Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ropes course safe?
Inspection: Our ropes course and equipment are inspected yearly by The Adventure Network, a professional member of the ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) the accreditation body in the industry.
Training: All our facilitators receive yearly training. Neill Edwards, the Director, has over 20 years of ropes course experience and has received level 2 training, the highest level there is.
Background Checks and Clearances: All of our facilitators have the necessary background checks and clearances (listed below) to work with all ages, including youth
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance
- PA Criminal Background Check
- FBI Criminal History
Insurance: We are fully insured.
Do I need to sign a liability waiver?
Yes. Liability waivers need to be completed by every person who plans to participate on the ropes course. This needs to be completed prior to arrival.
How long is the ropes course experience?
5-6 hours is an ideal day on the ropes course, usually from 9:30am-2:30pm.
How physically fit do you need to be to participate on the ropes course?
People of all different physical abilities can participate on the ropes course activities. We encourage participants to challenge their perceived limitations and get out of their comfort zone where true learning happens, while adhering to what we call “Challenge by Choice” where participants chose their own level of challenge.
Although we are active on the ropes course, most of the learning comes from the communication and support needed to solve problems on the ropes course and the mental challenge of overcoming fear and anxiety that can be associated with the high ropes challenges.
If I am not physically fit to participate in the ropes course, can I still be a part of the team building?
We adapt to people of all abilities, but we do have an industry safety guideline of 250 pound weight limit.
What will the day look like on the ropes course?
The design of the day varies according to your goals, but it will typically include:
- A giant opening circle to discuss and agree upon safety rules:
-
- “The Full Value Contract” – Our rules around physical and emotional safety, and an agreement to participate fully.
- “Challenge By Choice” – Our pledge to respect each individual’s right to choose their own highest level of challenge without pressure or judgement.
- Splitting into groups of 8-10* with a dedicated facilitator for each small group who will challenge participants to communicate, collaborate, and help debrief SEL lessons learned throughout the day.
- Heading into the woods and onto the ropes course!
- 30–40-minute lunch break then head back to the ropes!
- A giant closing circle to discuss peak experiences, lessons learned and how to take the learning back to your community and everyday lives.
*If the audience includes students or children, ideally there will be one adult, teacher, or chaperone per group, other than our facilitator. This is recommended, not required.
What if it rains?
Come prepared for all types of weather!
We will still be on the ropes course if it rains. If there is lightning, we will stop for 30 minutes between each occurrence.
What should I wear on the ropes course?
- Closed-toed shoes like sneakers (do not wear sandals, crocs, or slippers)
- Comfortable clothes
- No jewelry
- Clips or hair ties to keep your hair back
- Layers (prepare for all types of weather)
What does lunch look like?
Please bring your lunch including an icepack for perishable foods. Also bring plenty of water in a large thermos or water bottle!
We have picnic tables and a fire pit with boulders to sit on. We also have an air conditioned and heated dining hall with tables.
We will take a 30-40 minute lunch break and then we will go back onto the ropes course!
Do I need to prepare for my time on the ropes course?
Liability waivers need to be completed by every person who plans to participate on the ropes course. This needs to be completed prior to arrival.
Do I need bug spray or sunscreen?
Although most of the ropes course elements are in the shaded woods of a mature tree forest, we suggest wearing sunscreen.
We have bug spray if you need it!
What is SEL?
SEL stands for Social and Emotional Learning.
Experiential learning, sometimes called action-learning, is ideal for teaching and practicing the five-core social and emotional learning skills (SEL) needed to achieve individual and group goals.
The five core SEL skills built into our program design and debrief process are:
- Self-Awareness – knowing our thoughts and feelings
- Self-Management – ability to regulate our behaviors, thoughts and emotions
- Social-Awareness – ability to empathize and take the perspective of others
- Relationship Skills – giving and receiving support, resolving conflict, listening
- Responsible Decision-Making – ability to make caring and constructive choices
Where is the ropes course?
We are 40 minutes outside of Philadelphia.
Working Together
2488 Sanatoga Road
Pottstown, PA 19464
Why choose TeamUp Adventures?
What makes TeamUp Adventures different?
- We get into the specific issues that need to be addressed on your team, while also doing experiential activities on a ropes course that are exciting, interactive and fun.
- Sessions are build on evidence-based research from the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program design
- High quality and highly trained facilitators for safety and debrief for SEL lessons
- Beautiful, state-of-the-art ropes course on 120 acres
- Almost everything we do can also be done at your location with portable initiatives and expert group facilitation.
- We are fun!