The Challenge Course is an adventure recreation program that offers girls and adults the opportunity to participate in a series of activities involving mental, physical and emotional risk-taking. The course features wall climbing, rappelling, a zip line and a giant swing.

Participants gain personal insight as they strive to achieve individual and group goals during planned sessions. During these sessions, common reactions, emotions and camaraderie is shared as participants experience the Challenge Course.

Challenge Course at Camp Dorothy Thomas

The Challenge Course at Camp Dorothy Thomas is offered to Junior Girl Scouts* and STUDIO 2B members (girls 11-17 years old) as well as to adult members. (*Juniors may participate in team building activities, possibly progressing to some low elements.) STUDIO 2B and adult groups may participate in the entire course, which includes low ropes and high ropes elements.

This progressive program provides teamwork and fun, as well as safe mental and physical problem-solving. There are no guarantees as to how far the girls will progress, but generally most STUDIO 2B members and adults will complete the entire course.

Half-day, one-day and two-day programs range from $10 to $30 per participant. Weekend programs include Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday and cost $45 per participant. This program is recommended in order to complete the course. A group that completes the course may concentrate on perfecting skills in subsequent visits.

For more information, contact High Adventure Program Manager (ext. 1692 or cwaters@gsofsc.org) at the Tampa Service Center. Activity dates must be coordinated with camping dates, so please allow two to three months advance planning.

Challenge Course at Camp Wildwood

The Greenwood Challenge Course at Camp Wildwood was built in the fall of 1996. A volunteer constructed the low elements and Project Adventure constructed the high elements. In 2003, two high elements were rebuilt due to tree growth. Some trees were damaged in the 2004 hurricanes, making some elements unusable, so a capital budget request was made to rebuild the most popular element, the zipwire, which was lost in the hurricanes. 2005 saw more tree damage from lightening, so a decision was made to move future elements out of trees and onto poles. Enough money was budgeted in 2005 to rebuild the zipwire on poles and at the same time set enough poles to add a climbing wall in the future. In May 2006, the climbing wall was completed.

This course is now used for experienced climbers. It is the next step after girls complete teambuilding, low elements and going higher. The course offers the Dangle Duo, the Flying Squirrel, a Climbing Wall and a Zip Line.

If you have questions about high adventure activities please contact contact Charlie Waters, 800-881-4475 ext. 1692 or cwaters@gswcf.org.