Challenge Courses

Our challenge courses are centered around platforms, cables and harnessing equipment. The courses are designed to create a progression of increasingly challenging elements, beginning with initiative games and culminating with the Flying Squirrel and High Course.

It is important to understand the philosophy behind what we are trying to deliver. Our courses are based on the principles of learning to be a team player, assuming leadership roles and increasing self-confidence through conquering fears.

This is why we generally start everyone, Brownie through adult, with initiative games that often don't even involve a low course element. We lay the groundwork first for the skills and teamwork that are necessary to then proceed through the rest of the elements.

The Challenge Course is a wonderful experience for all and we encourage every girl to participate on the course to her own limits.

Age level progression

Under age 6 Not recommended at all.

Girls 6 - 8 Initiative games are the focus with this age level. Often, these girls are a bit too small or lack the upper body strength for the actual low elements but are good learners at this critical stage in developing listening skills and learning how to cooperate and work as a team. They can challenge themselves on the climbing wall.  This is a great element for them to conquer and feel the satisfaction of accomplishment.  The facilitators will gage the progress of the group to determine if it is time to move on to a low course element.

Girls 9 - 11 Should be ready to begin the actual low course along with the climbing wall.  The low course has several elements for the girls to learn how to work together.  Once they have gone through the low course the facilitators will recommend whether or not they are ready to move on to the high course when they become Cadettes. 

Girls 11- 17 - After working together to successfully complete the low course, girls can progress to the high course consisting of elements arranged 40 feet high in the trees. Girls are belayed up to the starting platform where facilitators help them get secured to the cable so they can start their journey through the triad of elements. The exit from the course is a 200-foot zip line, which generally proves to be the most exhilarating portion of the whole experience. We encourage the girls to spend as much time as they wish while participating in the high course.

Course Elements

• Initiative Games - Games that represent a challenge or situation to the group that they must solve within a given set of rules and with materials provided by the facilitator.

• Low elements - Low course elements consist of a variety of challenges that have to be solved through teamwork, communication skills and cooperation. Elements and props are on the ground or cables 18 - 24 inches off the ground.

• Climbing Walls - Horizontal climbing walls are 30' high. Girls are belayed and their teammates support and encourage them as they climb.

• Horizontal Wall - The horizontal wall is 24' long and participants moth sideways to transverse the wall.

• Zip Line - The zip line is a 200' length of cable that moves the participant from a high course element to the ground. The belayed and harnessed participant hooks on to a pulley system and rides the cable to the ground.

• The Flying Squirrel is the first real test of the trust and listening skills that the previous initiatives and lows have provided. The Squirrel requires teamwork to propel the harnessed participant into the air.

• The Double Swing is awesome – two people are hooked into the double swing – the team pulls them back until they say stop – then they let go upon the swingers’ command and out they go over the beautiful ravine – swinging back and forth.

• The Dangle Duo is a ladder that takes two people working together to accomplish reaching the top of the platform as the steps get further and further apart.

• The Pamper Pole is just that – once you reach the top of the pole and stand up – you might just need a new pamper!  This is a great element for those that really want the challenge of doing something on their own.  Once on top of the pole – you jump off and swing out to the ground.  Whew!!!  What a rush!

our courses

Whip-Poor-Will: Low Challenge Course, Climbing Wall, Flying Squirrel, High Challenge Course

Camp Greene:  Horizontal Climbing Wall, Mohawk Walk and low course initiatives.

Camp Rolling Hills:  Along with the low course we have a brand new "Shocker" high course.  It has 5 different elements including a climbing wall, double swing, zip line, dangle duo and a pamper pole.

Registration Form

Questions about Challenge Courses: Almedia Cranford , 937-279-6564 or 1-800-233-4845 x564