Challenge Course

Seahawk Adventures Seahawk Adventures

The Challenge Course provides exciting and challenging experiential learning opportunities to help groups focus on leadership skills, team building, and positive, effective group processes. Call or email us to schedule your group for a unique experience!

What to Expect

The challenge course is comprised of initiative problems, games and challenges designed to get group members working together more effectively. These challenges act as building blocks and help facilitate a higher level of group communication and development. Participants are stretched mentally and physically, at a level that is acceptable to themselves and the group. Learn more about our course options, rates, and special events!

Fill out a Custom Program Request!

Soar to New Heights

The Team Challenge option has flexible scheduling and is a portable opportunity for indoor or off-campus programs.

The Low Course can present challenges that groups complete through cooperative interaction.

Standing at approximately 35 feet, the High Course offers a variety of personal and group challenges.

If you are interested in both Low and High Courses, we have options to participate in a combination of the two.

For Groups looking to create a unique experience filled with a variety of challenges, consider spending a full day with us!

Students seen laughing inside a gym while engaging in a team building activity

Students are pictured engaging in a low ropes balancing activity on the Challenge Course

Photo of a balancing element that is a part of the Challenge Course

Students engage in a low ropes platform swing activity on the Challenge Course

Course Options

Team Challenge
The Team Challenge option is a great way for people to get to know one another in an informal, fun and interesting way. You can expect a variety of initiative problems, games, and group challenges designed to fit your specific needs. Our philosophy of challenge by choice ensures that every participant has a positive experience! This course option can be scheduled in one of the LSRC facilities, Field Complexes, or in another location you have to reserve.
- Maximum group size: varies
- Minimum age: 7
- Variable Timeframe:
  - Off Campus Groups: 2 Hr Minimum
  - On Campus Groups: 1 Hr Minimum
  - All Groups: 6 Hr Maximum
Low Course
The Low Course begins with a discussion of group goals and expectations. Then, a series of group games designed to have participants become better acquainted, and prepare them for a fun, positive experience. Next, the group engages in a series of low course elements that increase in difficulty, and usually present challenges that can only be completed through cooperative interaction. Throughout the entire process, the group is allowed to share feedback and communicate openly in an environment of physical and emotional safety. A wrap-up of the day ties the experience together, and facilitates the transfer of the shared experiences back to the participants' everyday lives.
- Maximum group size: 30
- Minimum age: 7
- Variable Time Frame:
  - All Groups: Minimum 2 Hrs
  - All Groups: Maximum 6 Hrs
High Course
The High Course program includes games, safety training, and time to explore up to ten element bridges, a giant swing, and a zip line. Specialty elements may available upon request (including: High Five, Flying Squirrel, Fidget Ladder, or Low-High). This program offers a mental and physical challenge that is unique to each individual, as opposed to the group. Working together or solo, this program will test each participant and require the support of everyone in your group.
- Maximum group size: 25
- Minimum age: 10
  - Note: Programmatic structure of high course may be adjusted based on participant age.
- Variable Time Frame:
  - All Groups: Minimum 3 Hrs
  - All Groups: Maximum 6 Hrs
Combination Course (Low & High)
The Low and High Course options include a combination of low course and select high course elements. provide both group development as well as personal challenges. The support and encouragement the group offers during the high course is an outcome of the shared experiences of the low course experienced earlier in the day.
- Maximum group size: 25
- Minimum age: 10
- Variable Time Frame
  - All Groups: Minimum 3 Hrs
  - All Groups: Maximum 6 Hrs

To prepare for your Challenge Course program, remember:

Closed-toed shoes are required for participation.
Most programming will occur outside on the Challenge Course. Team Challenges will occur at LSRC Facilities or unless you provide an alternate location.
Parking passes and a catered picnic style lunch may be arrange for an additional cost.
All programs are designed to fit the unique nature of your group's needs, including group and individual wellness.
Group size and minimum age requirements are based on industry standards and are non-negotiable. Please contact us with questions.
We offer Challenge Course programming seven days a week, all year long. Please contact us for course availability at least two weeks in advance.
Participant Paperwork, Medical Disclosure Forms and Acknowledgement & Assumption or Risk, will be provided to group leaders through the Reservation process. We will provide additional details with what to expect, and a campus map.
If your group will have minors as participants, please inform us so that we can provide the necessary additional documentation per UNCW's Protection of Minors Policy.
For Challenge Course policies, please visit our Guidelines page.

