Frequently Asked Questions
What is Challenge Adventures?
What consultation and training do you provide?
What ages do you serve?
Why do you have llamas?
How long is a Challenge Adventures llama trek?
When should I make a reservation?
Do you need to have prior backpacking experience?
What credentials does staff have?
Do campers need to bring everything on the gear list?
Can you bring I-Pods or cell phones?
Where do campers sleep?
What about bad weather?
What if a camper becomes ill or injured?
Where do you go to the bathroom?
How do you deal with personal hygiene in the woods?
What food do you serve?
What is the philosophy of behavior management?
I'm interested in setting up a Challenge Adventures trip for my school, community organization or group. What is the next step?
Our nonprofit doesn't have access to funds for this. How can you help?
What is Challenge Adventures?
Challenge Adventures is a nonprofit, tax exempt 501(c)3 organization that provides adventure based and animal assisted therapy for young people as part of their treatment plan. Challenge Adventures works with other therapy practices and organizations to provide this service at the right moment in a young person’s treatment progress.
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What consultation and training do you provide?
We provide consultation and training for licensed professionals such as social workers, psychologist and professional counselors on wilderness and adventure therapy. This includes the practice of these methods and integrating the methods into practice through treatment planning and through referral. In addition, we can provide clinical supervision for social workers in the state of South Carolina.
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What ages do you serve?
Challenge Adventures serves people eight through 16.
Return to Top
Why do you have llamas?
Llamas are gentle and user-friendly pack animals with whom campers quickly establish a bond. The Challenge Adventures llamas are used to being around children and are very patient and tolerant. Llamas give unconditional acceptance to their human friends, which may be a healing force to the campers. Campers have the opportunity to lead and care for "their llama" for the duration of the trip. Campers learn to groom their llama and may get the chance to make braided bracelets out of llama wool. In addition, younger children and some children with disabilities would not be able to carry the supplies and equipment they would need without the llamas and older children would not be able to stay in the wilderness for as long a time without the llamas' help. Sometimes, campers send "fan letters" to their llamas.
Return to Top
How long is a Challenge Adventures llama trek?
The typical trip is four to six nights, depending on the needs of the sponsoring therapist or organization.
Return to Top
When should I make a reservation?
We accept reservations as far as 10 months in advance. Summer dates tend to fill up fast. Please contact us by phone at 803-771-6663, toll-free at 1-866-660-8090 or send a message by email to info@challengeadventures.com.
Return to Top
Do you need to have prior backpacking experience?
No. The staff plans the hiking part of the trip according to the abilities of the group. However, campers must be able to hike several miles on uneven trails. For beginners, we may hike 3-5 miles. For those who want a greater challenge, we may hike 5-8 miles per day. We hike at the pace of the slowest person in the group.
Return to Top
What credentials does staff have?
The primary staff are licensed psychotherapists. Support staff are experienced, mature people. At least two licensed individuals are on each trip. All staff meet Forest Service group leader requirements.
Return to Top
Do campers need to bring everything on the gear list?
Yes, all campers must bring the recommended clothing, medications and personal items on the list. We furnish sleeping bags, tents, mess kits, backpacks, etc. and provide all food and cooking gear.
Return to Top
Can you bring I-Pods or cell phones?
No. Forest Service regulations prohibit bringing any personal electronic devices other than emergency communications devices into the Wilderness Areas. Besides, we want campers to fully see and hear what is around them in the natural world. Any contraband electronic devices will be confiscated from campers and returned after the end of a trip. Adult chaperones may carry cell phones to be used for emergencies only. We strongly discourage routine cell phone calls home to parents during a trip. Our staff carry cell phones for emergencies. Cell phone reception is poor in remote mountain areas.
Return to Top
Where do campers sleep?
We will do primitive camping in tents in remote mountain meadows. Tents (with floors) can sleep 2-4 persons, depending on the ages and characteristics of the group.
Return to Top
What about bad weather?
Generally trips go on as scheduled, rain or shine. Campers just put on their rain coats and we put waterproof covers on the llama’s packs to keep everything dry. Hiking in the rain (or even in the clouds!) can be fun. However, we may alter a planned route to choose a trail more suitable to wet weather or higher wind conditions. During lightening storms, we follow established safety procedures to shelter in low areas, rather than on exposed ridgelines. In cases of severe or dangerous weather (high wind, heavy snow or sleet), guides have the authority to cancel the trip and return the group to the headquarters office at Hyder Mountain Farm near Waynesville, NC. In that case, campers can tent camp on the farm and do day hikes with the llamas on nearby trails. This rarely happens.
Return to Top
What if a camper becomes ill or injured?
