Archery & Fishing:

In the archery segment students will learn how to safely fire a bow and the proper technique of shooting. In the fishing segment students use a simple cane pole and a hot dog (or other bait) to catch their fish. They will learn how to bait their own fish hook, how to correctly hold a fish and how to safely remove it from the hook. 

This is an introductory class that teaches students basic skills in the outdoors. Students are introduced to two concepts: LNT (Leave No Trace) principles as a way to reduce our impact on the outdoors; STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan) as a tool of what to do in an emergency. Putting together a basic survival kit and learning how to properly build a fire are integral parts to this activity. Roasting marshmallows cooked on their fire is often the way we conclude this class! (Campfires are prohibited if the burn ban is on). 

Ropes Course / Climbing:

Students will be given a series of problems or tasks that they must solve as a group. Often the only way to complete the task is by using every member of the team. Each team is unique as to what strengths they possess and what areas they need to work on, so the facilitator sets the goals and situations for each individual team to ensure a challenge with success. After each element or activity the facilitator will "process" the group. Processing is the act of talking about the last accomplishment in order to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the group and to keep improving skills as a team. Emphasis for this class can be placed on trust, communication, listening and leadership skills, strategic planning, cooperation and sharing of ideas. This can be a 1-block or 2-block activity. 2 blocks will allow for greater progression of the teambuilding process.

Climbing Wall:

Although individually challenging, the Climbing Wall is an excellent extension of teambuilding. Each student is responsible for setting his/her own goals, but it often takes the entire team to show support and encourage one another to meet his or her goals. We have two basic philosophies at The Outdoor School: 1) "Challenge by Choice" is the philosophy that each person sets his/her own challenge. Although no one can force a person to meet his or her goal, with encouragement students can often go further than they believe that they can. 2) "Universal Respect" is the philosophy that all people deserve respect. No one has the right to be disrespectful with cutting or belittling remarks - if a student doesn't meet his/her goal, the team becomes instrumental in helping that student reset the goal.

Climbing Wall / Zipline:

This course allows older students to enjoy the great reward of ziplining once they make they make it to the top of the climbing wall.

High Ropes Course:

While the High Ropes Course can be done alone, it is a wonderful extension of the Climbing Wall. Our philosophies used with the Climbing Wall still hold true for this activity as students are faced with the continuing challenges of height and goal-setting.

Power Pole:

This course is for older students who wish to expand on the basic ropes course experience. The Power Pole is unlike any other element in the High Ropes Course. Participants climb to the top of the pole, stand on it, and then jump toward a trapeze.

Challenge Course:

This 3-hour course is for older students and is a combination of the climbing wall/zipline, high ropes course and power pole. It is more intensive than the basic climbing wall and high ropes ad more challenging for older students.

Pirate Ship Ropes Course:

Our newest adventure activity is a twenty-element high ropes course along the banks of Lake LBJ. This ropes course allows many participants to be in the air at one time and experience multiple elements on the continuous course.

The Screamin' Eagle:

This High Ropes element is offered separately from our other elements. The Screamin' Eagle is also known as a Screamer, or Giant Swing. The participant is attached to a cable and the other teammates use this cable to pull the participant up to the height of his/her choice. Once the swinging participant is ready to fly s/he releases her/his tether and swings. This element is a lot of fun and gets the whole team involved in the experience. This activity is group-size restrictive and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.