Upward Enterprises Team Building

New Personal Development and Assessment Tool for 2012

2012-01-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

Looking for a training course for your group that improves communications, reduces conflict and builds strong leadership skills?

After nearly 10 years since my first introduction to the Strength Deployment Inventory®, we at Upward Enterprises are excited about about the introduction of this valuable tool for team building processing to our curriculum. SDI is a self assessment tool that provides an understanding of what drives or motivates you and what drives others.

Imagine how much stronger your relationships would be if you really understood what made people tick — both when things were going well and when there was conflict and opposition. SDI is a suite of psychometric tests and a practical methodology for empowering people to improve relationships and manage conflict more effectively. Leadership success depends greatly on getting along with others on one's team.

We intend to utilize this tool with great effect in our team building adventure programs for those who wish to go to the next level of understanding group dynamics. I know there are many analytical processing models, and feel free to make your comments, but I am sure if you experience this particular model you will agree that the simplicity in the SDI method and the understanding gained along with the self evaluation, outweighs most of its counterparts.

Team Building New Year's Resolution

2011-12-27T14:49:00.000-08:00

We will confront the problem, not each other.

What is your resolution?

Transitions to Indoor Programs

2011-10-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

As a full time ropes course operator we are constantly looking for ways to transition to indoor facilities and to provide our services year round. We love our ropes course as a vehicle to work on group dynamics and we have a huge amount of pride in our successful program sequences but all of these successes can be transferred to an indoor facility using minimal equipment.

With an open mind and and little creativity we can develop an equally rewarding experience to clients. We always talk about the group being able to work together towards a common goal and how that actually happens when trying to solve a particular problem. The communication that is essential in the planning stages before leadership kicks in to get the ball rolling, right through the frustration stage of early failures and then into small successes which we build on to process the good and the not so good and to carry that to the next activity. All of this can be achieved with a simple hoop or ball or indeed any other small piece of equipment that can be carried into a conference room or meeting space.

What is your favored indoor activity and how does it compare with some of the traditional outdoor ropes course activities?

My personal one is called "through the hoop".

Challenge the group to see how fast they can get all members through a simple hoop. This immediately begs the question to define what through the hoop means. I encourage the discussion to see how deep they will go with the creativity but generally come back to passing the whole body from one side of the hoop through to the other. After some time of getting individuals to step through the hoop some one will suggest getting couples and triplets to have the hoop passed over them. This can then develop into more specific actions and the success will just follow from there. I have had a group of 12 people go through the hoop in less than 5 seconds. What successes have you had?

Upward Enterprises Volunteers at the National Kidney Foundations Over the Edge event.

2011-06-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Its always nice when we can use our experience in the ropes course industry to help with a charitable cause. We were contacted by the National Kidney Foundation who ask if we could help with their 'Over the Edge' event on June 18th. The Over the Edge event, held at the Canton Crossing Tower in Baltimore, Maryland offered participants the opportunity to rappell down a 200ft (17 story) building to raise money for the foundation to fight kidney disease.

John

Clive, Larry, Sean and John went to Baltimore on Friday the 17th to take part in the pre-training with the Over the Edge staff and to be shown the ropes! They all got to rappel down the building during the training, which was an added bonus that they all enjoyed. During the training day, the event had a few VIP's come along and rappel down the building too.

On June 18th, the day of the actual event, 56 participants took part and each rappelled down the building and altogether raised an amazing $82,244.00 for the charity.

Clive's wife Liz also took part in the event and raised $1100 before she went over the edge in memory of her Father who passed away from kidney failure in 2005.

Clive

The view from the 17th floor balcony was quite breath taking, when you first walked out onto the balcony. Best advise was to not look down too much before you rappelled.

Each of the participants were geared up with full body harnesses and helmets and went through a brief training on how to use the various equipment before being taken to the balcony for thier rappel. Some people were a little nervous, but everyone made it to the bottom with no problems.

Sean

We were so pleased to be part of this fun and exciting event and look forward to helping out at next year's event. For more information go the the National Kidney Foundations website.

Larry

Sports Teams can Benefit from Team Building

2011-03-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, March 5th we had our first big group of the season out on the course and we were happy to welcome back the rugby team from Arch Bishop Spalding Catholic School to the course. The boys ranged from 14-18 years old and were all up for the various challenges ahead of them.

