Challenge Course
What is the Challenge Course?
The OSU Outdoor Adventure Challenge Course offers all ages a series of physical and mental challenges. This combination of games, obstacles and problem solving activities add up to high adventure and excitement, all within a caring and supportive atmosphere. Please see all participant requirements below.
Challenge Course Location
Group Rates (per person)
OSU Students
Cowboy Session (2 hours): $32
Pete's Session (3 hours): $40
OSU Faculty & Staff
Cowboy Session (2 hours): $32
Pete's Session (3 hours): $40
Schools*, Community, Non-Profit & Military
Cowboy Session (2 hours): $37
Pete's Session (3 hours): $45
*Grades 7-12, must confirm with staff
General Public, Businesses, Corporate Groups
Cowboy Session (2 hours): $42
Pete's Session (3 hours): $50
All sessions customizable.
High vs. Low Ropes
Low ropes elements are conducted close to the ground, often only a few feet high or entirely ground-based, and primarily emphasize team development. These activities require participants to work collaboratively to navigate challenges, focusing on group problem solving, communicating and building trust.
In contrast, high ropes elements take place at heights typically exceeding 20 feet, requiring participants to be secured in a harness and attached to safety systems. These experiences are more individually focused, encouraging personal growth, pushing participants beyond their comfort zones and, in many cases, helping individuals confront and overcome fears.
Participant Requirements
Age and Weight Requirements
Participants must be 13 years or older and weigh at least 75 pounds. The maximum weight limit is 225 pounds. Accommodations available, must contact staff beforehand.
Group Requirements
Groups must make reservations at least 14 days in advance of their scheduled challenge course session. OSU Outdoor Adventure will send an email to confirm each reservation and the reservation details.
Reservations can be made by contacting Tripp Rankin at tripp.rankin@okstate.edu or by phone at (405) 744-5583, or Jake Sandford at jake.sandford@okstate.edu, (405) 744-7315.
Reservation Policy
Groups must make reservations at least 14 days in advance of their scheduled challenge course session. OSU Outdoor Adventure will send an email to confirm each reservation and the reservation details.
Reservations can be made by contacting Tripp Rankin at tripp.rankin@okstate.edu, (405) 744-5583, or Jake Sandford at jake.sandford@okstate.edu, (405) 744-7315.
Fees
Groups must declare the number of participants who will be in attendance at least 7 days prior to their program. This declaration of attendance is necessary to schedule staff and program the day's events. Fees will be based on actual attendance or 90% of the declared attendance, whichever amount is larger.
Example: You declare 30 students will attend and only 17 arrive. You will be billed for 27 students since 90% of 30 is 27.
Cancellation Policy
Groups must cancel a minimum of 7 days in advance.
Notice of cancellation should be made in writing by email to Tripp Rankin at tripp.rankin@okstate.edu or Jake Sandford at jake.sandford@okstate.edu. If cancellation is not made in writing at least 7 days in advance, the group will still be billed.
Weather Policy
The exception to the Cancellation Policy is inclement weather. In cases where inclement weather interferes with or cancels a group's reservation, the billing will be adjusted or canceled to account for the inclement weather's effects on the reservation.
OSU Outdoor Adventure will make the final call on whether to cancel a program due to weather. Note that the course is covered in mulch, so rain or thunderstorms prior to a program has little impact on the need to cancel.
Disclaimer
Information updated on a semester basis. Select information subject to change. Contact staff for most up to date information.
FAQs
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Course Components
The Challenge Course is comprised of three main areas: Team Development, Low Elements and High Elements. Participants of all ages in reasonable shape can use the facilities safely. One does not have to be an athlete to experience the Challenge Course. The genuine challenges are in the mind.
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Team Development
These activities take the participants from a single warm-up to more complex problems requiring the group to plan and execute strategies for successfully completing each task. This time is devoted to stretching, getting-to-know one another and providing an opportunity for the group to take emotional as well as physical risks.
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Birthday Parties
Book the OSU Challenge Course for your next birthday party! Party participants must be 13 years-old or older and weigh at least 75 pounds. Party reservations can be made by contacting Tripp Rankin at tripp.rankin@okstate.edu, (405) 744-5583 or Jake Sandford at jake.sandford@okstate.edu, (405) 744-7315.
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Low Ropes
Participants move through a set of elements that are carried out on or just above ground level. Group members are led through a series of challenges that will build camaraderie and foster trust within the group.
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High Ropes
These activities begin with learning the basics at ground level and culminate on platforms of varying heights. Our challenge course has a variety of high ropes elements that allow participants to develop resilience and step outside their comfort zone.
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Do I get to choose which elements my group uses?
Each experience on the challenge course is unique and can be specifically catered to your group's goals and expectations. If you have specific concerns, please give us a call!
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What can be accomplished?
Any Challenge Course experience can be customized to the individual needs of the group, but some of the common outcomes are:
- Increased mutual support within a group
- Development of teamwork and problem solving skills
- Enhancement of participants' self-confidence
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Who can attend?
Groups with participants who are 13 or younger, or weigh less than 75 pounds, require a modified Challenge Course experience. We recommend calling our office to discuss details and accommodations.
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Do I have to if I don't want to?
The OSU Outdoor Adventure philosophy is "Challenge by Choice." Participation is always voluntary, and no one is ever required, forced or coerced to participate. Every person makes their own decisions and commitments based on what they are willing to risk; however, we believe taking one more step than previously thought possible is far more important than attaining the apparent goal of a given risk.
The impact of this approach is felt within the entire group. Teamwork and cooperation are achieved with surprising speed, and even more profound is the effect upon the individual. Participants often develop a clearer insight and a fuller appreciation of self.
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Is the OSU Challenge Course safe?
Yes! While there are aspects of the challenge course that are inherently dangerous, sensible risk taking is contained within the boundaries of good judgmenet, common sense and the established principles of safety for the OSU Challenge Course.
Your trained instructors will explain the proper procedures for activities. Please cooperate with your instructors and your experience will not only be safe but also enjoyable.
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Who are the instructors?
Each certified instructor has attended a training program, which includes not only the technical skills but also aspects of leadership, group dynamics and program planning. Instructors are required to re-certify annually and be proficient in all aspects of safety before leading any group at the OSU Challenge Course.
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What about food?
We recommend bringing a water bottle and light snacks are also welcome. If your group plans to eat before or after the session, we recommend exploring the Stillwater community for places to eat.
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What should we wear?
Avoid loose fitting clothing for safety. Shorts can be worn during hot weather, but they increase abrasion risks. Tennis shoes or light hiking boots are the best footwear, and open toed shoes or unsecured footwear are prohibited. Leave all jewelry at home and please have hair pulled back and secured.