Dramatic Video You Have to See

This is an amazing video. Théo Sanson completed this 500 meter walk in Utah between The Rectory to Castleton Tower in Castle Valley. The landscape is breathtaking and his daring is beyond anything we have at the Upward Enterprises ropes course.

Leap of Faith

Alan Eustace made his "leap of faith" from the stratosphere 135,000 miles to earth. While we don't jump that far on the ropes course, you can take your own personal "leap of faith" at our ropes course.

Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Team Building at Upward

Last week a group of employees from The Adventure Park at Sandy Springs Friends School came out to our UEI's ropes course for some good old fashion team building. We went through our communication building and trust exercises and at the end of the day, everyone in the Adventure Park group walked away with a renewed synergy.

Both of our facilities have rope climbing and zip lines but our programs are very different. Where Sandy Spring provides pure adventure and adrenaline, Upward Enterprises provides the component of team building with a facilitator. We are geared for groups while they are more of an amusement park where individuals can explore independently.

Clive exploring The Adventure Park

In return, this week we were invited to The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School to have a day of fun. It was a challenge for our staff and a good break from the busy back to school team building season for incoming students from the around the Washington Metro area.

Thank you, Adventure Park for trusting Upward Enterprises with your team building training and for a great day at your facility as well.

Animals Have Problem Solving Skills Too

At the ropes course we frequently play problem solving games like "pass the hoop" to teach teams to work together. But humans don't have a monopoly on problem solving skills. This video below is of a crow named 0007 using his pint-sized brain to figure out how to get a piece of food out of a box is amazing.

So whenever you run into a problem, don't get frustrated and give up trying. Just remember, if a crow can figure out 8 separate problem solving stages, so can you.

A Good Day of Team Building

In July, Worx Graphic Design came out to our challenge ropes course for some team building. Afterwards they sent us this incredibly kind thank you card. Truly it goes both ways. When a group comes to our course, whether adults or kids, and they take in what we teach it's always gratifying to know we can make a difference.

Re-purposing Old Building Material and Vehicles into an Imaginative Playground

Many people when visiting downtown St. Louis plan on going to the iconic Arch or if its summertime, catching a Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium. But have you ever heard of the the City Museum? Opened in 1997 and conceived by artist Bob Cassilly it's been recognized at one of the world's best public places. I have been there once a few years back before the rooftop jungle gym was added and I can say it definitely should be added to your travel itinerary if you are the adventurous type. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to touch, climb and play on the exhibits.

What do you do on a regular basis to add play to your life? Research has shown that play helps children as well as adults to de-stress and at our Upward Enterprises team building facility we try to provide that. And don't we all need a little fun in life?

City Museum outdoor climbing

Smokey Glen Farm Zip Line at the Grove Picnic Site Open

Just uploaded a new video highlighting our zip line Upward Enterprises just built at Smokey Glen Farm. This zip line is located at the Grove picnic site. This video was taken at its grand opening event in May. What is unique about this zip line is that it is designed with a return so that riders circle back to where they started. On a beautiful opening day, we had a lot of riders come to the end of the zip line and hop right back on for another trip. The kids loved it!

 If you are booking an event with Smokey Glen Farm at the Grove, give us a call if you are interested in also booking the zip line 301-834-6140.

Moral Thought Experiment

At the ropes course we often use the moral debate game we call "Cave Rescue" to generate discussion and opinion. We unearth what each individual in the team building group values in others. Why does one person stand up for another who is in peril versus letting another person, who they deem not as valuable, to suffer? It's a great thinking game that always provides lively discussion and interaction in the group.

Below is a great illustration of the same Cave Rescue game presented by BBC 4 Radio series History of Ideas. Take a look and let us know what's your philosophy.

Introducting the new Zip Line at the Grove at Smokey Glen Farms

Due to the increased popularity of our zip line at the Pavilions, Upward Enterprises has expanded our service to add a new zip line with return at the Grove picnic facility at Smokey Glen Farms in Gaithersburg, MD. The new Grove zip line is open for private events booked through Smokey Glen.

We will be previewing the Grove zip line at the 2015 Smokey Glen Farm Open Day, April 8, 2015.

Ice Climbing at Cunningham Falls State Park with Mark Hardie

Recently, Mark Hardie, the former owner of Upward Enterprises was recently featured by the Frederick News Post while ice climbing in Cunningham Falls State Park. Mark was the original founder of Upward Enterprises before selling the business to Clive Felgate. He is a great mentor and friend to UEI. Mark now owns Daybreak Excursions. If you are interested in private climbing lessons we highly recommend him.

Team Building Joke Tuesday - No "I" in Team