What is a Challenge Course? The Challenge Course is an exhilarating maze of cables, logs, platforms, ropes, trees, games and activities offering all ages a physical and mental challenge. It is a combination of New Games, an obstacle course and initiative/problem solving activities that all add up to high excitement and adventure! It is an approach to education, counseling, recreation, and life that is engaging, active, challenging, and places a high level of expectation within an atmosphere of support and caring. The impact of this approach is strongly felt within the entire group where cohesion and cooperation can be achieved at surprising speed. Even more profound is the effect on the individual, who often develops clearer insights and a fuller appreciation of self.
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 The Challenge Course Philosophy can be summarized in one phrase:
 Challenge by Choice!

The Challenge Course is an educational and recreational activity intended to facilitate growth and development in the social, mental and physical areas. The accomplishment of growth begins with an atmosphere of support, acceptance, caring and trust. Participants make their own decisions and commitments. Group support encourages the development of a willingness to try and the realization that success is personal.  One step farther than before is much more important than attaining the apparent goal of a given task. Stress is fundamental to adventure activities. Instructors have been taught to use strategies which encourage learning ways of providing support without pressuring their co-participants. Each participant voluntarily and freely engages in any activity. The degree and extent of participation remains the individual's choice based on what that person can comfortably and willingly risk. No one is ever required, forced or coerced to do any activity.

Challenge Course Objectives 
The Challenge Course experience is unique in that the activities are designed for experiential learning. The aim of many of the activities is to allow the individual to see themselves as increasingly capable and competent. By graduating the series of activities which involve some physical or emotional risk and by succeeding (and sometimes failing) in a supportive group environment, a person may begin to develop true self-esteem.

Who can benefit from the Challenge Course? 
Camp Summit's Challenge Course is specifically designed and built for all age groups. It is generally suitable for mid-adolescents to adults. Younger groups may be able to utilize selected sections of the course, but discretion must be exercised.

Strengthen any team with the Challenge Course! 
Using the Challenge Course (both low and/or high elements), Camp Summit provides facilitation for team building exercises for on-profit groups, agencies, associations, youth organizations, corporate and business groups. The Camp Summit Challenge Course facilitators will assist groups in understanding the relevance of each task. The facilitators provide fun and excitement that fosters teamwork, improves communication, enhances self-esteem and develops trust among participants. If your team needs a helping hand and a place to pull together, try the Challenge Course.
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See our Group Facilities Page for details on additional group rental services at Camp Summit. You will find a leasing information packet link at the bottom of the page. For questions, leasing Information and date availability you can also call: (972) 484-8900 extension 103 or