Getting a team to work together off the pitch is a great way to improve how they work as a team during the game. We worked on various communication activities, where vocal communication wasn't allowed! This helps to make people look at each other and feed from other forms of communication to enable them to understand each other.

Trust is another big part of any team, and when your playing a contact sport like rugby you want to be able to trust in your fellow team members that they have your back when that huge winger from the other team is barreling towards you. We can help teams build trust through all of our activities, and in the simplest of ways by teaching them to 'spot' for each other. Knowing that someone is watching out for you while you are taking part in an activity and are there to protect you from falling is huge. We teach all of our clients the importance of correct spotting at the beginning of each day as it ensures a safe environment for everyone to fully enjoy the day.

With any group of people when you take them away from their normal surroundings, it instills a level playing field for everyone. For their time on the course there is no 'boss' or 'team captain'. People get to see each other in a different light and see what other skills each of them have. It's an inspiring moment when somebody gets to shine in an area which they are not normally associated with. We like to give everyone the opportunity to 'lead' the team in an activity. Building respect for each other is another important factor that we like to include throughout the day - Respecting each others abilities as well as being respectful of people's inabilities.

The Spalding Rugby team is just one of many teams that we have worked with on the UEI Ropes Challenge Course and many come back to us year after year, as team's change and develop.

In this photo the team had to exchange places on the raised poles, without talking. Not as simple as it sounds.

Warning - Counterfeit Petzl Products

2011-03-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting article that I came across on the Petzl website. If you're using Petzl gear, like we do, you should be aware that counterfeit items are circulating in the market and you should be careful where you purchase your gear from.

Read the full article here, directly from Petzl's website http://www.petzl.com/us/outdoor/news-2/2011/02/11/warning-regarding-presence-counterfeit-versions-petzl-products

March Madness! Its time to get outdoors.

2011-03-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here we are in March already. Hopefully spring is waiting just around the corner too. We're excited to have groups booked to come out to the course this month and also to get our team ready for the upcoming season with our facilitator training later this month.

As the weather warms up, it makes you feel like leaving the warmth of your home and filling your lungs with some fresh spring air. A day on the ropes course is sure to help blow away winters cobwebs and get your blood pumping!.

We're proud to be a part of the Frederick Wellness Challenge again this year and look forward to welcoming the participants of the spring group to the course. It won't be easy, but if it was, it wouldn't be as rewarding! For more information and to sign up for the challenge visit their website at www.creatingwellnessfrederick.com/challenge.

An Exciting New Year Ahead!

2011-02-10T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here we are in the second month of 2011 already. Before we know it, it will be the summer and instead of freezing like today it will be 100'....oh we can't wait.

Well until it's time to get out the shorts and sunscreen, there's still lots of fun to be had at the ropes course and we'll even throw in some hot chocolate to warm you up. There's nothing better thatn getting the adrenalin running to get you warmed up on a cold day.

Last year we added an amazing Canopy Tour to our array of activities and if you didn't get chance to do it last year, then 2011 is the year to come and try it out. After zipping through the trees on our 600ft zipline, take another zipline to connect with the start of the canopy tour. Once hooked on you traverse through the course high in trees. Sound like fun?

The weather is going to start warming up soon (we hope) and we're eager to get out on the course again before cabin fever sets in, so give us a call to book your groups visit to the Ropes Challenge course for some fun this year.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Merry Christmas to One and All

2010-12-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

Coming to the end of another year, we take time to reflect on the last twelve months. It has been another exciting year for Upward Enterprises with the addition of a new Ropes Course Manager, John, who joined us at the beginning of the season. We made some additions to the ropes course too with our new Canopy Tour and Zipline Return which got great reviews and has proved to be an integral part of the course.

We had a full season filled with some repeat clients and also a lot of new client groups coming out to the ropes course for the first time. Hopefully everyone will be returning in 2011 now they know how much fun it is.

Our last official team building group of the year was on the 2nd of December. A good end to a long season. Now we get some time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends over Christmas and the New Year before starting again full swing in March. (But don't hesitate to call in January and February. If the weather is good we will be out on the course.)

