Frequently Asked Questions

Challenge courses provide a great teambuilding experience. Members of a group or team come away with a wonderful bonding experience where they get to know each other on a deeper level and learn a lot about each other. They will learn to communicate with each other more effectively, develop trust, cooperate better, and have fun, among other things.

You must be 12 years of age or older to participate in either low or high course sessions.

While we encourage everyone to participate, nobody is required to participate. We operate under the Challenge by Choice philosophy. Any person can sit out of any activity at any time if they do not feel comfortable with an activity.

In a word, NO! All physical abilities are welcome! While some of the challenges available can be physically demanding, they can all be altered to levels of physical activity that are suitable for almost anyone. Many of the activities push the mind more than the body.

We tailor the amount of time on the course to whatever your group wants or needs. We typically schedule half-day programs for 2-4 hours and full day programs for 6-8 hours, though the timing is completely flexible based on a group's needs.

Directions to the course

You will meet your facilitator(s) on the grassy field, off the B18 parking lot. Parking is available in the B18 lot and if you are here on a Saturday or Sunday, permits are not required. View the parking map (PDF)

If you will be attending during the week before 5 pm, you will need to obtain a visitor parking permit from KSU parking services. Information on visitor parking is provided by Parking Services through their website. Please let us know if you have any additional questions about visitor parking.

Comfortable, athletic clothing tends to work best, though keep in mind our course is located in the woods, so participants may prefer to wear long pants or jeans to avoid insect bites. Dress for the weather. Closed toed and heeled shoes are mandatory. Chacos, keens, sandals or flip flops are NOT allowed. Five finger shoes are not allowed on the high course. Hats and sunglasses are advisable if the weather is hot and sunny. Mini t-shirts, tank tops, and short shorts are not recommended due to the way harnesses fit and the increased odds for splinters.

Check the weather before you come. Your group may desire sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as well as bug spray. A pullover, gloves, or rain jacket may also be advisable. Bringing refillable water bottles is strongly encouraged. Cameras are welcome. If a meal is planned into your day and you are bringing food, please bring an ice chest for the food. Make sure to bring the group's waivers (see below). Lastly, bring an open mind and a positive attitude!

Please leave all valuables, especially jewelry, at home or in your vehicles. Cell phones and wallets may be kept in our shed, but it is preferable if they are left behind.

All participants must fill out a waiver of liability form. Please note that for those 17 years and younger that a parent or guardian will need to sign. Please bring all completed forms at the beginning of your program time. Our staff will review these before beginning programming to check for signatures and pertinent medical information.

Release of Liability Form (PDF)

We are willing to work in a variety of weather conditions, keeping your group's comfort level in mind. If weather conditions become unsafe, we will be forced to cancel the scheduled program or move it indoors. For example, we do not work through thunderstorms, tornado, hail or lightning. We will typically continue a program if there is light rain, but if it becomes too heavy it may make things unsafe, in which case we will delay or cancel the program. Taking the program indoors is an option we offer. Our staff can lead the group through team building activities indoors through the use of props, games, and initiatives.

Please note that Rec Services will make the call on whether to cancel a program due to weather. Our course is covered in mulch so rain or a thunderstorm prior to the program will not necessarily be grounds for cancellation. We will be in contact with out of town groups regarding possible weather to try and prevent unnecessary trips. If Rec Services does not cancel a program due to weather, groups are expected to attend and will be billed per our cancellation policy.

Rec Services will periodically seek out new facilitator staff to undergo the extensive challenge course training and join our staff. For more information about becoming a facilitator, contact Allie Johnston at allie20@k-state.edu.