Team Building
Turning Groups into Teams, and Challenges into Triumphs
Illinois State University Outdoor Adventure offers tailored team-building experiences for students, faculty, staff, and community groups, aiming to foster personal growth and group development. Each program is customized to meet specific group objectives, emphasizing fun, engagement, and non-threatening activities that encourage participants to take risks, experience both success and failure, and reflect on their experiences to gain valuable insights. The program adheres to a "challenge by choice" philosophy, allowing individuals to engage at their comfort levels, with the goal of facilitating transformative learning applicable to real-life situations.
The program offers various formats to accommodate different group needs:
- Short Day (2 hours): Focuses on creating shared experiences, fostering team identity, cooperation, and establishing a supportive atmosphere.
- Half Day (3-4 hours): Builds upon Short Day objectives by developing group skills such as communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and strengthening relationships.
- Full Day (5-6 hours): Introduces high elements to provide shared experiences with increased risk, allowing for deeper exploration of group dynamics and practice of new behaviors to enhance performance.
- Multi-Day: Allows for in-depth focus on team-specific issues, offering a broader sequence of problem-solving activities, extended reflection periods, and opportunities to practice and implement new skills.
Learning outcomes are tailored to each group and may include effective communication, problem-solving, relationship building, decision-making, and leadership development. Programs are available to groups of 10 or more participants aged 12 and above, including university-affiliated teams and community organizations. For individuals or smaller groups seeking high ropes experiences, the program schedules open climb events, which can be adapted to accommodate people of all abilities with advance notice.
High Ropes
The High Ropes Course is an exciting and challenging experience that features 27 unique elements ranging in height from 17 to 28 feet. These elements are designed to foster teamwork, individual growth, and problem-solving skills in a safe yet adventurous setting. High ropes programs consist of a build-up of team-building activities that culminate in the high ropes experience. Groups start on the ground with introductions, trust-building exercises, communication activities, and low ropes challenges. These foundational activities equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to tackle the more demanding high ropes environment.
In the dynamic course participants work together in teams of two to navigate individual, stand-alone elements that require focus, balance, and communication. These elements often involve tasks such as crossing a narrow pole with minimal handholds or tackling suspended challenges that demand agility and coordination. The dynamic course emphasizes trust and partnership as participants support one another to overcome personal challenges.
The static course, on the other hand, is tailored for larger groups of four to eight participants. This course requires a mix of ground and aerial teamwork, where some team members remain on the ground to provide support and encouragement while others tackle the elevated challenges. Participants alternate roles to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute both on the ground and at height. The static course promotes a strong sense of group cohesion as the team works together to navigate interconnected elements that build problem-solving, communication, and trust among the group.
Both courses adhere to the program’s "challenge by choice" philosophy, ensuring participants engage at their own comfort level while pushing their boundaries in a supportive and controlled environment. Whether you choose the dynamic or static course, the experience offers a unique opportunity to bond with teammates, build confidence, and develop essential teamwork skills.
Low Ropes
Low ropes elements are carefully designed, ground-based or near-ground structures ranging in height from 2 to 12 feet, providing groups with a series of dynamic challenges that emphasize collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. These elements require participants to work together to achieve common goals, often involving tasks that test balance, strategic planning, and mutual support.
Low ropes elements are inherently team-oriented, encouraging participants to rely on one another's strengths and creativity. They can include activities such as navigating balance beams, crossing swinging platforms, or working through intricate webs without touching boundaries. These challenges require groups to think critically and adapt quickly, fostering skills such as leadership, trust, and cooperation.
Low ropes activities are highly versatile and can be tailored to the specific needs and goals of a group, whether it's to break the ice, enhance team dynamics, or address particular areas of growth. The combination of physical and mental engagement makes these elements a powerful tool for building confidence, strengthening relationships, and creating lasting memories within a team.
Pricing
All programs are priced based on a per-person rate for the specified duration, with a minimum charge equivalent to 10 participants, regardless of group size. For larger groups of 50 or more, a special discount of 20% off the per-person rate is available, making it a cost-effective option for sizeable teams or organizations.
- Low Ropes Pricing
| Length of Program | Students | ISU Department | K-12 School Group | Community Non-Profit | Community For-Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Day - 2 hours | $10 | $15 | $15 | $15 | $20 |
| Half Day - 4 hours | $20 | $30 | $30 | $30 | $40 |
| Full Day - 6 hours | $30 | $45 | $45 | $45 | $55 |
- High Ropes Pricing
| Length of Program | Students | ISU Department | K-12 School Group | Community Non-Profit | Community For-Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Day - 2 hours | $20 | $30 | $35 | $35 | $40 |
| Half Day - 4 hours | $30 | $40 | $45 | $45 | $60 |
| Full Day - 6 hours | $30 | $50 | $55 | $55 | $80 |
Booking
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Request Your Program
- Decide on the type of team-building program that best suits your group’s goals and needs.
- Complete the Team Building Program Request Form to provide information about your group’s goals, strengths, current events, and expectations.
- Submit the form, and a staff member will contact you within one week to confirm receipt and discuss next steps.
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Confirm Your Program
- A professional staff member will reach out to confirm the details of your request and answer any questions you may have.
- You will receive a contract agreement that outlines your group size, program date, time, and cost.
- Review, sign, and return the contract agreement no later than two weeks before your program date.
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Day of the Program
- Arrive on time and at the correct location with your group.
- Ensure all participants are prepared to engage fully in the program activities.
- Bring completed individual waivers for all participants and submit them to the facilitators at the start of the program.
Open High Ropes Events
While much of our programming focuses on team development, we also offer open high ropes events for individuals, pairs, and small groups of friends to enjoy the course at their own pace. Upon arrival, participants will gear up with harnesses and tackle the course in small groups, guided and supported by our trained staff.
Open high ropes events are scheduled throughout the year and can be viewed on Fusion, which you can access here.