We are excited about what 2011 will bring and have plans to make changes to the web site and a new calender of events including monthly team building open days on the ropes course.

We would like to thank our staff, clients, family and friends and wish them a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Fun New Year.

Couple's Team Building

2010-11-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

I have just completed a couple’s team building ropes course and it was interesting to see how the group dynamics change when the participants know each other on a different higher level.

One couple has been together for 16 years and obviously knows each other very well. Or so they think! When the circumstances are so different from the normal day-to-day routine and the consequences are so vastly exaggerated, the dynamics become so different. The 5 day long class saw a huge move from normal behavioral habits to a more sensitive approach and thoughtful process of what they perceived their opposite partner needed or indeed wanted.

If only we could get the same breakthrough to our other clients who maybe spend as much time with each through work and school but do not communicate on the same level.
I guess 16 years of marriage stands for something!

Lessons from a Canopy Tour Experience

2010-11-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

A co-worker of mine recently visited one of those new canopy tour adventure parks which seem to be going up everywhere you look. They are designed with all the new gadgetry that is supposed to keep people from unclipping themselves as they move from one canopy element to the next. I can safely report that this system works but without a trained guide in the air with you it can still lead to problems for the customer.

While my co-worker was there as a guest enjoying himself on his day off he witnessed a young girl in another party who managed to get herself stranded. She was hanging from the cable she was on unable to go forward or backwards. She didn't have the strength to pull herself back up to safety despite the frugal advice from the canopy tour "supervisors" who were directing her from their position on the ground. Her mother, who was on the next platform, made an attempt to rescue her daughter but with no success. Seeing the struggles of the stranded girl and her family, my co-worker decided to act.

He went out and pulled her safely back to the platform. The locking mechanism that prevents individuals from opening both clips kept her safe however she was still stranded, this time at least on a platform where she could rest and regain her strength. Eventually the guides got their butts up the tree and used a key to unlock the mechanism to send the young girl down an easier cable. What a palaver! What if the girl had of been hurt and needed urgently to be grounded for help?

These self-guided entertainment canopy tours are all very well in the right place but personally I prefer a good solid well trained facilitator like we have at Upward Enterprises that can problem solve all situations and give customer care and service all as working together as a team.

Daily Show Sanity Bus Tour Stops at UEI Ropes Course. Our 30 Seconds of Fame!

2010-10-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

So the date was set and the crew from Comedy Central "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" turned up at the ropes course. I had John, my Ropes Course Manager, meet the bus and we were surprised that the 6 participants came with a total of 11 crew members including Jason Jones and John Oliver. My wife had made cupcakes and there was only just enough.

The whole thing was geared around Team building. (NOT). The whole episode was a complete histerical laugh and utterly hilarious. Watch the program and see for yourself.

Call and book your own adventure but please, no flour.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Midterm Teapartyganza - Reasonable Debate on the Sanity Bus

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Rally to Restore Sanity

Operation Misty Morning

2010-07-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Code Name: Operaton Misty Morning

Time / Date / Location: 0600 hours, July 18th at UEI Ropes Course in Buckeystown, MD

Mission: To navigate the three zip lines and complete the canopy tour with the Leap of Faith as the final obstacle!

Administration: Call HQ at 301-834-6140 to sign up for our boot camp experience.

Cost: $45.00 per person.

Deadline: July 17th at 1900 hours.

Details: Bring the necessary gear to survive the morning. This is not for the faint of heart. You may be left behind. Bring a wingman and receive a discount.

Are you up for the challenge?

Over and Out.........................................

Canopy Tour and Team Building

2010-05-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

New Upward Enterprises
Canopy Tour

Having just built our canopy tour to compliment the ropes challenge course already in the ground we have found that the team building aspect is still as strong as ever. We first thought that our clients would be drawn to the cables and ropes that bridge each tree throughout the tour from platform to platform as an adventure and for individuals challenges only. That was not the case. The groups that we have already put through the tour have found that there is huge amount of team work involved to complete the extensive run through the trees. The Gymnastics rings located at the far end and optional as an activity have again proved to be the most challenging and not for everyone. The zip lines are as always a favorite and a nice way to transfer from one area to the other and back again. For us it was pretty much what we thought and expected but our clients were pleasantly surprised by the level of challenge and amount of trust and support required to complete the course. Now it is your turn to come and check it out. Call us today (301) 834 6140

New elements being built will be ready by Easter

2010-03-22T05:42:00.000-07:00

Ready for a new adventure?

