Contact us at outdoors@uga.edu for more information.
What is the Challenge Course Program?
The Low Challenge Course Program consists of a series of ground-based initiatives and elements which primarily foster teamwork and individual leadership and followship skills. Field games and initiatives encourage group interaction and communication, so teams can explore their potential for becoming highly efficient and effective groups. Low course elements consisting of a series of ropes, cables, and logs, provide groups and individuals the opportunity to participate in a series of challenging and fun activities involving mental, physical, and emotional risk-taking in a supportive team environment. Programs are tailor-made to the needs and goals of the group.
The High Challenge Course Program is an experiential adventure program which offers a series of ropes, cables, and logs high-above-the-ground, and is geared more toward individual challenges. Trained facilitators will guide participants through the high ropes elements. Groups wishing to "go high" must first participate in a low course program.
All activities, whether low or high, are based on a "Challenge by Choice" philosophy. That means you always control the limits of your involvement. We provide a supportive and safe environment where individuals and groups reach beyond their expectations and try new adventures. The choice, however, is always yours regarding the role you play in all activities. We encourage any and all participants of every physical condition and over the age of ten (10) to participate. No special skills are required to participate in either the low or high Challenge Course Program.Typical outcomes from participating in a challenge course program:
- Learning to trust yourself and others
- Improving your problem-solving skills
- Expanding your "comfort zone" - taking risks and overcoming fears
- Strengthening the bonds of friendship and support
- Communicating more effectively and more clearly
- Exploring the unique contribution you can make to a group
- Increasing personal and interpersonal confidence and self-esteem
- Becoming an engaging and supportive team member
- Receiving a "peak experience" and the thrill that creates
- Laughing and having fun with each other
- Learning new skills and insights
Where is the Challenge Course Program facilitated?
The Outdoor Challenge Course is located at the Lake Herrick Recreational Sports Complex, in the Oconee Forest Park, which is a 60-acre natural area administered by the Warnell School of Forest Resources. The park is a 100-year-old forest, and home to the largest scarlet oak tree in Georgia.
The Indoor Challenge Course is located in the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, in Gym East.
Low and high Challenge Course Programs are offered at both facilities.
In addition to on-campus programming, our Challenge Course staff can also conduct low course field games and initiatives at outside venue locations including conference centers, hotels, training centers, schools or city parks.
View UGA Challenge Course Map in a larger map
How do I schedule?
Half-day, full-day, and multi-day programs are available. To make a group reservation, contact the reservationist at 706-542-5060. The reservations office is in 201 Ramsey Student Center and is able to accept calls or walk-in reservations Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A deposit of 1/3 of the total payment is due upon making the reservation. The balance must be paid 1 week prior to your event. Groups that cancel less than 7 days in advance will forfeit their rental fees. In the case of a University Charge, the forfeited fee will be charged to the group's account.
How much does it cost a UGA group?
Half Day: (4 hours) UGA Student Group: $14.00 per person UGA Faculty/Staff $16.00 per person Full Day: (8 hours) UGA Student Group: $28.00 per person UGA Faculty/Staff $32.00 per person Minimum group size: 10
Non-University groups
The Challenge Course Program is also available to
corporate and nonprofit groups on a different fee structure. Call the
reservations office at 706-542-5060 for more information. Fees vary
depending on the program length and type, and the size and goals of the
group.