Eastern Kentucky University

Challenge Course Program
and
Team Innovations Program
"experience is education" - aristotle

What is the challenge course?
The course is a series of obstacles or challenge elements. We have both a 'low course' which are mostly group challenges that are usually no more than a few feet off the ground, and a 'high course' which ranges from 15-45 feet off the ground. These elements are used to promote ideas of teamwork, communication, trust, problem solving, and confidence building among other things.

How does a challenge course promote the things you mentioned?
Your group will be led by a trained facilitator who will present you with a challenge that you must overcome as a team, or that will allow you to safely overcome your current fears and improve confidence. Facilitators are trained to “process” or engage the group in discussion about the activity in order to bring out the instances in life where the group might encounter the same issues discovered while working through the challenge.

Who can participate? Do you have to be physically fit?
The challenge course can be used by anyone from age 6 and up in all levels of physical fitness. The majority of the elements involve the use of problem solving skills over pure physicality. The coordinator will work with your group to provide a program that is safe, fun, and educational for all.

What will our program be like?
Your day will start with introductions to the course and the filling out of paperwork. A participation agreement and short, non-intrusive medical form must be read and filled out by all participants. Those under the age of 18 must have the form signed by a parent or guardian. These forms help us provide a safe, fun, and challenging experience for the entire group. We'll then move on to the course. A typical half-day session is 4 hours and a full day is usually a full 8 hours.

What can you tell me about your staff?
Our staff all have been through a rigorous 80 hour training program that covers all areas of challenge course facilitation. Staff are trained to put safety first, understand and limit risk, as well as provide for the physical and emotional well-being of the group. Lead facilitators are all certified in First Aid and CPR and trained in high angle rescue procedures. Staff are also required to participate in semi-anual sustainment trainings in order to be eligible to work at the course!

What should we wear?
You should wear loose comfortable clothing that is suited to the season. Raingear is a great idea since we often continue in the rain.

Footwear: Sturdy, athletic style shoes are the best. No sandals, other open toed shoes, or smooth soled footwear please.
Pants/Shorts: Pants should be loose enough to allow for comfortable activity. Shorts of a modest length are fine in warm weather.
Shirts/Jackets: Wear whatever is comfortable. Several layers are the best bet in cooler weather.
Jewelry: No dangling earrings or hoops. Remove watches, necklaces, and large rings as well. It's probably best to just leave it all at home.

Howd do we get there?
EKU is in central Kentucky, about 30 minutes south of Lexington, and just off Interstate 75. You'll enter the challenge course off of Lancaster Avenue (KY 52), just past the EKU driving range, and across from Creekside Subdivision. It looks like a personal residence, but you'll see a gravel road as you turn in that will lead you to our parking area adjacent to our picnic pavilion. Please do not park behind the Funderburk building. This is for EKU fleet vehicles only. Click here for a map.

What about safety?
Safety is our number one priority. Our course is inspected monthly (in season) by our trained staff which includes former challenge course builders. An annual inspection by a reputable outside agency ensures that our course is in good working order.

What if my question is important but not listed here?
Call or email the course coordinator for more information.

Call Today: 859-622-1217 or email challengecourse@eku.edu