Adventure
Initiative Games
Recommended for grades 1 & up
Initiative games are games with a purpose. They are the beginning stage of the Team Challenge program and provide opportunities for the participants to have fun together as a group, acquaint group members with each other, introduce teamwork, encourage positive communication, and promote problem-solving principles.
Team Challenge
Recommended for grades 5 & up
Team Challenge consists of strategically designed problems presented to a small group of people. The problems are presented in a sequence beginning with icebreakers and initiatives, then building towards trust activities and increasingly more difficult tasks. Guarding one another’s safety is a key component in the process.
Team challenges include time in our low ropes courses, which are located in a beautiful forest setting, as well as a number of other team building challenges. Elements allow participants to use team skills while taking on a challenge from 1-10 feet off the ground. Facilitators design an activity sequence depending on the participants’ needs, focus, and group dynamics.
Whatever the dynamics or desired focus, IAWAH’s facilitators can design and lead a Team Challenge program that is right for you—rain or shine!
Examples of some team challenges at IAWAH:
CROSSING THE MULE
As a single team, all members begin the challenge standing on a thick log suspended 90 cm above the ground between two trees. With the help of their team mates, each participant has to cross the log or “The Mule” by passing under a suspended horizontal rope about 20 cm above the log. The object is to complete the task without anyone touching the ground. This group dynamic encourages communication and teamwork. Two members will act as spotters and crash mats are placed below the log for safety.
THE SPIRAL
The object of this activity is to move a 4×4 post from the outside of the spiral to the centre without the post touching the ground or going out of the boundaries set by the rope on the ground. To accomplish this, the post will have 12 (or more) lengths of rope attached where each team member holds. Communication is key in order to manoeuvre the post to the centre.
Climbing Wall
Recommended for JK to Grade 12
IAWAH’s 121 m (1300 ft) square-foot indoor wall has eight faces with climbs and bouldering routes ranging from beginner to advanced. Rock holds of varying sizes and textures allow participants to use different climbing and bouldering techniques. Overhangs, inclines, and micro holds make the climbing wall an excellent choice for participants of all ages and abilities.
Night Hike
Recommended for grade 5 & up
Guided along one of IAWAH’s many trails, students hear fun facts and play trail games that teach more about the world of nature after dark!
