Elon Challenge Overview

The Elon Challenge is a team development program that utilizes the principles and pedagogies of experiential education to foster spaces for authenticity, creativity, innovation, and community building. Programs can occur on 18-acre experiential campus near Elon’s main campus, in campus classrooms, or in many other spaces. The experiential campus houses our high and low ropes course that is frequently used in our programming.  At the Elon Challenge, participants work together to reach beyond their perceived boundaries, overcome obstacles and experience success in a variety of problem-solving initiatives. Our programs can incorporate a variety of topics and can be conducted virtually or in-person.

Who is the Elon Challenge for?

Anyone! The Elon Challenge is a great way to help classes, teams, organizations, corporations or cohorts grow through building authentic relationships, learning how to manage resources, developing creative thinking, and applying knowledge in new ways. We use the principles and pedagogies of experiential education to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where participants are challenged to learn more about themselves and others.

Every Elon Challenge experience is different. We work with you to ensure that your custom-designed itinerary will both meet your group’s goals and also provide engaging opportunities for participants.

Low Course

The Elon Challenge features a low ropes course that consists of 16 fixed elements and numerous team-development initiatives that physically and mentally engage participants. Low ropes initiatives are a great way for groups to strengthen communication, trust, problem-solving, relationships, and more.  Group members work together by contributing ideas, support, and effort to complete the challenges. Participants are guided through a reflective process at the end of each activity that helps them apply insights from the exercise to other life situations.

Low ropes programs require a minimum of 8 participants.

High Course

The Elon Challenge features several high ropes activities, including a zipline. On a high ropes course, participants are harnessed in and climb to around 40 feet while also completing a variety of challenges. High ropes elements, unlike low ropes courses, focus more on individuals and how the team can best support and encourage them. There are opportunities to be involved in a variety of levels and to personally challenge yourself and others. Team development is accomplished through cooperation and encouragement.

High ropes programs require a minimum of 10 participants.

Plan Your Experience Today

If you would like to take your group to the Elon Challenge, please complete the Elon Challenge request form. Please be as detailed as possible so we can best plan your group’s experience. We will review your request and communicate via email for details, logistics and confirmation. Please contact the Elon Challenge staff at challengecourse@elon.edu for more information.

Requests must be made at least three weeks in advance. Staff are scheduled at least two weeks in advance and any cancellations must be made at least 1 week in advance. Any changes in date, time, number of participants, or other logistics within 1 week from the program date will result in a change/cancellation fee of $100.

Elon Challenge Rates

University-Affiliated Groups

General Programs:

  • Group Size 1-25: Free
  • Group Size 26-40: $40
  • Group Size 41-59: $80
  • Group Size 60+: $160

High Course Programs:

  • Group Size 10-20: Free
  • Group Size 20-40: $60
  • Group Size 40+: $120

Community Groups

We love working with corporate groups, nonprofits, schools, or other community organizations. All of our programs are custom-designed to meet the specific needs of each group. Pricing will vary based on the type of program, number of participants, program length, location, and other factors. Pricing generally ranges from $20-$50 per person. Contact us for more information! 

*Rates are subject to change depending on group requests, staffing availability, and resources needed.