K-State Challenge Course
Our Purpose
The K-State Challenge Course enhances individual development and team building through
experiential learning in a natural environment. Perfect for groups that are looking
to build and grow relationships with one another, we are committed to providing safe,
inclusive challenges for every participant. Our trained facilitators encourage individual
and group reflection following each custom-designed activity.
Women in Economics take on the K-State Challenge Course! Read all about it! (PDF)
Meet our student staff
What is a challenge course?
A challenge course is an experiential adventure program which offers groups and individuals
the opportunity to engage in a series of personal development and team building activities.
These activities consist of icebreakers, group initiatives, and low and/or high elements
that involve mental, physical and emotional challenges, all while in a noncompetitive
and supportive atmosphere. Low and high elements consist of ropes, cables, logs, poles
and belaying systems. Trained facilitators take groups through the course and create
situations that challenge your abilities as an individual and a team member.
Check out this video filmed by the KSU WildcatWatch Channel for some more info. http://www.youtube.com/user/WildcatWatch#p/u/4/3DF8UT_YonY
The following video was filmed by KSU Media Relations. It predominantly features parts of the high course. Our low course has over a dozen elements that take place on or near the ground and are catered to people of all physical abilities and comfort levels.
Objectives of Participation
- Group bonding
- Team building
- Goal setting
- Group problem solving
- Trust development
- Communication
- Personal growth
- Leadership development
- Collaboration and cooperation
- Conflict management
- Self awareness
- Healthy risk taking
- A chance to "play"
- And of course, FUN!
Our Facility
The course has three components: a grassy field for group initiatives, low elements,
and high elements.
During the winter months
Groups can book indoor 2-hour team building sessions throughout the winter when the
weather doesn't allow for comfortable use of our course. These programs are held inside
the Rec Complex and involve the use of props, low element initiatives, and games.
See the Scheduling and Pricing section for more information.
Field area
Your challenge course experience will begin with initiatives on our field. Initiatives
are designed to warm up your group and to prepare you for the experience.
Low elements
Low elements involve ropes, cables, platforms, logs, and other pieces of equipment
employed on the ground or just off the ground. The activities can be geared toward
a group's particular goals and reinforce specific learning aspects. These elements
help participants to be creative in solving problems and help participants explore
how to later apply the same skills to everyday situations. The primary safety mechanism
used in low elements is group spotting. The low elements include:
- Whale watch
- Blind maze
- TP shuffle
- Wild woosey/triangle traverse/bermuda triangle
- Verticial/horizontal spider web
- Log jam
- Mountain games
- Zig zag
- Team trail
- Boson swings
- 8ft beam
High elements
High elements involve a system of ropes, cables, platforms, logs, and pulleys 10 to
40 feet off the ground on poles and cables. Personal assumptions and limitations are
tested through perceived risk and overcoming limiting thoughts. Group encouragement
empowers individuals to be able to do things they didn't think possible. Safety mechanisms
for these elements include the use of belay ropes (safety-rope attachment systems),
harnesses, and helmets. The high elements include:
- Flying squirrel
- Heebie jeebie
- Giant swing
- Levitation platform
- Multivine
- Portable power perch
- Power pole