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Challenge Course and Zip Line

Located on South Campus, the Outdoor Education Center and Challenge Course offers groups a variety of unique team building programs. Our facilitation staff will work with your group to help establish, build and maintain healthy relationships, trust and camaraderie, while engaging participants in active reflection throughout custom tailored programs. If this is your first time using the Wellness Portal, learn more on the Wellness Portal Instructional webpage.

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When in season, Challenge Courses are available by reservation only.

High Elements Course

Our High Elements Challenge Course is designed to allow participants the opportunity to develop and utilize trust and communication while creating strong team bonds as they move through a variety of elements as a group. This course features elements ranging from 15-30 feet in the air as well as a dual zip line.

In addition to the Odyssey Course, we have a Dynamic element course.

  • The leap of faith element involves a participant climbing to the top of a telephone pole and leaping in an attempt to ring a bell secured to a tether. During their climb and “leap” from the top of the pole, participants are secured with climbing ropes which are attached to six participants below them, on the ground, who not only work together to support them during their climb, but also work in tandem with our staff to secure them on their descent.
  • For the dynamic elements, participants will climb a pole to the element, then they will traverse the element using only the provided ropes. They will be secured to a staff member on the ground, who will belay them down after completing the element. Teammates can cheer them on and help them problem-solve as they traverse the elements.

Low Elements Course

Our Low Elements Course consists of a series of ground activities and initiatives that are designed to promote teambuilding and group development. Your team will work together to accomplish various tasks that require building and using teamwork skills. After each activity, facilitators will lead a group discussion to help the team better understand their own group dynamics and strengths, how they may be able to capitalize on opportunities, and apply new skills and knowledge to life beyond the challenge course.

Indoor Challenge Course

The Indoor Challenge Course is located in the Flanagan Gymnasium and is open to Syracuse University faculty, staff and students only. Programming options include high climbing elements as well as ground-level team activities and initiatives. Our facilitators will work with your group to design a custom program that meets your needs.

Portable Programs

Portable teambuilding programs allow us to bring the fun to you! Our facilitation staff will work with you to develop a customized program that will meet the specific needs and goals of your group. Our portable programs can vary and are based on the size of the group, size of the space, time frame and program goals.

Common Portable Programs Include:

  • Leadership Assessments
  • Rhythmic Connections: Community Drumming Workshops
  • Theme Based Workshops
  • Traditional Teambuilding Activities and Initiatives
  • Urban and Campus Adventures

Virtual Teambuilding

Open to Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students, faculty and staff, virtual teambuilding sessions are available through Zoom. Join us for a 1-2 hour teambuilding experience where our facilitation staff will lead your group through a series of activities designed to help you get to know each other in a unique and engaging way. Our staff will work with you to develop a customized program to meet your group's specific needs and goals.

For more information on any program offering, please call 315.443.9935.

Please note that all program rates are per person. A 50% deposit of the total program cost or interdepartmental order form is required to reserve a program date. All group reservations require a 15-participant minimum. Groups with less than 15 participants will be charged at a 15-participant rate.

1-2 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $20
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $25
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations*: $30
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations*: $40

3-4 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $30
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $35
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations*: $40
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations*: $50

5-6 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $40
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $55
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations*: $60
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations*: $70

7-8 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $50
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $65
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations*: $70
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations*: $80

*Outdoor Course only.

Please note that all program rates are per person. A 50% deposit of the total program cost or interdepartmental order form is required to reserve a program date. All group reservations require a 15-participant minimum. Groups with less than 15 participants will be charged at a 15-participant rate.

1-2 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $15
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $20
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations*: $25
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations*: $35

3-4 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $20
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $25
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations*: $30
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations*: $45

5-6 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $30
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $35
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations*: $40
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations*: $55

7-8 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $40
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $45
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations*: $50
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations*: $65

*Outdoor Course only.

Invest in your rhythmic development with this fun, hands-on drumming program. Community drumming has long provided opportunities for flexing creative muscles to express improvisational music, realizing spontaneous community and experiencing enhanced health and wellness. Join us in discovering your relationship to rhythm, both in yourself and with others. Drums and percussion provided, no experience necessary. If you have your own drum or percussive instrument, feel free to bring it along!

Please note that all program rates are per person. A 50% deposit of the total program cost or interdepartmental order form is required to reserve a program date. All group reservations require a 15-participant minimum. Groups with less than 15 participants will be charged at a 15-participant rate.

1-2 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $30
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $35
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations: $40
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations: $45

3-4 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $35
  • Syracuse University and SUNY -ESF Faculty/Staff: $40
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations: $45
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations: $50

5-6 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students: $40
  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Faculty/Staff: $45
  • Non-Syracuse University/SUNY-ESF Student Groups and Nonprofit Organizations: $50
  • Corporate Groups and Other Organizations: $55

Please note that all program rates are per person.

1-2 Hours

  • Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF Students, Faculty and Staff: $10 Per Hour, Per Person

  • Aerial footage provided through SKYTOP Aerials, LLC. is available. Please inform us of your interest, and we can provide you with more details.
  • Catering is available through Syracuse University Campus Catering with a wide variety of options. Please contact us at 315.443.9935 with any questions or to submit a catering order.
  • Cellphones are not permitted on the high elements course.
  • Participants should dress in athletic clothing with closed-toe shoes.
  • Please refrain from wearing the following.
    • Jewelry
    • Crocs
    • Dress Shoes
    • Sandals
  • Prepare with weather-appropriate layers as we are often outside for extended periods of time.

Challenge Course Facilitator Application

Are you interested in becoming a challenge course facilitator? Are you looking for an exciting on-campus job? Need employment in the summer? Enjoy the outdoors and working with people? Apply to be a challenge course facilitator today!

Gain leadership, public speaking, professional development skills and more! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and open to Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) students. For questions, please email Ryan Szuch or call 315.443.1130.

  • Summer work is available.
  • No previous experience required.
  • Flexible schedule.
  • Work-study accepted.

Applying

Complete job descriptions are available within the job posting.