes.  As I climbed up the tree beside him, Matthew was hauled slowly up, higher and higher, until he was near the platform.  The whole way up I kept an eye on Matthew’s face, checking in to make sure he was okay.  Although I could see the nervous look in his eyes, he responded that he was fine, and I carefully lifted him up onto the platform.  Now for the moment of truth…

I turned Matthew around to face away from the tree, and he looked down over the edge of the platform.  Twenty feet off the ground, Matthew was ready to “jump,” so I quickly unhooked the haul rope, and he moved to the edge of the platform.  I gave a count of “three…two…one…” and Matthew tottered off the edge of the platform – giving an excited/scared/elated little yelp as he was lowered slowly back down to the ground.

As I climbed back down to the ground, I realized that I had probably been more terrified of the whole experience than Matthew had.  Although I am a highly experienced and well-trained ropes course facilitator and rock climbing instructor, I am not trained in working with disabled climbers.  I didn’t know if Matthew’s condition would make this type of activity a dangerous one (wearing a full-body harness, having all of his weight lifted for an extended period of time, etc…).  In the end, it was really me taking the “Leap of Faith.”

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I checked in with the organizer of the group this evening, to see how things went and whether she had received any feedback from the team.  This is what she wrote:

“Eriq – THANK YOU SO MUCH!  Our group had an amazing experience… when the advisors spoke to me of your including Matthew in the adventure, there wasn’t a dry eye around.”

I know what she means.  Being able to include Matthew in the ropes course experience has been one of the highlights of my recent facilitation career and has reminded me of why I got into this field in the first place.  I’m still grinning as I write this

Thank you Matthew.

The mission at the core of my business – to facilitate positive change in groups and individuals through the use of experiential education tools and adventure programming.

The relationship I keep with my facilitators – give them your trust, pay them a decent wage, expect their best, and then step out of the way.

The relationship I keep with my clients – promise only what I can provide, provide more than the client expects, create a foundation of trust that the client can build on long after the program is over.

As long as I stick to those core values, every decision I make is easy, and so far I have been fortunate enough to make decisions that have helped my company to thrive.

For instance – this year, one of my University clients had their budget slashed.  Although they had expected to be able to return this Fall to have us run their Freshman Orientation programs, the money just wasn’t there.  The school pulled out entirely and was forced to run an in-house team building activity.

It is always disappointing to hear that a long-time client is deciding not to re-contract our services, but I also see it as an opportunity to reflect, to learn, and to adapt.  We took the information we had learned during the process of negotiating with that client to completely redesign our Team Building DiY (Adventure Challenge).  We were able to cut our costs and offer the program at a reduced rate for schools with a tighter budget.  While we lost one client, we gained two more in their place – each one choosing to go with the less expensive option.

We now have another option – a new level of service to offer clients who are on an ever-tightening budget.  In the coming year, I will stay in contact with  all three schools and let them know how important their feedback was and what we were able to do to accommodate their future programming needs.  With any luck, the groups will be able to come back next year and either go for the less expensive option, or choose the next level of programming.  Either way, the trust is there, and I have every reason to believe that we will be able to provide a service for their Freshman Orientations next Fall.

In the wake of the “Economic Downturn” of the last couple of years my business has had to adapt quickly to the changing needs of my clients.  This adaptability is one of the skillsets that I rely on not only in my team building facilitation, but also in the way I run my company.  In order to make difficult decisions that I can live with, I simply do a check against the core values, and the decision becomes easy.

ROPES Challenge Course

Combining elements of the Portable Team Challenge with additional High Elements, the ROPE Challenge is a great way for groups to either work on specific goals, or simply enjoy a recreational team building event. The addition of High Elements creates a significant individual experience for members of the group, focusing on personal achievement and self-awareness.

Our goal is to provide a team building program that is the right fit for your organization.  If we are unable to provide a course that suits your needs, we will try to suggest alternatives.  We will not try to fit you into a program that will not benefit your team.

The Challenge Course at Butler School

The Challenge Course at Butler School is located in Darnestown, MD, about an hour from downtown Washington, DC. Particularly suited for groups of 8 to 50 participants, the ropes course offers a combination of low team elements and high elements to provide a well-rounded team building experience.  The Challenge Course at Butler School was designed specifically to focus on enhanced teamwork, encouraging and increasing leadership, and building a foundation of trust and commitment among the members of your team.

Sample High Elements:

“Leap of Faith” – climb 40 feet up a tree and jump for a tethered ball!  This is one of the tallest platforms in Maryland!!
“Flying Squirrel” – your team pulls you up, and you swing through the air!
“Swinging Bridges” – traverse a rickety plank bridge with the aid of ‘handrails’ at your waist.
“Islands in the Sky” – leap from platform to platform while suspended 25 feet off the ground.
“Swinging Tires” – traverse a set of suspended tires with the aid of cables hanging from above…
“Climbing Wall” – climb our 30 foot wall, with an overhanging obstacle and a few other surprises.
“Zap Line” – fly 350 feet through the air on a cable that is suspended high above the ground.
“Six Ropes” – this low/high element combination has more than a dozen activity possibilities.

