The Challenge Course
Dissolve barriers. Build trust. Improve communication and productivity. Contact the Challenge CourseA 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
Nonprofits such as church groups, schools, charities, 501(c)(3) organizations, and more 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 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.
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, and connection. Programs often 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.
Click here to learn about our Facilitators
All Camp Tilikum facilitators hold current certification recognized by the Association for Challenge Course Technology.
Click here for our Challenge Course Policy
Learn more about our policies and minimum requirements for hosting your group on Tilikum’s Challenge Course.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any other questions about the Challenge Course, you can email Scott Diefenbaugh or call Scott at (503) 538-2763, ext. 105.
About our Facilitators
At Tilikum, our Challenge Course facilitators are not only passionate about adventure and growth but are also carefully trained to ensure the highest quality experience for your group. Each facilitator is certified under the rigorous standards of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), reflecting their expertise in leadership, safety, and course operations.
Challenge Course facilitators are more than just trained professionals—they are skilled mentors who understand the importance of creating an environment where every participant feels supported and empowered. Whether guiding a team through trust-building low elements or encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones on high elements, our facilitators prioritize both safety and personal growth. Their training includes technical expertise in belay systems, equipment inspection, and emergency procedures, as well as interpersonal skills to foster meaningful group discussions and connections.
Challenge Course Policy
Tilikum holds itself to incredibly high national standards regarding our safety and staff policy. The Challenge Course was originally designed and built by Project Adventure, Inc. in 1993, and is currently inspected and regularly maintained by Synergo, a Northwest leader in the field of challenge course construction, inspection, and training.
To maintain our accreditation and operate our course, there are several key elements to our policy for any groups in attendance.
- Participants must be 10 years of age or older.
- Groups must have a minimum of 10 participants.
- Events must be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance.
- Each Guest must fill out a Tilikum Participant Agreement before engaging in Challenge Course activities. Guests without completed Participant Agreements are not allowed on the Course.
For more information, to schedule a tour, or to schedule your team on the Challenge Course, email Scott Diefenbaugh/Challenge Course Manager, or call Scott at (503) 538-2763, ext. 105.
FAQ
Q. What can I expect from a Tilikum Challenge Course program?
A. For a 1/2 day you can generally expect 3-4 low to the ground team building activities and 1 high in the trees trust building activity. For a full day you can generally expect 5-6 low activities and 2 high activities. Each day is fully customized to each group’s needs and goals so every day on the course looks just a little bit different.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Closed-toe shoes and clothing you can be active in. During the summer we suggest wearing longer shorts–this will make wearing harnesses more comfortable.
Q. What should I bring?
A. We suggest you bring a water bottle and a snack—participants are active on the course and a little snack helps keep your energy up. During the summer it’s also at good idea to bring sunscreen.
Q. Will there be cell service?
A. We have pretty good coverage from Verizon, but other carriers are hit and miss.
Q. Is there a waiver?
A. Yes! Everyone participating on the Challenge Course must complete a Tilikum Participant Agreement.
Q. What if the weather is bad?
A. We run the Challenge Course rain or shine! We only shut down when the weather becomes unsafe like an electrical storm, windstorm or when the roads are too icy to drive. We will contact the group leader to let them know the weather issue and offer an opportunity to reschedule.