Chestnut Ridge

Teambuilding at Chestnut Ridge is an experiential adventure program which offers groups and individuals the opportunity to participate in a series of activities involving mental, physical, and emotional challenges. Since 2002, Chestnut Ridge has seen a wonderful response to our teambuilding programs, both on and off the Challenge Course. Since the program began, thousands of participants have experienced new perspectives on leadership, servanthood, listening, and working together.

"The outing at Chestnut Ridge was just one tangible way of getting these students to think about themselves and each other in a new light." John Sharon, Trinity School [read more]

Our staff of teambuilding professionals routinely works with school groups, youth groups, adult and corporate outings. Programs range from straight forward fun to strategic, planned events that target specific outcomes. Teambuilding programs can last from two hours to two days.

What to Expect

The Challenge Course is an experiential adventure program which offers groups and individuals the opportunity to participate in a series of activities involving mental, physical, and emotional challenges. Safety and cooperation, as well as individual achievement, are essential to this program. We operate under "Challenge by Choice," which means that we invite each participant to challenge themselves during the course of their program, but at no time will our staff members make you do anything you absolutely do not want to do.  Participants should come expecting fun, challenge, and growth. Remember: we can only challenge persons who willingly engage in the process, so come ready to plug-in!

Initiative Games

Initiative Games are stimulating problem-solving games designed to help group members develop their ability to work effectively with one another. These games can be done inside or out, and often utilize portable props. An important part of the teambuilding experience is the group's reflection and discussion following each initiative game.  Our staff will facilitate these discussions as the group gleans valuable insight from it's own observations regarding the group members interaction with one another, communication, approach to the situation, and problem solving abilities.

Low Ropes Course

Constructed in May of 2002, our 16-element low challenge course has been a big hit with summer campers, youth groups, church leadership councils, and corporate team-building outings. Our experienced facilitators will work with you to tailor your group's low ropes course experience to highlight growth areas such as: leadership, servanthood, humility, grace, honesty, communication, encouragement, and others. Five of the low challenge course elements have been specifically designed to be accessible to all persons, regardless of physical ability. Optimally, group sizes on the low ropes course are kept small in order to allow for maximum interaction of each participant. We frequently suggest that larger groups break into smaller sub-groups of approximately 14 persons during their experience on the Low Ropes Course. These sub-groups will have both similar and different experiences that are worth discussing once the group recombines.

High Ropes Course

New for 2007!  Our high ropes course has expanded!  In the spring of 2007 we added three new elements to our static high ropes course - Teamwork Trolleys, Tire & Platform Swings, and the Leap of Faith.  We are eager to have new and returning groups join with us to try out these exciting new elements!

Our high ropes course develops self-confidence, risk-taking, empathy, compassion, communication and cooperation. Our course has been specifically designed to focus on partnership, extending the reach of the teamwork focus of the low ropes course.

Our high ropes course has three dynamic elements and six static elements.  Some are cooperative, partner-based experiences and others are personal limit-challenging endeavors. We invite you to chat with us about your hopes and expectations and allow us to tailor an experience for your group.

Always a crowd favorite, our 530-foot zipline stretches across Lake Fellowship and provides a memorable finale to any camp experience.

Who May Participate?

Anyone of “normal” physical condition who meets the appropriate age limit may participate. If you have any physical conditions out of the ordinary, please inform us so that we may assist you in performing activities safely. Our rule on the course is “Honor Your Body.” The activities are designed to be enjoyed by those of varying level of physical fitness, and our qualified staff will assist you in taking the next step in learning and growth. 

Minimum age requirements -
Zipline - 8 years old
Dynamic High Ropes Course - 8 years old
Static High Ropes Course - 12 years old

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please call us to discuss.

How to Get Started

We'd love to spend some time with you on the Challenge Course! A typical session runs between 2 and 4 hours, depending on your time constraints and the size of the group. Some groups elect to spend a morning session, break for lunch, and return for an afternoon session. We can also work with you to plan extended, multi-day events complete with lodging, meals, and meeting space.

• Step 1 - Please contact us to discuss your group's goals. Using our experience with teambuilding, we can use this conversation to tailor the best possible experience.
• Step 2 - As the group leader, please be sure to review the Participant Information Letter to make your Challenge Course experience the best it can be. We encourage you to share this information with your group. Well-shaped expectations lead to the best events!
• Step 3 - All participants are required to have reviewed and completed the permission and release form. Please bring these completed forms when you arrive for your event.