We've had some delays due to the enormous amount of snow we had on our ropes course in January and February here in Frederick, Maryland. Now that the sun is out and the snow has finally melted, we can get back out on the the ropes course and continue with finishing construction of our new elements for 2010.

We're excited to have Upward Enterprises' new ropes course elements ready by Easter and are looking forward to groups especially enjoying our new canopy tour!

Don't miss out and book your next team building outing to the ropes course soon.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Does the cold weather stop you from team building?

2010-01-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

Yes it is cold out there! Yes we have been forced indoors but we can still work on team building. Let's re-evaluate what we are here for. The question to start with is "what is team building"?

The answer as we know is "a group of 2 or more people working together towards a common goal". The common goal is the important part of that statement. Many teams are working together, or so they think, but not always in the same direction. Sometimes team members actually work against each other without realizing it.

The ropes course is traditionally used as our outside vehicle to take a group on their journey through the jungle of group dynamics. We use cables and towers to create a sense of adventure that can be both exhilarating and fun but also distracting. Where as the indoor program is created using different tools such as hoops and blindfolds. The journey is very similar in that the group dynamics will be the same. Each group will need to assess the problem and evaluate their resources before they create their plan and execute it to their best ability. Good communication along with respect and trust and support are just some of the key skills that will be required.

What experience have you had with group dynamics that you might like to share?

Winkler Botanical Vs. Go Ape! What are they thinking?

2009-12-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

So the question is which of these two scenarios is the craziest?

Winkler Botanical Preserve is located in Northern Virginia and sits in the shadow of the Interstate 395 in Alexandria. It has a few acres of prime land with a beautiful ropes course and a stone and timber visitor center. The preserve is managed by a private, non – profit organization with the mission to provide free environmental education for the students of Alexandria City public schools. This land is in jeopardy because VDOT is looking to direct traffic directly off I 395 and several of the proposals run the ramp right through Winkler to accommodate this.

On the other end of the spectrum is the approval by the Montgomery County Planning Board for Go Ape!, a for-profit enterprise based in the UK, to take over 6 acres of land and trees in Rock Creek Park at Lake Needwood. Go Ape! are being allowed to build a high wire forest adventure on Regional County Park land and reap the rewards. It goes even further to allow the potential clients to use the facilities (parking and rest rooms) already there for their own convenience.

Do you have opinion about either of these scenarios?
Is it right that a non-profit ropes course, for the benefit of the community be threatened whereas not 40 miles away a for- profit organizations is being allowed to take over public land?

Mexican Zip Line Experience!

2009-11-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Even when it comes to vacations, we always seem to find ourselves near a zip line! This year we vacationed down on the Mexican Mayan Riviera and had a wonderful time taking in the sights and sounds.

During our stay we visited two adventure parks that offered amazing zip line experiences and we wanted to check them out and see how they do things in Mexico. The first place we went to was Holkan Kingdom where they had built a series of wooden towers, 12 in all with 8 zip lines, 2 suspension bridges and one monkey walk joining the towers. The longest zip line was 800 feet long across the lagoon. Check them out at http://www.holkankingdom.com/ and see what other great activities they do!

Some of the zip lines you zipped over the lagoon below and others over the tree tops of the Mexican jungle!. It was all great fun and gave us some ideas of what to add to our own ropes course back in Maryland.

The second visit was to the Xplor Park which boasted 15 giant towers built of concrete and stone that were linked with 12 zip lines, two suspension bridges and one very long water chute! Two of the zip line landings were into water which was a new experience for us. The longest zip line was an amazing 1800 feet from a tower that stood 120 feet high above the jungle. http://www.xcaret.com//xplro_en.html

We had a blast at both of these parks and were really amazed at the set up and running of both, especially at Xplor. All of the staff was professional, friendly and there to make sure you got the best experience possible.

All in all, we loved everything about our trip and can't wait to head south again for some more adventure!

