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Challenge Course

Acept the Challenge!
Come join us for the experience of a lifetime!

November - March Just $15 per person

OA Workshops
***Click Here To See Challenge Course Work Shops***

What is the Challenge Course?

The OSU Outdoor Adventure Challenge Course is an exhilarating maze of cable, logs, platforms, ropes, trees and games. The program offers all ages a series of physical and mental challenges. This combination of games, obstacles, and problem solving activities add up to high adventure and excitement, all within a caring and supportive atmosphere.

Click on a question below to see the answer.

Do I have to if I don't want to?
Is the OSU Course Safe?
Course Components?
What can be accomplished?
Who can attend?
Who are the instructors?
How do I make a reservation?
Group sizes and start times?
What about food?
What about bad weather?
What should we wear?
Other Workshops?
Rates?

Do I have to if I don't want to?

The OSU Outdoor Adventure Philosophy is "Challenge by Choice." Participation is always voluntary. No one is ever required, forced, or coerced to participate. Every person makes their own decisions and commitments based on what they are willing to risk. We believe taking one more step than previously thought possible is far more important than attaining the apparent goal of a given task. The impact of this approach is felt within the entire group. Teamwork and cooperation are achieved with surprising speed. Even more profound is the effect upon the individual, who often develops a clearer insight and a fuller appreciation of self.
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Is the OSU course safe?

Taking risks is an essential ingredient for adventure activities, but it must be understood that sensible risk taking is contained within the boundaries of good judgment, common sense, and the established principles of safety for the OSU Challenge Course. Your instructors will explain the proper procedures for all the activities. Remember that safety is based on each individual's commitment to be safety-minded at all times. Please cooperate with your instructors and your experience will not only be safe but also enjoyable.
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Course Components?

The Challenge Course is comprised of three main areas:
Games and Initiatives, Low Elements, and High Elements.

Participants of all ages in reasonable shape can use the facilities safely. One does not have to be an athlete to experience the Challenge Course. The genuine challenges are in the mind.

Games and Initiatives:
These activities take the participants from a simple warm-up to more complex problems requiring the group to plan and execute strategies for successfully completing each task. This time is devoted to stretching, getting-to-know one another, and providing an opportunity for the group to take emotional as well as physical risks.

Low Elements:
Participants move through a set of events that are carried out just above ground level. Each one presents a unique degree of difficulty and challenge to the individual. Group members graduate through a series of activities that will facilitate developing trust in their physical and emotional environments.

High Elements:
These activities begin at ground level and culminate on a platform 25 feet high, with participants returning to the ground by a zip line. The Highs provide a physical environment that will develop self-confidence by taking challenges never before tried.
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What can be Accomplished?

Increase mutual support within a group
Develop teamwork and problem solving skills
Develop an increased level of agility and physical coordination
Enhance the participants' self-confidence
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Who can attend?

The OSU Challenge Course was specifically designed and built for older youth and adult age populations. Younger groups may be able to utilize selected components, but discretion must be exercised. We recommend calling our office to discuss the options for younger people.
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Who are the instructors?

Each certified instructor has attended a training program which includes not only the technical skills but also aspects of leadership, group dynamics, and program planning. Instructors are required to review annually and be proficient in all aspects of safety before leading any group at the OSU Challenge Course. We make every effort to maintain a 1:10 instructor/participant ratio.
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How do I make a Reservation?

Plan ahead!
The popularity of the program requires groups to plan 3 to 4 months in advance to reserve a weekend date or just a week or two to reserve a weekday. Give us a call and we will compare calendars. You'll be sent confirmation of the date. Please inquire about specific exceptions and amounts.
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Group sizes and start times?

Most groups arrive at 9 a.m. and finish late afternoon, depending on the group size. Other starting times can be arranged. Ideally, groups include 15 to 40 participants. If you have a larger group, and want to complete the workshop in one day, then please call our office and we can make some suggestions.
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What about food?

We recommend a light sack lunch and a cooler and lots of ice water (especially during summer months). The lunch break is less than an hour so cooking is generally not a good idea.
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What about bad weather?

The rule of thumb is to dress for the weather. OSU will not cancel because of rain. We feel that if you're willing to get wet, then so are we! However, we do reserve the right to cancel due to weather conditions so uncomfortable that goals cannot be accomplished or conditions that jeopardize the safety of the participants. We request that you cancel by noon the day before so we can notify the instructors. During inclement weather we will have a pavilion available for lunch breaks and temporary shelter. Otherwise, participants have a picnic lunch on the course. For those that have need for indoor facilities, lodge or cabin reservations can be made.
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What should we wear?

Loose fitting clothing allows for freedom of movements. Shorts can be worn during hot weather, but they increase abrasion risks. Tennis shoes or light hiking boots are the best footwear, and open toed shoes or other unsecured footwear are prohibited. Also, leave all jewelry at home.
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Other Workshops

Our typical workshop centers around the experience itself, which is highly successful; however, we've discovered that some groups require more in-depth programming. If your organization has specific goals to accomplish, then a more focused program may be necessary. Teamwork, communication skills, group dynamics, conflict management, and decision making are just a few of the goals we can address.
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