Adventure Challenge on The National Mall
Last week we had the good fortune to run an Adventure Challenge – a self-led, rotational-style of team building event – for a DC not-for-profit. The Charles G Koch Foundation (a charitable foundation whose mission is international development through societal prosperity initiatives) asked us to provide a recreational team building event that would create unity, enhance communication, and improve interactions between the new and older... [Read More...]
The Leap of Faith
We recently installed a classic ropes course element out at the ROPES Course at Butler School – The Leap Of Faith. Participants must climb up a tree, and can either stop at a platform that is 20 feet off the ground, or continue up to the 40 foot platform. This element is HIGH, and when you feel the wind up on the top of the highest platform, things get pretty exciting! We had our last group test out the element, and the kids had a great... [Read More...]
The Six Ropes Activity Station
We recently installed a brand new, and quite experimental element on the ROPES Course at Butler School. “Six Ropes” as it is called, was designed originally to be used as a station for indoor elements in a gymnasium. The benefits of the design are that the element can be easily ’secured,’ is extremely adaptable, and contains both low and high element potential in a 12′ x 12′ area. The element installation itself... [Read More...]
Recreational Team Building Vs Team Development
From time to time, I meet clients who have taken part in some activity that was billed as ‘Team Building.’ The experiences they share can vary widely. Some found their team building experience “extremely beneficial” while others though it was “a complete waste of time” Many have commented that team building is nothing more than a pleasant distraction. The efficacy of a team building endeavor is dependent... [Read More...]
The ROPES Course at Butler School
We work with a couple of different team building providers in the area, and one thing we have noticed is the overwhelming popularity of ROPES Course programs among both youth and adults. Many teams seem to equate ‘team building’ with ropes challenge course programming, and there is definitely a great opportunity for teams to bond and build teamwork while engaging in a low and high ropes course event. The ROPES Course is only one tool... [Read More...]
Team Building Takes Time
One of the reasons that “team building” has a dubious reputation is the proliferation of recreational experience providers that bill themselves as team building programs. Team building activities can take the shape of any number of experiences, but it is the facilitated discussion during the event that changes the activity from recreation to something more. Without discussion of the activity and its relationship to real-life, very... [Read More...]
Adventure Weekends Near Maryland Virginia and Washington DC
Multi-Sport Adventures Near Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC Teams and work groups perform at their peak when they learn to trust one another. One of the simplest and most effective ways to gain trust and commitment is through a shared experience – especially a shared physical challenge. Our Multi-Sport Adventures are designed to provide the vehicle for building that trust while enjoying an outdoor experience with your workmates. Combining... [Read More...]
Caving Instruction near Maryland Virginia and Washington DC
Caving near Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC Caves are found in every state in the US, and on every continent on the planet. In West Virginia, there are over 2000 explored caves, making it an excellent place for you to enjoy your first caving adventure! Caving at Whiting's Neck Whiting’s Neck and Indian Caves Our ‘local’ caves are Whiting’s Neck and Indian Caves, near Martinsburg, WV. Situated near the Potomac... [Read More...]
Rock Climbing at Great Falls Park VA
Rock Climbing at Great Falls Park, Virginia One of the best climbing areas in the DC Metropolitan Area is located along the Potomac River at Great Falls Park, Virginia. The park itself has plenty of places to picnic and hike, with scenic overlooks of the gorgeous Potomac River. Numerous climbing routes and places for a good long rappel give opportunities for climbers from novice to expert. Climbing at Great Falls Getting to Great Falls Park, Virginia: Great... [Read More...]
Rock Climbing at Sugarloaf Mountain Dickerson MD
Rock Climbing at Sugarloaf Mountain, Dickerson, MD Beginners and experienced climbers alike will enjoy the secluded and shady climbs at Sugarloaf Mountain. With plenty of opportunities for bouldering and easy access to top-roping anchors, the Devil’s Kitchen and Boy Scout Ledges areas are a great place for individuals and groups to come and learn “the vertical dance” of rock climbing. Climbing at Sugarloaf Mountain Rock Climbing... [Read More...]
