OEC For Groups

WHAT IS A CHALLENGE COURSE?

Our Challenge Course is a combination of mental and physical challenges requiring groups to work as a team to accomplish goals. Through a series of fun and unusual activities, participants learn valuable information about themselves, each other and the group as a unit. By removing people from their usual environment and placing them in a new, unique setting, a challenge course experience fosters shared learning, openness and cooperation.

PROGRAM TYPES

Though there are some consistencies to every experience at the OEC Challenge Course, each program is customized by facilitators to address the specific goals and desires of each individual group. Programs range from four to seven hours in length and are available seven days a week (not including holidays). General formats include:

• Half day of lows (4 hour program)
• Half day of lows with one high element (5 hour program)
• Half day of highs (4 hour program)
• Full day low/high combination (7 hour program first half lows and second half high elements)

WHO CAN USE THE CHALLENGE COURSE?

Groups that utilize the course include UNC organizations (athletics, Greek, academic, student clubs, residence life, staff, and faculty groups), local school groups, youth groups, religious organizations, sports teams, and businesses. Participants come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and levels of physical abilities. Any group that would like to play and have fun together, learn about each other and build a sense of community are likely to benefit from a day on the OEC Challenge Course.

Groups generally vary between 15 and 125 people and group size does play a role in determining what type of programs are available for each group. Please contact us for specific questions about your group.

To ensure program safety, participants under age 13 or over 300lbs. are not permitted to participate on high elements. Any participant under 18 years of age must have a parent signature on the Challenge Course Participant Agreement form.

FEE STRUCTURE

Fees range from $15-$65/person based on the format and length of your program, as well as the number of people and UNC affiliation of your group.

There is no minimum group size. However, in order to cover the staffing costs of running a program there is a fifteen person minimum charge for all groups. Therefore, it is in the group’s best interest to bring at least fifteen participants if possible.

HOW TO BOOK A CHALLENGE COURSE

Once you have submitted your request, OEC staff will contact you to discuss the feasibility and details of your program request.

BECOMING A CHALLENGE COURSE FACILITATOR

Click here if you’re interested in working at the Outdoor Education Center