Are you ready for your next mission?

2009-10-27T14:05:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

New Photos from Ropes Course

2009-10-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Coming to the end of a busy year, but its not over yet!

2009-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

2009 has been a good year for us at Upward Enterprises and we are grateful to all our clients, new and returning for their support. At the the start of the year we were anxious as to what kind of year to expect with the economic downturn around the US and rest of the world.

It seems that Team Building is one of those things that is important and even more so in times like this when teams are changing, some decreasing in size and changing priorities. New teams are always being developed in the workplace, for new projects and ventures and for social and sporting themes.

So as 2009 approaches its final quarter we are still going strong and are enjoying having new clients come out to our Ropes Course facility and for as long as the weather is good and the clients are willing, we will continue to provide a rewarding experience for all on the course.

Upward Enterprises in Smart Company Magazine

2009-09-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Eat - Sleep - Play

Upward Enteprises is featured in this month's Smart Company Magazine, "Building Teams with Ropes". I had totally forgot about being interviewed for this article months ago until a stack of magazines were delivered to my doorstep. You can see my face in the table of contents and read the story starting on page 76. Team building during our current economic climate can reap benefits in morale and productivity. Truely I believe the rewards are immeasurable and not just because I'm in the industry. I've seen it with my own eyes many times on our ropes course when the "light bulb" turns on and team spirit kicks in. Very powerful.

See where you can pick up a copy of the magazine. http://www.smartcompanymag.com/articleDetail.aspx?id=253

Training for the Future - Update

2009-08-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

As I wrote earlier, I recently returned from a ropes course rescue training class where my skills were tested and put on the line. As a ropes course owner and operator, I always try to keep things up-to-date and current and practice what I preach on my course. With 35 years of experience, you would think that was enough not to get nervous.

Well sometimes it is good to put the boot on the other foot and see what the guides go through when we ask them to perform as we do during test scenarios. And it is not only the guides that we put into these circumstances of being uncomfortable. Indeed we do it all the time to our customers and clients. When is the last time you pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone? If you are like me it was some time ago. Our industry association, namely the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), only recommends that we attend further training and assessment courses. We know that the only place to learn is outside of your comfort zone. That's why it feels uncomfortable but that's where we learn the most. I did feel nervous but I guess that is only natural. Maybe challenge made me perform better. It definately kept me on the balls of my feet. I have been waiting patiently for the results of my testing on the training. Good news!!!! I passed the tests with flying colors.

We are good to go and I have already passed that learning on to my guys. Learning is fun whether is it for the first time or repeated. If the students know their stuff it will show. Confidence only comes with practice of a skill and complacency can creep in through the smallest cracks.

I urge everyone in our industry to maintain high standards of training and allow plenty of time to practice. Not because we have to, but also because it is a fun way to test and push ourselves.

We now offer that training at Upward Enterprises to other facilitators, managers and owners in the area to test their knowledge and have the benefit of expanding that comfort zone.

Back to Blighty

2009-06-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

At last the embassy has finally given us the new date to go back to get our visas. This process has only taken 3 years to date and it looks like we may finally have cracked it. Don't hold your breaths for us though as you know things change quickly. Don't fear in our absence as we are putting into place an awesome team to fill the gap. Programs will go ahead as planned and you will probably not miss us at all. We should get to see family in the quick visit and someone even rumored a party or two.

training training training

2009-05-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

I have just gotten back from a 5 day high ropes course training in New England. I have been holding back from these trainings and tests because of the "Do I need this or not?" syndrome.

In the end I decided to sign up. I am glad I did the training simply to convince myself that I am on the right track and to consolidate the things I am teaching my staff and protocols that I insist they apply.

High ropes course rescues are a key skill that we hope we never have to perform. However they are essential to practice and by doing so you increase your familiarity that could make the difference during the real thing if it were to occur.

We think we know best sometimes and are somewhat complacent when it comes to reacting to adversity. How would you react in an emergency high ropes rescue? Do you set up for the worst case scenario? Are your staff competant in their skill set? Or even, do your clients ask the pertinent questions about the level of credentials that you hold as a ropes course manager and operator?

