Ropes Course and Games:

All activities will be led by trained facilitators, who will introduce the activities and initiate the discussion at the activities' conclusion. One of our goals will be to relate successes in these activities to future successes within your corporate environment. Activities will not be physically strenuous, will be fun, and will include a learning component. All of the proposed activities can change to meet additional goals of your organization. The activities will take approximately three to four hours to complete. Each group will rotate through the following activities. All activities are challenge by choice. Approximately 30 minutes will be needed for introduction, transition and conclusion.

Gridlock: The challenge is to determine a path across a giant checkerboard grid. A participant is allowed to move as far as they can, until they make an error. At this point, a new participant begins the journey, and attempts to make a better choice at the site of the last error. Topics of discussion include penalties in real life for wrong choices, trial and error, and use of planning time. (20-30 minutes)

Horizontal Web: The group must weave their way through a horizontal web positioned about one to two feet off the ground. They must stay connected and pick up a variety of objects along the way. The group will be timed and touches counted. Five minutes of planning time will be allowed prior to the first start and three minutes prior to the second start. Topics of discussion will include: learning from previous attempts, clarity of the plan, and leadership roles. (30 minutes)

Corporate Maze: The group is split into groups of four. Three of the participants are blindfolded and must be guided through a maze filled with obstacles by the sighted guide positioned on the outside of the maze. Topics for discussion include trust, effectiveness of the verbal communication, and teamwork. (30 minutes)

A Work of Art: A participant creates a work of art using a variety of materials provided by the facilitator. The remaining participants form a long line. At the end of the line the last participant facing away from the line must duplicate the work of art based on verbal communication passed down the line. An excellent activity for exploring the effectiveness of communication. (20-30 minutes)

The Climbing Wall: Three participants climb a wall together. The remaining participants are responsible for belaying. This activity provides a great sense of team accomplishment at its conclusion. (45 minutes)

A Collection of Knots: The team is asked to pick up a rope containing a variety of knots. The objective is to untie the knots without letting go of the rope. This is a problem-solving activity. Discussion will focus on strategies used to solve the problem and communication. (20-30 minutes)

Ultimate Challenge: The team is presented with the challenge of being blindfolded within an enclosed area and unable to speak. They must retrieve an object from the enclosure and exit in alphabetical order. Prior to the activity the team is given time to plan a strategy and then are placed randomly within the enclosure. Discussion will focus on the effectiveness of their strategy, dealing with frustration, and the ability to alter their strategy to best meet their needs. (30 minutes)

Stick in the Box: A fun activity usually used in the beginning. The team is given the challenge of finding a distinct stick within a designated area. The stick is located in a clearly obvious location not normally considered by the participant. As the participants locate the stick they whisper the location to the facilitator. Thinking outside the box is the lesson in this activity. (20 minutes)