Each Madison College challenge course program consists of activities that are chosen based upon the outcome goals set by group leaders and the nature of each group (age, level of physical challenge seeking, what the relationship between group members is, etc.). Since each group is unique, the content of each of our programs is unique.
Our programs activities involve physical movement, utilize a variety of props as resources for accomplishing tasks, emphasize collaboration and most commonly take place outdoors.
- We operate within a philosophy of Choose Your Challenge - Simply put, each participant has the freedom to determine the level of challenge they are comfortable taking on during each activity. We strive to ensure that no one feels that they are being pushed beyond the level of challenge they wish to go. We seek to provide opportunities for growth but never at the expense of making anyone feel that they are being pressured to do more than they want to or to undertake something that will be embarrassing or outside of their physical ability.
- There is a role for everyone in everything we do. For those who are not interested in participating in a specific activity during a program we will make sure to find an alternative role that will keep the individual involved and engaged even if they are not physically part of the action. No one should ever feel that they will be embarrassed, at risk of injury or unable to participate due to a condition that requires an accommodation. We want everyone to challenge themselves during our programs but what that means to each person is an individual decision that will be respected and honored.
Components of a Program Progression
Group Initiatives are the foundation of every program we deliver.
Ice Breaker initiatives get group members moving, talking, sharing with one another and create an understanding of the type of activities the group will be taking part in during their program. The emphasis during these activities is on experiencing success and establishing/reinforcing respect and support as group norms.
- Each of our programs begins with ice breaker initiatives as a way of helping participants become comfortable with what they will be experiencing, providing an opportunity to ask questions and introducing the facilitator to the group.
- Group facilitators are in a direct leadership role during this portion of the experience as group norms for the experience are established.
Introductory initiatives get participants focused on putting their ideas into practice as the group is presented with problem solving challenges. Group members move in and out of the role of leader, are asked to share their thoughts and opinions as the group seeks to achieve success and confront failures.
- Introductory initiatives help groups build tools such as effective communication and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of how the group functions.
- Group facilitators are actively engaged with the group during these activities in order to clarify activity rules, reinforce group norms and support the groups during breakdowns in the group's approach to completing tasks.
Advanced initiatives are presented as groups are ready to receive them and involve challenges that require participants to utilize the skills that have resulted in success during earlier activities. As the level of challenge increases so too does the innate reward for success. At this stage of the experience successes flow naturally from the capacity of group members to communicate, plan and make adjustments yet barriers to success are more numerous and difficult to overcome.
- Advanced initiatives offer the opportunity for groups and individuals to stretch themselves and take ownership over their actions. While this process can create stress the sense of accomplishment is fully owned by the group.
- Group facilitators continue to provide support during these activities but step back from being a focal point for the group so that group members have room to move into the lead thus creating a greater likelihood that the group can continue to perform well once their challenge course experience has ended.
Technical Elements
Low Ropes Elements offer an opportunity to utilize unique physical challenges as part of the team building experience. The Madison College course has multiple low ropes elements (Spiders Web, Grape Vines, Wild Woozy...). By including challenges that require group members to physically support and be supported by one another trust and a level of interpersonal reliance is developed at a pace that simply cannot be matched by more typical interactions among group members.
- Facilitators establish safety perimeters during low ropes elements and continuously manage the risk involved with these activities while making space for participants to extend their trust to fellow group members and receive the trust of others.
High elements take things to a new level in a very literal way. Typically used with half and full day programs so that there is adequate time for groups to take part in initiatives and low ropes elements first, our high elements are designed to offer personal challenges that also emphasize mutual support among group members. Utilizing safety systems that meet professional industry standards, our high elements offer perceived risk while the actual risk is minimized. This perceived risk allows individuals to develop a tremendous sense of accomplishment that they can take forward to other aspects of life.
- Our High Ropes Course offers participants the option to climb to approximately 30' above the ground and then make their way across a series of traversing elements by walking on cables, using rope hand lines and traveling between wooden platforms. Each participant is connected to the course using an individual safety system that allows a great deal of personal choice so individuals can decide which and how many portions of the course they complete.
- A dual Zip-Line provides a unique and fun way to exit from the ropes course. A great way for individuals to take on one last personal challenge before they leave the course, our zip-lines provide a thrill while keeping the emphasis on participant choice.
- Two Rock Climbing Walls offer different levels of physical challenge and thereby provide additional options for customizing an experience. Participants are taught to belay (manage the safety rope that climbers are attached to) each other (with staff oversight) and multiple climbers ascend the walls together thereby making the climbing walls an option that is perfect for groups seeking to emphasize cooperation, trust and support among group members.
For more information email
Bill Kegler, Madison College Challenge Course Coordinator or call 608 245-2126.
