UC SAN DIEGO CHALLENGE COURSE & TEAM BUILDING
Challenge Course Office (858) 822-3558 | teamchallenge@ucsd.edu | Driving Directions and Map
The UCSD Challenge Course offers customized adventure-based team-building programs with a focus on leadership development, conflict resolution, community-building, and group dynamics. Our course is located in the eucalyptus forest on the beautiful UCSD campus — an ideal setting for a variety of ground-based and high-ropes course challenges. We serve campus, community, and professional clients, providing each with opportunities to support one another and overcome obstacles as a team from up to 45 feet off the ground. Typically, groups range from 10 to 150 people, but have been as small as 8 and as large as 400.
Book your group for a few hours or a full day of personal growth and team camaraderie.
Course Information
Our facility is comprised of both ground-based and high-course elements. Most elements are inherently physical, yet do not require a person to be physically fit in order to participate. We strive to include everyone in our programs and adapt activities to meet the needs of our participants.
Our attitude toward participation is based on the concept of “challenge by choice.” Individuals are responsible for choosing the appropriate level of challenge for themselves. No one is required to climb or participate in any particular way, but we encourage everyone to keep an open mind to see if they can go one step beyond what they think is possible. There are various ways that people with differing abilities can participate on their teams.
All programs include custom-designed activities based on your group's goals and desired outcomes.
Low (Ground-Based) Elements
Low elements range from being directly on the ground to a couple of feet off the ground. These activities do not require climbing equipment.
- These team-building activities include physical and mental activities that are performed on or near the ground. Here, the focus is on the experience and outcomes of the team requiring the participation and cooperation of the entire unit for success.
- The difficulty and challenge increase as the team learns from its successes, resulting in significant team bonding.
- Low elements help forge stronger one-on-one and group relationships and develop specific communication tools to bring back to your organization.
High Elements: Odyssey Course and Leaps of Faith
The Odyssey course ranges in height from 25 to 35 feet, and the Leaps are about 30 feet tall.
- We provide all personal protective equipment (harnesses, helmets, ropes, hardware), and our trained staff facilitates the experience.
- Our Zipline gives participants an adrenaline rush, and the Leap of Faith provides the ultimate opportunity for an individual challenge, while still being supported by the team.
Portable Team Building
This flexible program allows our facilitators to come out to your location and provide a package of activities to meet your goals. Whether you are hosting a work retreat, conference, bringing together employees at a local venue, or simply want to host activities in your office space, we are happy to bring the team-building to you.
We will work with you to create fun, engaging, and valuable programs centered around your team goals, from improving communication, bringing new employees together, or any other specified team objectives you may have.
Program Rates
The following are starting prices per person; custom/specialty programs will require a specialized quote. We work with our clients to create unique experiences that fit your group’s needs.
| UCSD Undergraduate Students (min group size of 10) | $50.00 |
| UCSD Staff / Faculty / Graduate Students (min group size of 10) | $70.00 |
| Community (min group size of 10) | $110.00 |
| Professional (min group size of 14) | $145.00 |
The following are starting prices per person; custom/specialty programs will require a specialized quote. We work with our clients to create unique experiences that fit your group’s needs.
| UCSD Undergraduate Students (min group size of 10) | $70.00 |
| UCSD Staff / Faculty / Graduate Students (min group size of 10) | $95.00 |
| Community (min group size of 10) | $150.00 |
| Professional (min group size of 14) | $195.00 |
The following are starting prices per person; custom/specialty programs will require a specialized quote. We work with our clients to create unique experiences that fit your group’s needs.
| UCSD Undergraduate Students (min group size of 10) | $40.00 |
| UCSD Staff / Faculty / Graduate Students (min group size of 10) | $50.00 |
| Community (min group size of 10) | $75.00 |
| Professional (min group size of 14) | $115.00 |
Book your experience today!
- Please start by requesting a quote. If you prefer, you can also call or email our Challenge Course office at 858-822-3558 or teamchallenge@ucsd.edu. Fill out the form a minimum of three weeks prior to your desired program date.
- When completing the form, please list three dates and times that will work for your group. While we will make every effort to accommodate your preferred choice, we cannot guarantee that your first choice will be available until your booking is confirmed.
- We are happy to host smaller groups, but note that there is a minimum charge of 12 participants. If your group is larger than 40, the program time might need to be adjusted depending on the type of program you are interested in.
