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. 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.