- Challenge courses and adventure-based programs have become increasingly popular (Hatch & McCarthy, 2005) for groups that want a different and unique way of achieving specific goals. Some of the goals of these programs include building confidence, becoming more assertive, developing problem-solving skills, increasing motivation, and improving leadership skills (Long, Lindenmeier, & Robertson, 2003).
- Ropes courses increase interpersonal growth through building positive social interactions, testing perceived personal limits, and reinforcing group development and cohesion (Faulner, 2002).
- Individual studies have been completed on the outcomes related to ropes course participation including heightened self-esteem and self concept, improved group decision making capabilities, and cooperation and trust (Goldenberg, Klenosky, O’Leary, & Templin, 2000)
- Gillis and Speelman (2008) identified positive changes in self-esteem, self-efficacy, family dynamics, physical variables, group dynamics, personality measures, and academic measures
- Documented benefits of challenge courses include increased self-esteem, group cohesion, leadership skills, self-efficacy, work efficacy, and leadership efficacy, (Hart & Silka, 1994; Hatch & McCarthy, 2005; Paxton & McAvoy, 2000; Propst & Koesler, 1998).
- Individual benefits include enhancing personal growth, particularly in the areas of increasing one’s sense of self-competence and risk-taking, while improving moods and a sense of hope (Hart & Silka, 1994; Paxton, 1998; Robitschek, 1996; Snow, 1992).
- The most frequent outcomes of challenge course studies were self-esteem or self-concept, group dynamics, personality measures, and self-efficacy Gillis and Speelman (2008).
- Hands on experiences lead to faster learning, better retention, and a greater understanding of learned material, which is beneficial for application into everyday life (Shellman, 2014)
- Many organized groups have participated in adventure courses to reap these benefits. Additional group benefits involve gains in team building, trust, and cohesiveness (Glass & Benshoff, 2002; Priest, 1998).
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