Each participant and/or participant's parents/guardians should review the following information/documents prior to the program. Documents 3-5 must be signed and returned the day of the program in order to participate.

1. What to Expect
2. Clothing Guidelines
Medical Form
4. Acknowledgement of Risk
5. Release and Hold Harmless Agreement
6. Map to Fred G. Bond Metro Park

For Spanish versions, please contact us.

What to Expect

Groups are guided through the course by trained facilitators. Challenge Course facilitators are not there to define the experience for the participants; rather the participants decide how the day is important to them and their group or how the activities relate to life outside the course.

Most people expect to spend the day at the challenge course climbing and swinging from ropes or doing the high course. While some activities include the use of ropes, most do not. The concept of a rope is a metaphor for the team building experience that will take place during the day. Ropes are made of many strands; each strand independent of the other is not as strong as the entire rope with many strands bound together.

The focus of the challenge course is for the individual participants to experience the strength of a combined effort by the group. So the ropes course is not the high course, not the low course, but a metaphor for an experience of team building.

The Challenge Course staff do not determine the type of program groups will do; rather, the leaders of each group decide based on various considerations.

• Participants in the low program will be working with others in the group to complete a series of activities that take place on or near the ground and encourage teamwork and group cooperation.

While the low course provides plenty of mental and physical challenge, all the activities are designed for people of average physical fitness, and can be adapted for those with any special needs. Facilitators will support each individual's participation at whatever level they feel comfortable, while encouraging everyone to challenge themselves in order to derive the greatest possible benefit from the day on the course.

• High program participants will have the opportunity to participate in a series of events situated at heights of 35 feet and suspended between trees.

In preparation for the high course, facilitators will lead the group through "ground school", a simulation of the high events. There participants will receive instruction on how to use equipment and techniques adapted from mountaineering to enable negotiation of the challenges of the high ropes portion of the day.

As one might imagine, each Challenge Course experience promises to provide lots of fun and adventure. Water will be available throughout the day. Be sure to take a look at the clothing list for tips on what to wear. Bring a lunch if applicable. The only other items participants need are a smile and a sense of adventure.

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Clothing Guidelines
There is a good possibility that you will get dirty during the day. Please dress accordingly.

Clothing should be:

1. Loose
2. Comfortable
3. Casual
4. Durable
5. Suitable for the weather (Dress more warmly than you think you need to during cold weather. Wear layers that can be removed or put back on according to changes in activity levels. There are no heaters on the Challenge Course.)
6. Long pants or shorts? Long pants provide some protection against abrasions should you take a tumble. Shorts are obviously cooler in hot weather, but don’t protect as well.

Shoes should be:

1. Comfortable
2. Appropriate for anticipated weather conditions.
3. Running shoes or tennis shoes work well. Boots may provide more comfort if you are doing the high course, which involves walking on 5/8" cable.
4. Shoes, regardless of style, must fit securely and provide good traction.
5. No sandals, flip-flops, or open toed shoes please. You will not be allowed to participate if your shoes are not suitable for the program.

Things best left at home or in vehicles.  No one wants them to get lost or damaged. 

1. Jewelry, watches and non-prescription sunglasses. Prescription glasses can be worn but be sure to use a retention strap.
2. Cell phones and pagers.

Please also leave cigarettes in your car or at home. There is no smoking on the Challenge Course.

Water is provided during the program. Some participants may prefer to bring their own water or sports drink. The program does not typically stop to take snack breaks, however, participants are welcome to bring a snack if desired. Participants may also choose to bring a camera. Bond Park and the Challenge Course staff are not responsible for lost or damaged items. Please be respectful of those who do not want their picture taken. 

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