Course Rates

UNCW Student Organizations

Course Rates for Student Organizations
8-15 Participants	1 Hr	2 Hr	3 Hr	4 Hr	5 Hr	6 Hr
Team Challenge	$90	$135	$180	$225	$270	$315
Low Course	-	$200	$225	$310	$365	$420
High Course	-	-	$300	$360	$420	$480
Low & High	-	-	-	$480	$570	$660
16-30 Participants
Team Challenge	$105	$165	$225	$285	$345	$405
Low Course	-	$230	$300	$370	$440	$510
High Course	-	-	$345	$420	$495	$570
Low & High	-	-	-	$540	$645	$750

To schedule your adventure, fill out the Reservation Request.

For any group over 30 participants, please submit the Reservation Request and a custom quote will be provided for your group!

UNCW Departments

Course Rates for UNCW Departments
8-15 Participants	1 Hr	2 Hr	3 Hr	4 Hr	5 Hr	6 Hr
Team Challenge	$125	$180	$235	$290	$345	$400
Low Course	-	$255	$325	$395	$465	$535
High Course	-	-	$370	$445	$520	$595
Low & High	-	-	-	$605	$720	$835
16-30 Participants
Team Challenge	$140	$220	$295	$370	$445	$520
Low Course	-	$295	$385	$475	$565	$655
High Course	-	-	$430	$525	$620	$715
Low & High	-	-	-	$685	$820	$955

To schedule your adventure, fill out the Reservation Request.

For any group over 30 participants, please submit the Reservation Request and a custom quote will be provided for your group!

Community & Non-Profit Organizations

Course Rates for Non-Profit Organizations
8-15 Participants	1 Hr	2 Hr	3 Hr	4 Hr	5 Hr	6 Hr
Team Challenge	-	$275	$390	$505	$620	$735
Low Course	-	$340	$365	$590	$715	$840
High Course	-	-	$425	$660	$795	$930
Low & High	-	-	-	$820	$995	$1,170
16-30 Participants
Team Challenge	-	$325	$465	$605	$745	$885
Low Course	-	$390	$540	$690	$840	$990
High Course	-	-	$600	$760	$920	$1,080
Low & High	-	-	-	$920	$1,120	$1,320

To schedule your adventure, fill out the Reservation Request.

For any group over 30 participants, please submit the Reservation Request and a custom quote will be provided for your group!

Corporate & For-Profit Organizations

Course Rates for Corporate & For-Profit
8-15 Participants	1 Hr	2 Hr	3 Hr	4 Hr	5 Hr	6 Hr
Team Challenge	-	$385	$555	$725	$895	$1,065
Low Course	-	$470	$660	$850	$1040	$1,230
High Course	-	-	$705	$900	$1,095	$1,290
Low & High	-	-	-	$1,100	$1,345	$1,590
16-30 Participants
Team Challenge	-	$435	$630	$825	$1,020	$1,215
Low Course	-	$520	$735	$950	$1,165	$1,380
High Course	-	-	$780	$1,000	$1,220	$1,440
Low & High	-	-	-	$1,200	$1,470	$1,740

To schedule your adventure, fill out the Reservation Request.

For any group over 30 participants, please submit the Reservation Request and a custom quote will be provided for your group!

Special Events

Challenge Course Connects

Challenge Course Connects is the opportunity to meet fellow Seahawks, and experience the Challenge Course as part of a new group. Structured like our Trips program this is a registration based program that will get you working on team building activities with those signed up for the Challenge Course.