Hemlock Closure Follow Up

2009-03-19T08:55:00.001-07:00

Thanks to DH for his responses to my earlier blog about the closure of Hemlock Overlook as a team building facility. It appears you have some inside knowledge but to the general public June 30, 2009 seems to be the end. The web page "Save Hemlock" is a great attempt to inform and show that the industry and locals to Hemlock care about another great team building resource potentially going to the wall.

Good luck in your efforts and let me know if I can help I anyway.
-Clive Felgate

Hemloch Overlook Closure

2009-03-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else heard that the Hemlock Overlook operation is closing in June 2009?
Personally I don't beleive that the DNR state park will find a new partner to help them throgh this difficult transition in the coming year and I am back up in this thought by the fact that they are not taking bookings passed June.
Now we have all those clients scuttling Hemlock Overlook to the other ropes course vendors for a make do for this season.
We at Upward Enterprises run a very different Team Building program that uses the much larger ropes course to its full potential in an Experiantial Learning capacity. Yes our rates can be higher and generally the programs are longer and Rome was not built in a day. To know this you must visit the site and experience the programs.
Are you game?

When the weather outside is biting.......

2008-10-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

The summer may have come and gone, (although its still feeling pretty summer like today at 84') but we know that the good weather won't last forever!

Even when the mercury drops, we can still run programs out on the Ropes Course, all that is needed are some willing participants and some extra layers of clothing. To reward those brave ones who come out to us in the colder season we are offering special rates along with some hot chocolate to warm you up!

Call 301 834 6140 to discuss bringing your group out to the ropes course in November or December and don't forget your hat and gloves!

Ropes Course Open day a sucess

2008-10-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 5th October we held an open day on the ropes course to enable smaller groups and individuals the opportunity to come out to the course and experience a 4 hour program.

It was a perfect fall day with bright blue sunny skies. All of the attendees had a great time and tried many of the activities for the first time that day. Starting on the lower elements on the course to build up confidence the group worked well together, progressing to the higher elements including the 600ft long zip line through the trees.

The group exchanged experiences and stories over the included picnic lunch, while taking in the beautiful surroundings that the course is set in.

The finale to the day was to climb the 20ft 'leap of faith' pole and jump from the top to catch the trapeze bar. It was a little windy up on top of the pole, but this didn't put off the 'jumpers' who gave their best shot at catching the trapeze!

We look forward to arranging another open day so that more people can experience the course for themselves.

UEI linked with Smartbox and Excitations

2008-09-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Upward Enterprises is pleased to announce that they have linked with two great companies who offer exciting and innovative ideas for gift giving.

Gone are the days of people getting yet another pair of socks on thier birthday, now you can send friends and family amazing adventures on their special day. Both companies offer a wide selection of activities from sky-diving to driving a sports car.

Check out what they have to offer at www.smartbox.com and www.excitations.com

Raft & Ropes Course weekend

2008-09-02T13:17:00.001-07:00

The best of both worlds, a weekend where you can go rafting and also take on the challenge of the ropes course.

In conjunction with River and trail Outfitters, Upward Enterprises is hosting an exciting weekend to combine two great activities and offering people the opportunity to take part in both.

The weekend will be held on October 4th-5th and will start on the Saturday morning with a four hour rafting experience along the beautiful Potomac river with the crew from River & Trail Outfitters. (www.riverandtrail.com). On Sunday you will join the team at Upward Enterprises at their 22 acre ropes challenge course and take part in a four hour high and low ropes adventure!

A packed lunch will be provided on both days and all of this is available to you for an amazing price of $129.99 per person. Overnight accommodation is not included but we are happy to suggest local hotels/camp sites.

To book your place on this fun weekend call 301 834 6140.

Photos and more updates to come.

Tiki Barber on the Ropes Course

2008-08-12T12:06:00.001-07:00

On August 6th Camp Great Rock from Children's Hospital were out on the Ropes Course as part of their week long camp at the Bishop Claggett Center. The group were joined by the crew of MSNBC and Tiki Barber who were doing a feature on the camp which is specifically for kids who suffer from epilepsy.

Everyone had a fun time and enjoyed taking part on the various activities and Tiki himself even took a ride on the zipline. You can see his full report which was broadcast on MSNBC last week.

