Teambuilding

• Challenge courses and adventure-based programs have become increasingly popular (Hatch & McCarthy, 2005) for groups that want a different and unique way of achieving specific goals.  Some of the goals of these programs include building confidence, becoming more assertive, developing problem-solving skills, increasing motivation, and improving leadership skills (Long, Lindenmeier, & Robertson, 2003).  
• Ropes courses increase interpersonal growth through building positive social interactions, testing perceived personal limits, and reinforcing group development and cohesion (Faulner, 2002).  
• Individual studies have been completed on the outcomes related to ropes course participation including heightened self-esteem and self concept, improved group decision making capabilities, and cooperation and trust (Goldenberg, Klenosky, O’Leary, & Templin, 2000) 
• Gillis and Speelman (2008) identified positive changes in self-esteem, self-efficacy, family dynamics, physical variables, group dynamics, personality measures, and academic measures 
• Documented benefits of challenge courses include increased self-esteem, group cohesion, leadership skills, self-efficacy, work efficacy, and leadership efficacy, (Hart & Silka, 1994; Hatch & McCarthy, 2005; Paxton & McAvoy, 2000; Propst & Koesler, 1998).  
• Individual benefits include enhancing personal growth, particularly in the areas of increasing one’s sense of self-competence and risk-taking, while improving moods and a sense of hope (Hart & Silka, 1994; Paxton, 1998; Robitschek, 1996; Snow, 1992).  
• The most frequent outcomes of challenge course studies were self-esteem or self-concept, group dynamics, personality measures, and self-efficacy Gillis and Speelman (2008). 
• Hands on experiences lead to faster learning, better retention, and a greater understanding of learned material, which is beneficial for application into everyday life (Shellman, 2014) 
• Many organized groups have participated in adventure courses to reap these benefits. Additional group benefits involve gains in team building, trust, and cohesiveness (Glass & Benshoff, 2002; Priest, 1998). 

Additional Resources (PDF)

High Ropes Challenge Course

The indoor high ropes challenge course is a series of belayed activities fixed 30-feet high in the multipurpose gym at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The focus of these activities can be both on the individual and the group. The group is there to support its team members as they attempt elements. This activity requires a moderate to high level of physical exertion.

Low Ropes Challenge Course

Our outdoor low ropes challenge course located at Allerton Sports Complex is a series of activities attached to trees or poles by boards, cables and ropes. These activities focus on building a more effective team in a fun, hands-on way. Low ropes elements are anywhere from two to six feet off the ground.

Teambuilding "To-Go"

We will bring our program to your team/location! These mobile ground activities are designed to help the group work towards the goals set forth by the group’s leader. Activities are fun and challenging and are followed by a period of reflection where groups link their performance during the activity to how they function outside of the teambuilding program. Connections are made to real life examples so the experience can be impactful and long-lasting.

Cardboard Regatta Boat Building

Small teams get a roll of duct tape, a 4x8 foot piece of cardboard, and other miscellaneous supplies to build a boat. Two team members then have to paddle the boat into open water and back in a race to the finish. Teams use strategic planning, communication, creativity, and other skills to successfully complete the challenge. Yes, some people will get wet! We can use the pool at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center or a local lake to facilitate this experience.

Scavenger Hunt on Campus or Downtown

We can set up a scavenger hunt course for your team throughout campus or in downtown Kent. Clues will be given and problems will be solved in order to make your way from stop to stop. Teams will be timed and the fastest team to complete the course will be deemed the scavenger hunt champion. Stay and enjoy what the university or city has to offer with your team after the event.

Group Kayaking or Tubing

Book a custom float trip down the Cuyahoga River on kayaks or tubes!  This beginner-friendly stretch of the river provides a leisurely float, where your group can enjoy some fresh air and time in nature.  A staff member will be with you on the water and transportation back from the take-out point is provided.  

We can combine activity options to create a custom program for your group! We offer different rates for university groups, non-profit organizations, and businesses. As a general idea on pricing, the price for a Kent State University group of 25 people participating in a three-hour low ropes course program would be $375.

Programs generally last 2-3 hours.

For more information, contact Chris Lukas at (330) 672-2803 or clukas@kent.edu.

1. Work with us to decide on which program would be best for your group (see Teambuilding Programs section for options).
2. Finalize program date and time. Open dates are based on Adventure Center staff availability, so we ask that you send us a few options.
3. Confirm number of participants.
4. The Adventure Center will confirm staffing on our end.
5. Once the above items are finalized, the Adventure Center will send you an Agreement for you to review, sign, and return.  We require a 50% deposit to hold your program date.
6. The Adventure Center will also send a What to Expect Letter for participants, as well as instructions on where to meet/park, and a waiver for each participant to fill out. 
7. You (the group leader) would fill out and send back a Pre-Program Assessment to help us a build an impactful program for your group.
8. The Adventure Center will send a reminder about a week before the program and answer any last-minute questions.
9. Payment is due in full by the day of your program.