The Challenge Course

Dissolve barriers. Build trust. Improve communication and productivity.
Contact the Challenge Course

A Challenge Course (sometimes called a ropes course) is a collection of activities called “elements” built of ropes, cables, and wood structures. These elements have been placed anywhere from ground level to 125 feet up in the forest canopy and are designed to encourage team bonding and personal growth.

Corporate Groups

Many businesses turn to Tilikum’s Challenge Course to strengthen their teams and foster collaboration. Whether as a fun, stand-alone event or part of a larger corporate retreat, the Challenge Course offers a unique and memorable experience. Programs can be uniquely designed to encourage meaningful conversations about cultivating a healthy company culture, aligning with the company’s brand and mission, improving communication across individuals and departments, enhancing accountability, and building trust among current and new employees.

Non-Profit Groups

Nonprofit organizations often rely on strong collaboration and shared vision to achieve their mission, and Tilikum’s Challenge Course offers an exceptional way to strengthen these foundations. Designed with flexibility and purpose, the course provides nonprofit teams with a meaningful, hands-on experience to foster connection and alignment. Participants engage in activities that inspire conversations around enhancing communication, building trust, and reinforcing accountability within the group—all within a supportive, inspiring environment.

Who is considered a Non-Profit Group?

 

  • church groups
  • youth groups
  • schools (classes, sports teams, clubs, etc.)
  • families
  • charities
  • government groups
  • community development groups
  • 501(c)(3) organizations

Tailored to your needs. Through thoughtful and uniquely curated sessions, participants engage in activities that promote teamwork, communication, trust, goal setting, confidence, problem-solving, encouragement, leadership development, and group connection. Programs may include energizing games, low-element challenges to enhance group dynamics and teamwork, or high-element activities aimed at building trust within the group and confidence in individuals.

Choose your Challenge. At Tilikum, our philosophy encourages participants to determine their level of involvement, with encouragement to step outside their comfort zone while respecting their personal limits. No one is pressured to exceed what feels right for them, fostering an atmosphere of care and respect for every individual’s chosen level of engagement.

Safety is our top priority. High-element participants wear helmets and harnesses and are secured to a belay system, ensuring their physical well-being. Additionally, all activities are designed with careful attention to the psychological and emotional safety of participants, creating a supportive environment where individuals and groups can thrive.

Get some rest. Extend your stay at the Tilikum Lodge, offering spacious meeting areas, outdoor activities like canoeing and hiking, delicious home-style meals, and cozy rooms with private bathrooms. Perfect for retreats or corporate events, the Lodge combines comfort with the beauty of Tilikum’s 93-acre setting.

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About our Facilitators

Facilitators are carefully trained for leadership and safety on the challenge course to provide your group the highest quality adventure program experience. All Tilikum facilitators hold current certification recognized by the Association for Challenge Course Technology.

Challenge Course Policy

Learn more about our policies and minimum requirements for hosting your group on Tilikum’s Challenge Course. From group size to general safety standards, we strive to provide clear guidelines to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and impactful experience for everyone.

Summer Camp bus transportation to Tilikum

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to find most of what you need to know about your Challenge Course experience below. If you have any additional questions about the Challenge Course, you can email Scott Diefenbaugh/Challenge Course Manager, or call Scott at (503) 538-2763, ext. 105.