Saturday, September 6th - 1pm-5pm
Saturday, October 4th - 1-5pm
Registration required:
- Students $15 Faculty/Staff $20

Zip-a-Thons

Access the high course via a Tower Climb and traverse two element bridges to reach the “Giant Swing and Zip Zone”. One more step and you soar through the air like a true Seahawk!

Join us for an upcoming event!

Annual Welcome Week*
- Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 10am-2pm
  - Free! No registration required
Annual Family Weekend
- Saturday, September 27 - 10-2pm and
- Sunday, September 28 - 9am-1pm
  - Registration through Transition Programs
Annual Homecoming Week
- Saturday, February 14, 2026 - 10am - 3pm
  - $5.00 - Registration through Alumni Association

To participate you must meet the following criteria:

Be a UNCW Student, Faculty, or Staff
Be at least 10 years old
Have closed-toed shoes, appropriate clothing, and *UNCW One Card
Sign-ups have priority, when applicable
Follow the signs from the Randall Drive Parking Lot to the event

Seahawk Samplers

Come explore what the UNCW challenge course has to offer! You'll be able to sample some of the many different activities on our high ropes course, low ropes course, and specialty elements.

Join us this semester for an upcoming free event!

Saturday, March 21 | 10am-2pm
- Free! No registration required
Sunday, April 19 | 10am-2pm
- Free! No registration required

To participate you must meet the following criteria:

Be a UNCW Student, Faculty, or Staff
Be at least 10 years old
Have closed-toed shoes, appropriate clothing, and UNCW One Card
No sign-up required
Follow the signs from the Randall Drive Parking Lot to the event

FAQ's

Is the High Ropes or Low Ropes more difficult?

Difficulty can be classified as physical or mental.

The Low Ropes Course activities and games can be customized to the request of each specific group. This includes the physical challenge level as well as mental challenge level. Although it generally stays low on the ground, Low Course Programs can still be quite difficult if desired.

The High Ropes Course is suspended in the air and requires some level of physical exertion to complete. It creates team bonding through a shared experience and support of peers, with the challenges as being more individualized in nature.

Is there an age limit?

Due to the physical difficulty and level of understanding necessary to stay safe on the course, age guidelines have been established. The minimum age for the high challenge course is 14. The modified low/high course requires less independent risk and has a minimum age requirement of 10. The low challenge initiatives can be modified to accommodate children no younger than 7.

What is the min/max group size?

See Course Options above for group minimums and maximums.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring: Please bring a water bottle! We will have jugs of water for refill stations but do not have water bottles to give out. You will also need to bring any medications that could be pertinent to the activity scheduled. You’re also welcome to bring snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, or other personal items.

Wear: To participate, it is required to wear active shoes that are closed toed and heeled. We suggest wearing comfortable closed based on the weather (layers are always a good idea). Some participants prefer wearing a hat or bandana if a helmet is required for your activity.

If participating in one of our High Course activities, the length of shorts should be considered. We ask that the harness not sit directly on skin for your comfort and cleanliness, therefore mid-thigh or longer length pant is suggested.

Can I park on campus?

UNCW Students/Faculty/Staff: Please follow your personal permit regulations outlined by the Parking Office.

Non-UNCW participants: Please talk with the Adventure Coordinator regarding available parking options on campus. You will need to know how many vehicles you expect for your group and if you will have any busses. Some options include: free guest parking lots, pay-by-the-hour spaces, and flat rate hang tags per vehicle (additional fees may apply).

How do we pay?

Payment options can be discussed with the Adventure Coordinator during the planning of your program. It is usually collected after a program to allow for changes in weather or participant numbers.

UNCW group options: Online payment through a personalized link with a card; In person payment with cash, check, or card through the Adventure Rentals and Resource Center (see hours here); Through a Decentralized Billing Form for those intending to use campus funds.
Non-UNCW group options: Online payment through a personalized link with a card; In person payment with cash, check, or card through the Adventure Rentals and Resource Center (see hours here); Emailed or mailed invoice through UNCW’s Billing Department.