Once you have committed to a program type, date and a number of participants, you will receive a contract via email. Your program date is not confirmed until we receive the signed contract and 25% deposit (or completed recharge form for campus affiliates). Sample UCSD Challenge Course Contract 2016
After the program has been completed, you will receive an email including your final invoice (if applicable). At this point we will also request feedback from your group, so we can continue to improve our programs.
Deposit and Final Payments
- Credit Card - Once you have set up your program date and time, you will receive an invoice for your program with a link to pay online with credit card
- Check - Make checks payable to “UC Regents” and mail to UCSD Challenge Course, 9500 Gilman Drive-0004, La Jolla, CA 92093-0004
- Recharge Form - For UCSD groups only. If you are paying by UCSD Recharge, please complete this online recharge form. Your completed recharge form will serve as your deposit. All deposit rules as outlined in contract still apply.
Required Forms:
- Client Needs Assessment (online form): After your program is scheduled and confirmed, please complete this form as soon as possible. Your form responses will be sent to teamchallenge@ucsd.edu and will be shared with the lead facilitator assigned to your program.
- Liability Waiver (PDF): All participants must complete this waiver prior to participation. Adult participants can review and sign this form on the day of the program. All minor participants must have this form reviewed and signed by a parent/guardian prior to the day of the program.
- Medical Questionnaire (PDF): All participants using the Odyssey Course or Leap of Faith must complete this medical questionnaire prior to participation. All information will be kept strictly confidential. Adult participants can review and complete this form on the day of the program. All minor participants must have this form reviewed and signed by a parent/guardian prior to the day of the program.
- Insurance Requirements (PDF): NOT required for for on-campus groups, the University of California self-insurance program is in effect for campus activities. For off-campus groups, UCSD requires that all events be covered for liability insurance.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: We suggest bringing essential items like sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottle (we will provide extra water for refills), and an open mind.
Q: What should I wear?
A: We suggest wearing athletic shoes, closed-toe shoes are required. People without proper footwear will not be allowed to participate. Long pants are recommended, especially for Odyssey Course / Leap programs. Wear shirts that go below your waist (no cropped t-shirts or tank tops). For Odyssey/Leap programs, you will be in a harness and be more comfortable in a longer shirt. Weather on coast can get foggy and chilly any time year and it can also get quite chilly on the Odyssey Course, so we suggest bringing a sweater or jacket. Rain and/or a wind jacket (if the weather is questionable). No dangling jewelry (including earrings) or rings; leave your valuables at home.
Q: Do I have to be in good shape?
A: It is not required for a person to be physically fit in order to participate. The Challenge Course is accessible to people of with a wide variety of physical abilities.
Q: What if I’m afraid of heights?
A: No one is required to climb. We encourage everyone to challenge themselves on and off the ground in a way that is appropriate for them and we will be there to guide you through this experience.
Q: Can I be too old (or young) to participate?
A: Participants must be at least 10 years of age to participate.
Q: Will I be asked to go beyond my limits?
A: While we want participants to challenge themselves your physical, mental and emotional safety is our primary concern.
Q: What are your payment and cancellation policies?
A: For cancellations made by the Client less than 6 weeks and more than 21 calendar days prior to the program date, Outback Adventures MAY retain the full deposit paid by the client OR a sufficient amount to cover staffing and operating costs, whichever is greater. Outback Adventures will refund any fees paid in excess of this amount. For cancellations made less than or equal to 21 calendar days before the program date, Outback Adventures will retain the full deposit (50% of the total amount).
Outback Adventures reserves the right to cancel this contracted program without cause before the program agreement form and deposit have been received by Outback Adventures. Outback Adventures may cancel a program less than 21 calendar days prior to the start of the program only in circumstances which would prohibit safe or feasible execution of the program or cause unreasonable expense for Outback Adventures. In case of cancellation by Outback Adventures, Client will receive a full refund of all fees (including deposits) paid to Outback Adventures within 6 weeks of cancellation date. Outback Adventures assumes no liability for expenses incurred by client outside of fees paid to Outback Adventures.
Q: What is the rescheduling policy?
A: If the Client chooses to reschedule a program less than or equal to 21 calendar days before the program date, Outback Adventures will retain a minimum of 50% of the program fee or a sufficient amount to cover staffing and operating costs, whichever is greater. The balance of the program fee will be applied to a future program
