Recreation and Wellbeing (RecWell) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new challenge course.
The NEST — which stands for Nurture, Empower, Support and Thrive — Challenge Course blends low elements and elevated obstacles to foster collaboration, communication and problem-solving.
Now open to all UMass students, faculty and staff with a RecWell membership, the course will offer programs for groups, classes and community partners, along with open hours for individual experiences.
Over 30 activities are separated into three categories: low elements, team-based Odyssey Course elements and the Sky Park.
Eight low elements spread out across the course offer exploration with walk-up options, perfect for warm-ups and cool-downs. The nine team-based Odyssey Course includes multiple entry points and modular routes, while the Sky Park includes 12 self-guided choose-your-own-adventure elements for individuals or groups.
The course will be open to the public for community programming and Sky Park use starting July 1. More information on the NEST Challenge Course can be found here.
Why It Matters
Alongside the NEST Challenge Course, UMass RecWell offers Adventure Retreats throughout the year, combining outdoor activities with team-building exercises.
Outdoor recreation and adventure programs within campus recreation are becoming increasingly common, offering students and community members another way to engage with the department.
Whether for individuals or groups, challenge courses are a great option for participants to test their limits and build skills around communication, teamwork and leadership. The addition of the new course at UMass underscores the growth of this kind of outdoor programming across the country.
As student interest evolves and departments grow alongside them, outdoor recreation and challenge courses are an area to watch within campus recreation.