Learn more about ROPES Challenge programs…
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ROPES Challenge Course at FLOC Outdoor Education Center

The facilities at the Outdoor Education Center provide a beautiful natural setting for the full ROPES Challenge Course. Situated in the trees and spanning a small creek, the High ROPES Course at FLOC Outdoors is best suited to groups of 8 to 24 participants.

For groups interested in overnight accommodations and prepared food, the Outdoor Education Center provides a variety of packages, from boxed lunch and cabin camping, to Lodge rooming and catered meals.

FLOC OEC HIGH ROPE Challenge is set up in a wilderness setting, providing an intimate experience for small corporate and youth groups. The emphasis is on teamwork and commitment among the members of the group, rather than strictly providing an individual challenge. Each high element requires the assistance of multiple members of the group – from belaying the climbers and spotting the ladders, to lowering climbers down off of the zip line, the group is immersed in the teambuilding experience.

Sample High Elements:

“Giant’s Ladder” – a team activity climbing the rungs of a ladder…
“Burma Bridge” – traverse a cable with the aid of cable ‘handrails’…
“Balance Beam” – climb up a tree and walk across a beam 30 feet high…
“Multi-vine” – traverse a cable with the aid of ropes hanging from above…
“Cargo Net” – climb a huge net suspended 30 feet off the ground…
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ROPES Challenge Course at Camp Shoresh

With courses located in Baltimore and Fredrick, MD, Project Ascent customizes team building, leadership training and adventure programming for groups of all sizes. Both ROPES courses offer state of the art equipment and are constructed to the highest industry standards. Each facility provides catering services as well as pavilion use. Our low team building and leadership training is design to bring and enhance such values as: communication, trust, problem solving, and strengthening group dynamics. All of our programs are designed to bring out the best in individuals and groups.

Sample High Elements:

“Swinging Log” – walk across a beam that swings from side to side!
“Static Course” – switch from cable to cable in this five-in-one activity!
“Bo’sun Chair” – pull yourself from one side to the other while sitting on a swinging chair…
“Tension Traverse” – traverse a cable with the aid of a rope, attached at one end…
“Flying Squirrel” – your team pulls you up 40 feet in the air and you swing out into the trees!
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ROPES Challenge Course at Bishop Claggett Center

The facilities at the Bishop Claggett Center provide the perfect setting for a large group ROPES Challenge Course. Situated on a large field and in the trees, the High ROPE Course is best suited to medium to large groups (50-100 participants) whose goal is enhanced teamwork, communication, trust and commitment.

For groups interested in overnight accommodations and prepared food, the Bishop Claggett Center provides a variety of packages, from boxed lunch and dorm-room overnights, to Lodge rooming and catered meals.

Sample High Elements:

“Cargo Net” – traverse across a cargo net suspended 30 feet off the ground…
“Swinging Bridge” – walk across a swinging plank bridge with no hands!
“Pamper Pole” – climb a pole and jump for a trapeze bar!
“Catwalk” – climb up a net and walk across a beam 30 feet high…
“Multi-vine” – traverse a cable with the aid of ropes hanging from above…
“Giant Swing” – your team pulls you up 40 feet in the air and you swing out into the trees!
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ROPES Challenge at Sandy Spring

The Challenge Course at Sandy Spring provides a combination of low and high rope elements that offer groups the opportunity to challenge themselves in different ways that support the common theme of cooperation and community.

Sample Low Elements

“Wild Woozy” – partners must “lean in” on each other as they venture out on two expanding cables…
“Triangle Traverse” – participants attempt to traverse three cables using rope and teamwork…
“Multi-vine” – teams must traverse a cable using ropes suspended from above…
“Kings Finger” – teams stack atop one another and attempt to put a tire up over a pole that is 12 feet tall…
“Low Team Wall” – teams must help each other up and over a 12 foot wall…
“Mohawk Walk” – teams traverse multiple cables with planning and teamwork…

Sample High Elements

“Giant’s Ladder” – Partners must work together to climb a ladder whose rungs are spread farther and farther apart…
“Postman’s Walk” – Your team belays you across a foot cable…
“Giant Swing” – Your team pulls you up, you pull the release and take the “giant swing!”
“Leap of Faith” – Climb the pole, stand up, and take the “leap of faith!”

Additionally, groups can utilize our state of the art Athletic Center, our 300 seat Performing Arts Center, or a number of conference rooms with digital media available to rent.
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Who can benefit from our ROPES course team building and corporate event programs?

• School groups
• Adults
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Scouts
• Camps
• Religious groups
• Corporations
• Small businesses
• Government agencies
• Sports teams
• Fraternities and sororities
• Birthday parties
• And more

Learn more about ROPES Challenge Course programs…

We had a great time – the girls were great friends who also happened to be very funny, and gave a go at every climb I set for them.  By the end of the day, they were exhausted, but happy – and I imagine they will be back to climb again in the future.

Big Time Fun!