FAQs
1. How many people can Challenge Applications accommodate for a program?
We’ve presented for over 500 during a college orientation program. This was an out-of-seat experiential program for incoming freshmen. It is common for us to run challenge course programs for groups of 40-60. We can host 120 participants on the Team Challenge Course simultaneously.
2. How many people do you put in one group?
Our challenge course program ratio is usually 1:10. For large group activities we may have 1 leader/trainer to a group of 30, but never on elements.
3. How many challenge course elements can a group get through in one day at Pecometh?
Please be certain to read the entire answer. What we’ve experienced over 20 years facilitating challenges is an “average group” can get through 10-12 elements / activities in a six hour program. A “good group” gets through about 5-7. The reason is the good group understands the value of processing after the activity and doesn’t mind the time spent gleaning lessons learned. Immature teams simply want to rush through the course and “get on with the next challenge.”
4. There are some people who are not in great physical shape. What do they do?
We want them to be a part of the experience, as they are part of the team back at the office, school, etc. We present the challenges and the program, then people make their choice as to what they can accomplish. It is amazing to witness how people contribute to an event even if they don’t “climb” or “negotiate an obstacle.” There are plenty ways for us to authentically include them. However, this sensitive subject should be discussed during the Assessment and Design phases of the project.
5. Can our group come and do the zip line for teambuilding?
Typically, no. The zip line, according to our philosophy, is not a teambuilding event. We have used it in conjunction with a series of other activities, but not as the single event that builds the team. We have had clients request it as a component of a staff retreat (all the staff had previously trained on the Pecometh high course, just months before).
6. We’ve contracted for a program that involves outdoor activities like the Team Challenge Course, or Portable Challenges; what if it rains? Do we need to reschedule?
No. Most of the activities that utilize portable challenges and low elements can be replicated or replaced with activities that can be safely conducted indoors. Fortunately, our home-base at Pecometh has plenty indoor space for group sizes 10-40. Larger groups require a separate contingency that we can dicsuss.
7. We’ve contracted for a program that involves the high course, what if it rains? Do we need to re-schedule?
It depends. If rain chance is forecast for 80% throughout the day, it’s best that we cancel and reschedule. We typically coordinate with the group leader 1-2 days prior if weather is not looking favorable. We make every attempt to safely operate the course. We try to keep open the option to run an indoor program if the weather becomes an issue.
8. What other weather events should we consider when booking a program?
For all programs that involve outdoor activities, we must consider the following:
- Lightening: we get indoors and wait until lightning is out of the area before returning to the outdoor program area.
- Rain: providing the participants are dressed properly, we will operate as long as the weather doesn’t inhibit safety. The program lead makes the final decision.
- Snow: same as rain
- Wind: When winds are sustained above 15mph we take note; at 20mph we must move out of the forest program areas and use elements that are not under trees due to falling limbs and debris. We have a climbing tower and zip line which affords options as well as numerous portable elements.
- Of course hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and flooding will bring our programs to a halt. Until 2011, we didn’t encounter these, but now, it’s worth mentioning for safety’s sake.
9. How do you monitor weather events once our program is under way?
We rely on real-time on-line radar feeds to monitor weather. At Pecometh we follow the established risk management procedures and remain prepared to implement emergency action plans in the event of a situation requiring mitigating actions.
10. Some people in our group have special needs. How do you handle that?
The more we communicate ahead of time the better. Each person is different, so a conversation that helps us understands how to best accommodate their needs is in order well before the program. We have experience serving a variety of populations on the challenge course including participants who were deaf, blind, mentally challenged, had a variety of learning differences, travelled in a wheel-chair, spoke English as a second language, did not speak English, etc. However, we know our limitations. Out of respect for all people we want to ensure that we are fully aware of any situations where we may not be trained or experienced with certain groups or individuals.