Challenge

Challenge education has been an important, and popular part of the Sly Park program, for many years. Campers participate in a variety of activities that test their abilities, both physical and mental.

Challenge activities involve low elements that are designed to promote group and individual problem solving skills, group interaction and cooperation, acceptance of others ideas, and an awareness of personal limits. Activities help to develop trust, improve communication skills, and develop the leadership skills, that are present in all of us.

Our indoor climbing wall is designed to allow each student to explore his or her own personal limits, in a safe environment. Self awareness is developed as the student attempts to reach the summit of the wall.

Challenge game of the month:

MOONBALL

Activity Goal: Moonball is an excellent one-prop game that develops communication skills, cooperation, and fast reactions.

Equipment: For this activity you will need one or two large, well inflated, beach balls. Do not use a volleyball, basketball, etc. for this game. A large beachball is a non-intimidating object and its flight characteristics fit in well with the low-key emphasis of this game.

Safety Considerations: Activity should be attempted on a grass field.

Leadership Steps:

1. Scatter your group (any number, but use two or more balls as the group size demands) on a grass field.

2. Use well inflated beach balls as the object of play. The group's objective is to hit the ball into the air as many times as possible before the ball strikes the ground.

3. The tension and expectation builds as each "world record" is approached.

Moonball is popular with all ages because it is simple to understand, requires little skill and involves (like it or not) everyone.

Rules: A player cannot hit the ball two times in a row. Count one point for each hit.