OLE2500 Challenge Course Management

This course will provide knowledge and practice in the development, management, and operation of low and high challenge courses. Students will examine theoretical, practical, and legal considerations of challenge course management and the policies and regulations within the field. Through a mixture of demonstration, discussion, activities, and site visits to local courses, students will gain a working understanding of how to efficiently and safely experience and facilitate challenge courses. Special attention will be paid to the risk management concerns within challenge course management, including equipment inspections, staffing, certifications, and national standards.

Credits

2 sh

Course Types

Outdoor Leadership and Education major elective; Adventure-Based Learning minor elective

Offered

• Spring

Learning Outcomes

1. 1.Examine factors influencing the development of challenge courses, including design characteristics and installation hardware. Apply that knowledge through site visits and course inspections.
2. 2. Understand the implications for standards and accreditation through the Association for Challenge Course Technology on daily operations and management
3. 3. Discover how regulatory bodies like ANSI and OSHA influence challenge course management and demonstrate the implications of these regulations on your practice as a facilitator.
4. 4. Explain the history of challenge courses and modern developments of the industry. Evaluate how special topics like accessibility and universal design impact course design and program facilitation.
5. 5. Discuss and apply facilitation procedures for common low and high course elements, including equipment use, knots, and reflection