The EDGE Challenge Course offers a variety of Experience-Based Learning activities for organized groups to help improve basic life-skills as well as team building skills. The course offers two different components:
- Ground Initiatives and Elements – Problem-solving activities located on the ground or up to 18 inches off the ground. They require brainstorming, problem solving and teamwork.
- Aerial Elements – Activities ranging from 15-50 feet off the ground and are considered high adventure activities. Aerial elements focus more on individual accomplishments that require team support. All aerial elements require participants to wear harnesses and helmets.
The EDGE offers basic programming for teams who want to build relationships and have fun. Unlike recreational activities, The EDGE programs allow teams to become aware of their group dynamics and better understand how their team is communicating and working together. We use the Action-Learning Cycle to engage participants in reflection(1) of what they are doing and then build repetition(2) while increasing the challenge and fun! This type of Experience-Based Learning is a great way of capturing the positive lessons learned so that they translate back into your organization when the day is over. It is substantiated both from our years of positive testimonials as well as by Brain- Based research from the emerging field of Educational Neuroscience.
1: (Willis, 2014: Reflection plays an important role to enhance retention and the ability to recall and apply lessons.)
2: (Aamodt & Wang, 2011: The parts of the brain that control decision-making, problem-solving, self-control, and communication skills are best influenced through practice and experience.)
There are many different outcomes that a group can achieve for their day. All programs touch on problem solving, cooperation, and communication. Results vary depending on the program you choose for your group and your desired goals and outcomes. There is no “One Size Fits All” at The EDGE, which is why we always work with you to gather information and use that to curate activities that are right for your group. Though each group may do something different with their day at The EDGE, we hope each participant leaves having gained a positive and memorable experience that will last long after the program is over.
At The EDGE, having fun is an integral part in everything we do. In fact, having active fun is proven to be one of the best ways to get engagement from the whole team, which then feeds back into teamwork and collaboration. That’s why we strive throughout the day not only to promote fun environments, but to truly create rewarding experiences, cultivate a sense of accomplishment, and build stronger social connections within the team.
The EDGE hosts groups of all different backgrounds and needs, from school groups, community programs, university students, to corporate team-building. We have a wealth of experience to draw from that enables us to address a wide array of special circumstances.
One of the most important aspects of Experience-Based Learning is that Doing fosters Learning. This makes an environment such as The EDGE ideal for engaging in Experience-Based Learning because of the wide array of activities, elements, and approaches we offer. In addition, The EDGE is recognized as an experience-based Training and Development organization active in both the Experiential Learning and Challenge Course communities. We are members of the following societies and associations:
- American Society for Training and Development
- Association for Experiential Education
- Association for Psychological Type
- Association for Challenge Course Technology