Philosophy/Description
The Challenge Course, Climbing Wall and Team Building Programs were carefully designed with both the goals of individuals and groups in mind. Our program goals are achieved by implementing a planned sequence of challenges; the goals of each challenge building off of the previous. All of our activities are "Challenge by Choice" – meaning that participants are encouraged to go beyond their normal comfort zones, but ultimately each participant determines their level of involvement. Our course is located in a beautiful Redwood canyon which houses many varieties of plants and animals. Each program gives participants an opportunity to experience the outdoors and increase their comfort level.
Our Challenge Course program is used as an approach to education, counseling, recreation and life. It is engaging,  active, and challenging.
Our programs seek to explore: teamwork, cooperation, problem solving, communication, group and personal success, and failure in a physically and emotionally supportive environment.
Click here to download the Challenge Course Medical Form
Challenge By Choice
Challenge by choice is a central philosophy of our programs. Essentially, the philosophy states that participants have the ability to choose at what level they will engage in a given activity. The choice is always up to the individual.
Team Building
Our programs seek to explore: teamwork, cooperation, problem solving, communication, success, and failure in an emotionally and physically safe environment. Facilitators encourage groups to evaluate how they work as a group and the importance of a cooperative, supportive atmosphere which requires the participation of all involved. Our desire is to encourage groups to discover new models for working together and respond to each other’s needs while working toward a common goal.
Self-Esteem and Growth
The aim of most activities is to allow the students to view themselves as increasingly capable and competent. By attempting a graduated series of activities, which involve physical or emotional risk, and succeeding (or  sometimes failing) in a supportive group atmosphere, a student may begin to develop true self-esteem. The curriculum has been planned to encourage students to try new and different activities – some of which may involve initial anxiety. It is our belief that as a person matures, he/she needs to learn to be familiar with the anxiety that precedes any new venture, cope with that uncertainty, and dare to enter fully into new situations. Every activity is designed with a substantial amount of fun in it. Participants will experience joy, laughter and excitement, as well as have opportunities to challenge fears. Since participants will vary greatly in their previous experiences, needs, and abilities, the Challenge Course program is flexible and designed to accommodate the many different individuals and groups who participate.
Climbing Wall
The Climbing Wall is an activity designed largely around the individual, but  can be effectively used to build team work, communication and many other group goals. The Climbing Wall is also a wonderful resource for introducing groups to the sport of climbing and the technical skills required (belay training, knot tying, climbing techniques and proper safety). Our Climbing Wall programs are designed to explore careful decision making and problem solving skills in an emotionally and physically safe environment.
Email challengecourse@westminsterwoods.org or call Colin Disheroon, Challenge Course Director, at 707-874-2426 x633 for more information.
Read "A Challenge Course Triumph"
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