SOAR Challenge

What is the Challenge Course?
The challenge course is a series of activities that promote team building and problem solving skills within a group.  The challenge course offers an experiential learning environment.  A series of obstacles called "elements" challenge the group to work together as a team in developing a solution.  While the obstacles are perceived to be physically challenging, any person willing to try can succeed through the cooperative efforts of the group.  As your group conquers each element on the course, they will learn about themselves and their relationships with others.  A certified "Facilitator" will monitor the interactions of the group so that behaviors and actions can be discussed afterwards.  This "debriefing" is where the learning occurs.

SOAR Challenge Course Philosophy
Each girl is encouraged to attempt each activity.  With guidance and instruction, each activity promotes self-confidence, group trust and equipment dependability. To effectively benefit from the program, we encourage the girls to enter with a sense of adventure and willingness to experience new things.  The "challenge by choice" concept is an initiative where each girl decides on her level of participation and intensity according to her own individual needs.  No one is ever required, forced or coerced to do any activity.

Challenge Course Components
The Challenge Course is comprised of three areas: Games and Initiatives, Low Elements and High Elements.  Each area is designed to prepare the group for the next area.  All groups must move through the first two areas in order to safely and successfully participate on the high elements.  Participants of all ages in reasonable shape can use the facilities safely.  One does not have to be an athlete to experience the Challenge Course.  The genuine challenges are in the mind.

Games and Initiatives
The process begins as experienced facilitators conduct games for girls to get acquainted and stretching activities.  These activities move from warm-ups to more complex problems requiring the group to plan and execute strategies for completing each task.  These games allow participants to begin taking some emotional as well as physical risks.

Low Elements
Participants move to a set of events that are carried out just above ground level.  Each element presents a unique degree of difficulty and challenge to the individual and the group.  Girls will reach a higher level of communication, trust and decision-making skills in a refreshing and new spirit of mutual support.  Girl Scouts from 4th grade, and at least 9 years old, through adult can participate in initiatives, group games and low elements.  To reach optimal results, no less than three hours will be scheduled for your group.

High Elements
At this level, participants encounter a higher degree of difficulty in each event.  You'll be surprised at the personal and troop growth that can take place here.  These high element activities allow personal potential to shine.  Events begin on the ground level and consist of cables, logs, platforms, ropes and trees that are 20-50+ feet high.  The high elements provide a physical environment that will develop self-confidence by taking challenges never before tried.  The high elements and climbing tower are reserved for Girl Scouts from 7th grade, and at least 12 years old, through adult.  This program takes approximately 8 hours.

Age Restrictions
For safetly reasons, the following age restrictions are in effect. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE!

Games, Initiatives, Low Elements:
4th grade, and at least 9 years old, and up.

High Elements:
7th grade, and at least 12 years old, and up.

Course Requirements
All different sizes of groups make for a great experience, but for safety we must maintain a group minimum.  A minimum of 8 participants is required, plus the adult leadership.  Your group must provide a First-Aider.  A Level II First-Aider is required for participants on the High Elements and Climbing Tower.  Permission slips are required.

Clothing/Meals
Dress for the weather - layers are best.  Wear loose fitting clothes that will allow freedom of movement.  Tennis shoes or light hiking boots are the best footwear.  NO SANDALS.  All participants must wear long pants that come down below the knee.  NO SHORTS.  All jewelry and earrings should be left at home.  Long hair must be pulled up in a pony tail holder.

Bring sack lunches in a cooler with a water bottle.  A group snack is recommended for a full day experience.

Cost
The cost to use the S.O.A.R. Challenge Course is $15.00 per participant for 1/2 day, and $25.00 per participant for a full day.  All payments must be received 10 business days before the scheduled events.

Cookie Credit:
Troops can use Council Form #697F to request Cookie Credit for up to 50% of the total amount of challenge course fees.

Financial Assistance:
IF NO COOKIE CREDIT IS AVAILIABLE, participants can use Council Form #330F to request Financial Assistance for up to 50% of the total amounts of challenge course fees.

Reservations
Dates and trained facilitators are set and approved through the Challenge Course Director.  Plan ahead.  The popularity of the program requires groups to plan up to two months in advance to reserve a weekend date.  Council approval must be obtained (Form 585).  Once Council approval is granted, an information packet including permission slips will be sent to confirm the date and time of your S.O.A.R. experience.  No one will be permitted on the Challenge Course without a signed permission slip.

Download the special permission form.