Who We Are

ChallengeWorks is a part of the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management in the School of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University. We offer unique action-learning experiences under the supervision of qualified instructors. Programs take place at Texas A&M University’s challenge course, but we can customize our programs for indoor sites at the university or the client’s workplace. Our program is committed to providing high-quality experiential learning activities tailored to fit each group’s specific goals and objectives.

Challenge Course

The challenge course is an outdoor wooded area that has been developed to offer a wide variety of challenges for groups and individuals. It is constructed of games, initiative-based activities, trust-building tasks, and low and high elements. Our low elements provide group problem-solving events on or near the ground and the high elements provide high challenges 30 to 50 feet off the ground. The high elements may or may not be included in your program and will depend on which package you select.

The dynamic nature of the activities gives participants immediate feedback about their interactions. Tasks are sequenced to incorporate increasing levels of trust, communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. During follow-up discussions, facilitators help participants identify successful processes and compare these activities to other work and life experiences. From this combination of action and guided reflection, participants can create a vivid learning experience.

Although the challenge course involves physical action, the goals of the program would not be served if the course limited participation. Participants are actively encouraged to choose their level of participation during activities.

Operations

Hours of operation: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday – Sunday
Office hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

We are open year-round, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Reservations are required at least 2-8 weeks in advance. We are open to all group types, inside and outside the university. There are many ways you can utilize our program, such as:

New student/staff orientations
Student activities
Athletic teams
Governmental agencies
Campus departments
Small businesses

Corporate groups
Facilitator training
Conferences
Retreats
Birthday parties
Retirement parties

Hear from Other Participants

The Texas A&M ChallengeWorks experience is a unique experience for all. While working with the instructors at ChallengeWorks, not only were we pushed to come out of our comfort zones and work together, we were challenged to trust each other. I am glad that we chose to have our first group session here as at the end of the ChallengeWorks activities we were all aware of what type of leaders we have in our group, as well as being able to see each other's unique character traits.

Jackson B., BCS Student

The TAMU Challenge Course is an experience that I will never forget. The atmosphere of being outdoors with a group of people working to improve fundamental leadership skills is unmatched by any other training. The activities were unique & creative, each introducing new challenges that improved our communication, problem-solving skills, decisiveness, and understanding of working with others. The activities varied between being physical and technical, giving people with different skills chances to show their talent and others to improve. The knowledge we all gained from the challenge courses will stick with us for the rest of our teenage years and will carry into adulthood to continue benefiting us.

Carsyn M., PALS, GHS C/O '24

In the Challenge Course at TAMU, we did challenges to help us build up better teamwork and leadership. By doing these challenges and playing the games, we got to get to know each other better. We learned how to overcome challenges together and who works better in different situations. By playing these games we were able to build up our problem-solving skills and figure out how to overcome different situations in a better way. We learned how to work with people who we didn't really know that well and how not to become frustrated with people when things weren't working the way we wanted them to.

Jaeda R. PALS, GHS C/O '24

Junior Leadership Brazos has used ChallengeWorks for several years to kick off our program. Our experience with ChallengeWorks has always been top-notch. It is obvious that the instructors have a passion for their jobs, and they know just how to get the kids engaged in each activity. The program provides the perfect opportunity for students to come out of their shells, facilitate trust among each other, forge new relationships, and hone their leadership skills. As a JLB coordinator, I love seeing the transformation in the kids throughout the session. When they arrive, they are usually quiet and shy; by the end of the day, there is a palpable buzz of excitement in the air. I highly recommend ChallengeWorks for any team building or leadership training your organization may need. Thank you for all you do!

Allison Batte, Coordinator, Junior Leadership Brazos