Challenge Course Group Information
Full Value Contract
Effective learning occurs in an environment where what is learned can be put into practice and the learner can receive accurate feedback and reinforcement. An essential component for learning is a person’s conscious decision to achieve some particular goal during the group experience. By using a goal setting process and developing individual personal action plans, groups members are helped to define what they want to achieve, how they are going to accomplish this and what evidence will serve to demonstrate that they have achieved a specific goal.
The full value contract asks for the following commitments and presumes specific expectations for all group members and facilitators.
1. An agreement among the group members to work together to achieve the individual and group goals that have been developed and share during the group experience.
2. An agreement to adhere to certain physical and psychological safety guidelines must be discussed and agreed upon by the group.
3. An agreement to give and receive honest feedback. Each person agrees to listen to and try to integrate ones feedback when his/her behavior does not match the behavior identified as a goal. Similarly, each person agrees to give honest feedback to others when their behaviors do not match what they identified as goals. This involves caring enough about oneself and others to communicate in a fashion that will be productive and facilitate growth.
Inherent in this process is the belief that every group member has value and by virtue of that value has a right and responsibility to give and receive open and honest feedback. Withholding or refusing to listen to constructive criticism my be viewed as and example of devaluing oneself and others.
4. An agreement to increase awareness of a devaluing or discounting of oneself or others and to make a direct and conscious effort to confront and work toward changing this behavior. Again, appropriate and constructive criticism is an essential ingredient in the full value contract. However, members must learn to participate in this process in an open and responsible manner. It gives us a challenge to oneself or from another to look at one’s own behavior at the discrepancy between what one says and what one does or at the degree to which one is being honest with self and others.
"Challenge By Choice"
THE COURSE
The challenge course is designed for groups to come together in a positive environment to allow for personal and group growth. Although your day may vary depending on time and group goals, most courses consist of three sections. Field games and initiatives build the base for the day. This is followed by the more intense low course, which uses physical elements to pose group and individual problems. The last part of the day may focus on the Alpine Tower, a 50 foot tall climbing structure that provides several exciting individual and group challenges. You can ascend the tower (you can utilize hanging elements, cargo nets, ropes, and platforms) to help you feel a sense of adventure and accomplishment. No matter what your day may bring, setting goals is the key to taking something back to work, home or for yourself. We will talk and ask each individual to participate in evaluating each element. Remember, we are facilitators of the process. You hold the key for making the day one to remember.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
1. Long pants preferred to protect your legs, but shorts are acceptable during hot weather
2. Tennis shoes or hiking boots--NO DRESS SHOES OR SANDALS
3. No jewelry - we don’t want you to lose it so keep pockets empty
4. Rain gear, hat and/or sweatshirt as needed - dress for the weather
WHAT DO I BRING?
1. Bag lunch unless your group is catering. We will have water on site.
2. Bug spray and sun block for summer courses
3. Camera - if you would like to document the events of the day
Don’t bring anything you don’t really need or can’t afford to lose.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
1. To have FUN!! You will be amazed at what laughing can accomplish
2. To stretch yourself and your group beyond perceived limits
3. To develop your team work skills and leadership styles
* develop base of trust in each other
* develop appreciation of individual styles and talents
* develop and reinforce communication skills
* develop and reinforce support and feedback skills
PROGRAM STANDARDS
1. Challenge by Choice
2. Agree to the full value contract--see above
3. ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST--pay attention and adhere to spotting, lifting, terms, and climbing techniques. Also please make your facilitator aware of current pertinent medical conditions and medication. Watch out for your team members.
4. No alcohol, non-prescription drugs or tobacco on course.
COURSE LOCATION AND PARKING
The ropes course is located in the back of the Blount Sports Complex at the Field House behind the Carol G. Belk Building on the corner of Greenville Blvd. and Charles Street (across from the Plaza Mall). Turn onto Curry Drive and follow to the back of the parking lots. Parking is located along Curry Drive across from the Blount Sports Field House. No one is allowed to drive to the low element or Alpine tower section of the course area. Parking stickers or passes are required for parking. All groups will meet at the Field House located in front of the sports fields.
RAIN AND OTHER QUESTIONS
In most cases we will try and proceed with your course unless we feel that weather conditions will adversely effect your experience. Decisions will be made the day of the event, usually one hour prior to the starting time. Lead facilitators will be in contact with your group leader to make the decision. We will be happy to answer any individual questions you may have. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday at (252) 328-6387. Your group leader will be in contact with Campus Recreation & Wellness Staff if you have any last minute questions or problems.
