Challenge by Choice

Camp Beech Cliff Challenge Course Philosophy

The Full Value Contract and Challenge by Choice form the foundation for challenge course philosophy.

Full Value Contract

The Full Value Contract is a social contract that is integral to challenge course experiences. It is a shared creation developed to fit the unique spirit and purpose of the group. It creates an emotionally and physically safe environment supported by all group members.

All Full Value Contracts ask the group:

• To understand and/or create safe and respectful behavioral norms under which it will operate
• For a commitment to those norms by everyone in the group
• To accept a shared responsibility for the maintenance of those norms

Challenge by Choice

Challenge means going beyond the old, pushing into new territory, attempting new ways of doing things, dealing with fear and/or risk (real or perceived) and accepting help and support.

Challenge by Choice asks that participants challenge themselves and participate fully in the experience. Recognizing that any activity may pose a different level and type of challenge for each group member, participants are asked to search for opportunities to stretch and grow during the experience. All are asked to add value to the group experience by finding a way to contribute to the group's efforts while also seeking to find value in the experience for themselves.

Accepting Challenge by Choice:

• Provides a supportive and caring atmosphere in which participants can try challenges that are in the somewhat uncomfortable “stretch zone” where the greatest opportunities for growth lie
• Offers the option to “back off” if performance pressures or self doubt become too strong, knowing the opportunity to retry will be available
• Sets the standard that the attempt is more important than completion
• Encourages all to respect thoughtful ideas and choices
• Recognizes the need for individuals and the group to accept responsibility for decisions