Challenge Course
Ed-Venture Portable Initiatives

The portable initiatives are a series of problem-solving experiences that can be transported nearly anywhere, indoors or outside.  Initiatives are fun, collaborative challenges that have been selected to support the goals of the group.  In working together to solve these challenges, groups find themselves testing their familiar methods of communication, responsibility, cooperation, trust, risk-taking and creative problem-solving.

After each initiative, discussions led by skilled facilitators help groups reflect on their experiences and develop a plan to apply what they learn to other challenges they face.

Acid River

Members of the teams try to cross the imaginary river in the shortest time possible.  They are only allowed to use the materials provided to safely cross.  If any member steps in the river, the whole team must start over again.

Human Trolley

Imagine walking with a group on one giant shoe.  You need to take the same steps to get to the same location.  This is an excellent activity to get groups to cooperate and work together.

All Aboard

This activity is a good way to begin your day.  This allows the group to get beyond their self-conscious feelings about touching.  There will be contact, otherwise success is not possible.  The objective is to get the entire group on the platform at one time.

Human Knot

Participants form a circle with alternate members holding a bandana in either their right or left hand.  The participants reach across and grasp someone else's bandana and a human knot is formed  - grasps must be maintained.  The objective is to "untie" themselves to reform one circle or a circle within a circle.

Levitation

Each participant takes a turn being lifted.  The person being lifted must remain rigid and keep their arms crossed during the exercise.  The person being lifted begins on the ground and is lifted in three stages:  waist level, shoulder level, and then above the head.  The reverse process is done to return the person to ground level.  The lifters verbally communicate through each stage of the event.

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