Challenge Education -- What Earlham Challenge Education Can Offer You?

What Earlham Challenge Education Can Offer You:

Since the addition of Challenge Education at Earlham, community groups and campus organizations have contracted with the Wilderness program to provide, hour long, half day, full day and multi day programs. Below are explanations of the different types of programs available followed by some sample programs.

Low Ropes Course:

This name can be deceiving as the low ropes course is not necessarily made of ropes, but is a series of low to the ground structures designed for activities that encourage teambuilding. The activities are facilitated to develop communication, creative problem solving, cooperation, and trust. They are a great way to explore aspects of leadership and teambuilding. The Low Ropes Course is complimented by a variety of warm-up activities and initiatives that prepare participants for the course.

This course is great for any group of people that have to live, work, travel or function together in a team-like fashion. The activities can be adapted to any skill or ability level.

High Ropes Course:

By contrast, the high ropes course engages participants in a series of mental and physical challenges at an average height of thirty feet. The High Ropes course has components to emphasize teamwork and individual accomplishment. It is a great avenue for developing self-confidence and achieving more than people imagine they are capable of. The course is designed and built to meet the highest industry standards for safety and performance.

This course is great for any group of people looking to challenge themselves as individuals within a supportive group environment. It is not as group intensive but has the ability to focus on teamwork - especially in pairs - through some of the activities.

Mobile Initiatives Program:

This program addresses the same concepts and theories as the high and low ropes courses, however, like it's name suggests, it can be done anywhere. During these types of programs facilitators usually use ropes, or other props to set up challenging and educational opportunities in virtually any environment - from a gymnasium to a boardroom. Often times these activities are used as warm-ups before doing a high or low ropes program.

This program, like the low ropes, is great for any group of people that have to live, work, travel or function together in a team-like fashion. The activities can be adapted to any skill or ability level.

Indoor Climbing Wall:

This facility is housed in the Athletics and Wellness Center at Earlham College. Constructed by Eldorado Wall Systems in 1999 the climbing wall is state of the art and includes sculpted holds and faces, bolted lead climbs, and a natural crack climb. 10-14 different climbs are set ranging from beginner to advanced. This activity is a very real way to not only challenge personal fears and perceived ability but to build trust and support within a group.

This activity is great for school groups, and any group looking to build trust in pairs or challenge their participants to move past fears and perceived limits.

Design a Program that Meets YOUR Needs:

In all of our programming there is great variety and flexibility available to meet the unique needs of each client. Should a client select to do a course with Earlham College Challenge Education, we will ask that they outline their goals and objectives for the experience. We then cater a program specific to the needs of the client.

We have well qualified staff with the technical and interpersonal skills to facilitate successful experiences. Our goal is to create learning and insights that participants can take home and apply in their lives. To facilitate means "to make easy," and our role as facilitators is to make the learning process or challenge of the group easier and fun and worthwhile.

We can serve youth groups, adult not-for-profit groups, Earlham-affiliated groups, and corporate groups. The program cost is per participant and is based on the type and length of program you choose. We can also arrange hourly prices, up to two hours. If you have a large group you would like to schedule (30+), please give us at least two moths advance notice.

Sample Programs:

Half Day: Low Ropes Course - 4 hours
Welcome - Big Picture of the Day - Expectations/Safety
Name Game/Energizing Game or Activity/Ice Breaker
A few Mobile Initiatives
Activities on the Low Ropes Course
Program Debrief

Full Day: High Ropes Course - 6-7 hours
Welcome - Big Picture of the Day - Expectations/Safety
Name Game/Energizing Game or Activity/Ice Breaker
Trust Progression
Orientation to the High Ropes Course
Using the gear - Helmets and Harnesses
Belaying Procedures
Get up on the course - activities on the High Ropes Course
Program Debrief

Half/Full Day: Combo (High/Low Ropes Course) 4-8 hours
Welcome - Big Picture of the Day - Expectations/Safety
Name Game/Energizing Game or Activity/Ice Breaker
A few Mobile Initiatives
Activities on the Low Ropes Course
Orientation to the High Ropes Course
Using the gear - Helmets and Harnesses
Belaying Procedures
Get up on the course!!
Program Debrief

One-Two Hour Program: Mobile Initiatives
Welcome - Overview of schedule - Expectations/Safety
Name Game/Energizing Game or Activity/Ice Breaker
Series of progressively more challenging initiatives
Program Debrief

Contact Us:

Wilderness Programs
801 National Road West, Drawer 87
Richmond, IN 47374
phone:(765) 983-1327; fax: (765) 983-1207
Wilderness@earlham.edu