Analytical Profiles or Reality

2008-05-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

I was asked by a corporate team building client the other day if I provided analytical profiles on participants to the ropes course and being a good sales person I said of course we do, but it will cost you! We dove into quite a long discussion then on the merits of profiling and the pitfalls. Yes, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator is available. Yes, it is expensive as you need someone “qualified” to administer it. But is it really necessary?

According to Myers Briggs, the purpose of any personality inventory is to make the theory of psychological types described by C.G.Jung understandable and useful in people’s lives. People who act on instinct or believe their actions to be random in certain situations, in reality, these actions might not be random at all. The answer could be that in reality their actions are an instinctive part of their character making up their individual inventory of strength and weaknesses, or their perception of these. These ingrained personality traits make up your character and how you react to circumstances. For example: analytical people like to problem solve and think things out. People with a nurturing trait care for people. Whereas goal getters or activists very much have the goal in mind when going through a task. The interesting part of all this comes when stress is present and these character traits change. An activist when questioned why things went wrong, may revert to be an analyst and go back to the drawing board to determine why his brilliant idea did not work. Although this is interesting, it’s only theory.

On the other hand the ropes course deals with reality. Yes people perceive that they may fall and they could be right. On our team building ropes course, we see real reactions, real emotions and reality. This is one of the reasons why I say, “save your money and come to the ropes course.” You will experience people’s real character profile and then you can judge for yourselves which is better, analytical or reality.

Metaphors on the ropes course

2008-03-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

What a great day again I had on the weekend when I was taking a group of young girls and their coaches through the ropes course at The Bishop Claggett Center. The girls were visiting from out of the country and they had 3 mentors or coaches accompanying them. Two of the girls could speak English and the rest communicated through an interpreter. It was not what happen with the girls but the comments made by the coaches during the processing period afterwards that made it such a learning experience for myself and the group.

The group had finished the day on a high level activity called the giants ladder. This is where 2 climbers have to work together with the support of the team to climb a giant ladder to the top rung. Pictures are available of this activity on the web page. One of the coaches explained through the interpreter how she had noticed that the rungs get further apart as they get higher. She thought this was a design flaw until I explain the design was intentional, creating the metaphor for living.

I went on to explain that the ladder symbolizes the struggles of life. The further you push yourself in life, the harder the challenges may be even though you have had prior experiences that you have learnt from. The higher you go on the ladder the more you rely on your team for support and help in getting achieving your goals. In life, the older you get the more you will rely on your family and friends to help you through and get what you want and need.

The metaphor was set and the smile came immediately upon that coach’s face. She had immediately become a fan of the metaphor and of the ropes course experience. I am so glad I do this job. Little pleasures like that make it all worth while.

March Madness Team Building Fun

2008-03-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

Who said you have to be mad to have some fun in the middle of winter?
Here's some March madness for those of you who are waiting for the warm weather to come. Don’t wait! Book a Ropes challenge course birthday party in March and get 10% off the regular fee.
That is a 3 hour program on the ropes course for 12 kids for $360. But wait, if you book on a weekend we will add an additional 1 hour to the program for free. These offers are good only until March 31, 2008 so hurry, before the madness ends. Contact Clive at Upward Enterprises to book your event.

Success at evening retreat

2008-02-26T11:38:00.001-08:00

As the President of Upward Enterprises Inc I was asked to speak at a recent retreat and I decided to work on a presentation of paperwork activities that could be delivered to 50 or so adults while in a small closed room. Most of the participants were seated and moving around was not an option due to lack of room and some disabilities. The paperwork activities are not something we do everyday at UEI but with the experience we have and the adaptability of our team building programs we pulled off a remarkably successful evening. We have had comments and feedback from the group that was transferred in to the following days ropes course activities that make being involved in this industry worth while.

On a different note, we at Upward Enterprises Inc. reacted to some feedback from our staff, about the management of the zip lines that we operate. One observation last year was the ability to adjust the lanyard that we use for the tether to the right length for clients that were a little on the heavy side. We were using the Omni slings that you could clip into wherever you thought it would work but that was still a bit of a guessing game. We researched and came up with an adjustable prussic on a multi line lanyard that is calibrated to a certain weight. We are intending to test this and I will let you all know the results.