Winter Activities    

Adventure & Leadership

updated March 14, 2008

Team Challenge (Low Ropes):

Grade 5- Adult

This is fun with purpose!  Strategically-sequenced, challenges are presented to a small group who must work together using problem-solving skills to reach their goal. 

The sequence includes ice breakers and initiatives, building towards more complex tasks to work through.

Elements throughout IAWAH’s property allow for participants to use their team skills while taking on a challenge anywhere from one foot to ten feet off the ground. Elements are included in a team challenge sequence depending on the participants’ needs, focus, and group dynamics.

Team Challenge programs can be designed from 2 hours to 2 full days, and in combination with our high ropes program.  Whatever the dynamics or desired focus, IAWAH's Facilitators can design and lead a Team Challenge program that is right for you.

Curriculum We Cover:
- Themes requested ahead of time (ex. Trust, communication, leadership, etc)
- Group dynamics that become apparent during the challenges.
- Ice Breakers
- Low-Complexity Initiatives
- High-Complexity Initiatives
- Debriefing opportunities

Team Challenge Frequently Asked Questions

High Ropes:

Grade 5-Adult

IAWAH’s high ropes course consists of six professionally constructed elements suspended in the forest approximately 30 feet in the air.  Participants are given a tour of the course including the options available to them and are then encouraged to set goals for themselves. 

IAWAH uses ‘Choose your Challenge ’ as a basis for selecting an element or distance to travel that is stretching, moving participants a step beyond their comfort zone and trying something new.  For some participants trying on the climbing equipment and traveling 3 steps up a ladder will be a stretch and taking on that challenge is great!  For other participants there may be no challenge until they are attempting to cross an element backwards with their eyes closed and participants have the choice to try this as well. 

High ropes is an excellent activity choice for promoting goal-setting, healthy risk-taking, and development of self-confidence in a physically and emotionally safe environment.

Curriculum We cover:

See description above.

High Ropes Frequently Asked Questions

High Ropes Mega Initiatives:

Grade 5- Adult

This is a program option available at the high ropes course.  In combination with taking on personal challenges, the group as a whole is given a mission to complete and then must work together to set a goal, create a plan and execute that plan.  Participants may be given the challenge of removing ‘jewels’ from the course in order to reach the financial goal they have set.  Or, they may be given the challenge of gathering building materials from the course and creating protective devices for their team eggs that are scheduled to be launched from the Mega Egg Launcher. 

Participants also learn age appropriate climbing skills which they become responsible for during the initiative.  An instructional climbing period is scheduled before the Mega Initiative period to practice the skills needed.

Level 1 (Grade 7+)

IAWAH staff belay the participants throughout the Mega Initiative.  During the instructional climbing period the skills of knot tying, the use of carabiners, and harness inspections are introduced.  These skills are used under direct one-on-one IAWAH staff supervision during the initiative. 

Level 2 (Grade 9+)

During the instructional session the group learns the skills of belaying, harness inspection, knot tying, and the use of carabiners.  During the initiative the participants inspect their harnesses, attach each other to the safety systems, and belay under one-on-one IAWAH staff supervision.

Curriculum We Cover:
- Proper use of a harness and helmet
- Explanation of a Dynamic climbing environment
- Tour of the elements
- Choose Your Challenge
- In the context of high ropes this means that participants are encouraged to participate %100 by selecting a challenge that would be stretching for them personally. They are the best judge of what that may be and may choose to try a new element or travel across it creatively backwards with their eyes closed. For participants uncomfortable with heights they may stretch themselves by putting on the equipment and climbing a few steps from the ground, learning to belay and taking care of a fellow participant, or learning to tie knots and other climbing skills. All climbs and challenges occur under one-on-one IAWAH staff supervision.

Climbing Wall:

Ages: 2 years-Adult

IAWAH's 1300 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, micro holds, large pieces (like the coffee mug and monkey!) along with other challenges make the climbing wall an excellent choice for participants of all ages and abilities. 

Curriculum We Cover:
- Proper use of a harness and helmet
- Explanation of safe climbing technique
- Tour of climbs to choose from
- Choose Your Challenge; In the context of the climbing wall this means that participants are encouraged to participate %100 by selecting a challenge that would be stretching for them personally. They are the best judge of what that may be and may choose to try a more difficult wall involving an incline or overhang, or attempt to climb using the fewest number of holds they can. For participants uncomfortable with heights they may stretch themselves by putting on the equipment and climbing a few steps from the ground, learning to belay or back-up belay, or learning to tie knots and other climbing skills. All climbs and challenges occur under one-on-one IAWAH staff supervision.