CTLC Participant Resources
Participant Documents
All participants, regardless of program, are required to complete a Participant Waiver, and following their program are asked to complete a Program Evaluation.
Getting There
Hoffman Challenge Course on Google Maps
Many programs also take place at your location or retreat site, so make sure to confirm the location with your event coordinator!
Safety and Challenge By Choice
Cornell Team & Leadership Center has a stellar safety record. In addition to an excellent facility and well trained instructors, we ask all participants to contribute to the safety of each program by making responsible decisions regarding their own level of participation. Most importantly, our ethic of challenge by choice means that every activity is an opportunity, and that at no time will any participant be obligated to do anything he/she does not wish to do.
Low & Portable Team Initiatives
In a low program, participants will be engaged by a series of group initiatives and challenges--unique exercises that require groups to brainstorm, plan, implement, evaluate, and improvise. These exercises are physically engaging, but not physically strenuous. After each exercise, group members will reflect on their experience and draw out lessons regarding trust, communication, leadership, and high-performance teamwork. These activities are conducted in a supportive environment designed to invigorate and integrate your team.
High Ropes Climbing Elements
High programs allow participants the opportunity to grow through personal challenges… often while being supported by the team. This type of program includes the use of ropes and harnesses and technical climbing equipment, for challenges anywhere from 5 to 50 feet off the ground. This is a chance to stretch, step past perceived limits, and “reach new heights” with the support of your team members! But as in all our activities, you decide the level of stretch that is right for you.
How to Dress for May-September Programs
The majority of our programs take place outdoors. You may be climbing up wooden structures, sitting on log benches or kneeling on grass. Wear clothing that protects your body from the sun and bugs.
- Closed-toe shoes are required - sneakers are ideal
- Wear flexible clothes that will allow you to climb and stretch
- Dress in layers and bring more layers than you think you will need
- Bring a rain jacket even on days that look bright and sunny
- If you decide to wear shorts, they should be at least mid-thigh length so that you are comfortable wearing a waist harness on the high elements.
- Long hair should be tied back and loose jewelry should not be worn as they can get in the way while climbing
How to Dress for Oct-April Programs
In the colder months we offer both outdoor and indoor programming. The list of suggested gear below is primarily for outdoor programs.
- Closed-toe shoes are required- Hiking shoes or a waterproof shoe (ankle support is not needed unless you are prone to twisted ankles, however there could be snow on the ground, so a snow boot would be a fine option as well)
- Warm beanie/hat
- Wool or synthetic “base layer” like long-johns or a long sleeve shirt
- Fleece jacket or sweater, puffy jacket or vest
- Jacket shell to protect you against the wind
- Gloves
- Lightweight, full-length hiking pants or heavier duty-pant that you can still stretch your legs in
- Wool socks (heavier socks are better)
Weather
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Check the weather report before coming out for your program
- The temperature at our Challenge Course on Mount Pleasant is, on average, 5-10 degrees colder than the Ithaca campus
- There are times when it’s a gorgeous day in downtown Ithaca, but up at the Challenge Course, it is windy and overcast (or more extreme) so be prepared for anything and bring layers!
Water, Snacks and What to Bring
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Reusable water bottles to keep yourselves well-hydrated (we have water available for refilling bottles)
- Bring snacks! (fruit, granola bars, etc.) You'd be surprised how much energy you expend doing team challenges and climbing! If your group is not providing meals, please bring something to eat so that you can fully engage with the program.
- Any personal medications that you’d want to have with you in the outdoors (inhaler, EPI-pen, etc. )
Bugs, Ticks & Lyme Disease
Please remember that we are sharing the great outdoors with insects. From June to August we have mosquitos and black flies at the Challenge Course. There are spiders and ticks all year round. During any outdoor activity in the northeastern United States, there is the risk of getting bitten by a tick that carries Lyme Disease.
We have insect repellent available for your use at the course. Visit the NYS Department of Health Guidelines on Lyme Disease for more information.
If you have any questions please e-mail us at teambuilding@cornell.edu or call us at 607-254-4897.
Thank you and we look forward to meeting you!