Northern Arizona University

Contact Us

NAU Challenge Course
928-523-5010

challengecourse@nau.edu

NAU Outdoors
PO Box 5773
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
928-523-3229

nauodr@nau.edu

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Orangeville HS- A Student Council Challenge Course Story

Groggy and tired after a long bus ride to Flagstaff, the student council of Orangeville HS piled out of the bus.  Their advisor had a spring in her step that captured the excitement she had when first introducing this trip to Flagstaff and an adventure on the NAU Challenge Course.  The air was brisk, clear and smelled of Ponderosa Pine.  Fear immediately stuck the students as they walked past a blue box that they hoped would not be their only source of restroom facilities.  Everyone knew that Flagstaff was a little “back woods” but what was this experience going to be like?

When the students and their advisor reached the folks in charge or as they described themselves, the facilitators, everyone pulled their IPODs and reflected the pleasant but slightly tired greeting.  The facilitators explained what was going to happen throughout the day but left all of the specifics a little vague.  After completing a few preparatory tasks, every one formed a circle and played a game that was a little silly but got everyone moving and laughing a little.  The facilitators had a sense of fun but also that there was a reason for being at the challenge course that day.

Gradually, the students worked through the challenges that the facilitators presented.  Each one was a little more difficult, except for an activity that involved flipping a tarp.  One of the students had done the activity at camp and shared the successful strategy with the group.  As they worked through the challenges, certain things starting showing themselves each time.  A group of three seniors provided solid leadership for the group but so did a freshman who was little known to the group before the trip.  Two students became frustrated during one challenge but soon regained their cool when a junior approached them and sought to understand why they were frustrated.

At lunch all of the students laid out their lunches.  The advisor noticed sometime a little different about the group but she was unable to exactly pinpoint it.  The chatter among the students was spirited and filled with the popular events of the day.  The latest celebrity gossip, what one of the facilitators labeled as a gross lunchable pizza and talk of an upcoming sporting event all were topics discussed.

After lunch came the challenge that brought the most anxiety when their advisor had described it months ago.  The facilitators introduced each high element and described the ways to be successful.  The students gazed upward and fought the nervous feeling that began to rise in their stomachs.  After putting on all of their safety gear the facilitators asked for volunteers.  A sophomore who was always quiet, jumped to the front of group ready to try.  The cheers of the group acknowledged her efforts and helped to calm the others of the group.  The task seemed to be a little more attainable.

Sweat, sunscreen and an occasional spontaneous cheer session all flowed over the group as they each tried a challenge.  Not everyone climbed but everyone high fived, patted backs and supported others.  Certain students became known for their feats of bravery and athletic prowess.  Others clearly became the spirit of the group.

The facilitators gathered all of the students when they ran out of time.  The students circled and shared brags about themselves and others.  The advisor was taken aback by some of the comments that were very positive and recognized members of the group that were not always acknowledged.

As the students returned to the bus, the day’s events filled their conversation.  The advisor sat back in her seat and smiled as she reflected on a successful day.  Soon she noticed that something had changed.  She looked back to where the students were sitting, each student was folded over one another carried off in sleep.