We carry a basic First Aid kit and all staff is certified in Wilderness First Aid. For minor illness or injury (such as a headache, blisters, scrapes or minor sprains), our staff will administer first aid treatment. For more severe problems, staff and adult chaperones will determine whether to evacuate a particular camper to seek help at the nearest emergency room. One adult will hike out with the injured camper. Luckily, this is a rare occurrence. In more than 21 years of operation, we have only had to evacuate a camper for medical treatment four times and only one of those was for an injury. The health form for each youth camper includes authorization of the parent or guardian to seek medical treatment for minors and health insurance information. For adult campers, we will need health insurance information for the same purpose.
Return to Top
Where do you go to the bathroom?
Since this is “primitive” camping, there are no established campgrounds or toilets. Campers will defecate and urinate in a “cat hole,” then bury their waste, along with toilet paper. We carry several hand trowels and will show campers how to do this in a way that protects the environment and keeps the streams clean.
Return to Top
How do you deal with personal hygiene in the woods?
There are no showers. Campers can use a wet washcloth to clean their face and hands each night. They brush their teeth with purified water and use flavored floss to freshen breath (no toothpaste because of harmful residue it leaves on the ground). We encourage the use of baby wipes or moist towelettes to do a partial sponge bath if desired. We carry wipes to clean everyone’s hands before eating. Staff reminds younger campers to change their underwear and socks each day. If we camp near a creek, campers can get their feet wet and splash their faces. There is no swimming.
Return to Top
What food do you serve?
Breakfast is pancakes, grits or oatmeal, along with lots of hot chocolate or herb tea. We serve kid-tested dinners, like chicken and bean burritos, turkey and dressing, and beans and rice. Lunches may include peanut butter and jelly, summer sausage and cheese, hummus or tuna sandwiches. We carry trail mix, granola bars, nuts and crackers for snacks.
Return to Top
What is the philosophy of behavior management?
We insist on several basic rules for everyone’s safety and cooperation, like staying with the group, following instructions from staff, no violence toward humans or animals and using respectful language. Most situations are handled by allowing campers who violate the rules to suffer the natural consequences (if you don’t put on your raincoat when instructed, you will get wet; if you lose your spoon, you will have to figure out how to eat your oatmeal). If there is a conflict between two campers, we stop everything and insist that they talk things out to a satisfactory resolution. We use the example of the llama herd (a highly cooperative group) to make the behavior lessons clear to campers.
Return to Top
I'm interested in setting up a Challenge Adventures trip for my school, community organization or group. What is the next step?
E-mail us at info@challengeadventures.com or call our business office in Columbia, SC at 803-771-6663 or toll-free at 1-866-660-8090 Let us know some details about your organization or group, your address, and exactly what you would like to do.
Return to Top
Our nonprofit community organization serves at-risk youth. We think an adventure trip would benefit our clients but we don't have the funds on hand. What can we do?
For organizations that serve at-risk youth or youth who are wards of the State, our staff will work with your organization to seek ways to finance the trip. This may include cooperative grant-seeking, advice on community funding sources or local fund-raising ideas. Our interest is in providing adventure experiences to these kinds of kids. We will work with you to make it happen.
Return to Top
What consultation and training do you provide?
What ages do you serve?
Why do you have llamas?
How long is a Challenge Adventures llama trek?
When should I make a reservation?
Do you need to have prior backpacking experience?
What credentials does staff have?
Do campers need to bring everything on the gear list?
Can you bring I-Pods or cell phones?
Where do campers sleep?
What about bad weather?
What if a camper becomes ill or injured?
Where do you go to the bathroom?
How do you deal with personal hygiene in the woods?
What food do you serve?
What is the philosophy of behavior management?
I'm interested in setting up a Challenge Adventures trip for my school, community organization or group. What is the next step?
Our nonprofit doesn't have access to funds for this. How can you help?
What is Challenge Adventures?
Challenge Adventures is a nonprofit, tax exempt 501(c)3 organization that provides adventure based and animal assisted therapy for young people as part of their treatment plan. Challenge Adventures works with other therapy practices and organizations to provide this service at the right moment in a young person’s treatment progress.
Return to Top
What consultation and training do you provide?
We provide consultation and training for licensed professionals such as social workers, psychologist and professional counselors on wilderness and adventure therapy. This includes the practice of these methods and integrating the methods into practice through treatment planning and through referral. In addition, we can provide clinical supervision for social workers in the state of South Carolina.
Return to Top
What ages do you serve?
Challenge Adventures serves people eight through 16.
Return to Top
Why do you have llamas?
Llamas are gentle and user-friendly pack animals with whom campers quickly establish a bond. The Challenge Adventures llamas are used to being around children and are very patient and tolerant. Llamas give unconditional acceptance to their human friends, which may be a healing force to the campers. Campers have the opportunity to lead and care for "their llama" for the duration of the trip. Campers learn to groom their llama and may get the chance to make braided bracelets out of llama wool. In addition, younger children and some children with disabilities would not be able to carry the supplies and equipment they would need without the llamas and older children would not be able to stay in the wilderness for as long a time without the llamas' help. Sometimes, campers send "fan letters" to their llamas.
Return to Top
How long is a Challenge Adventures llama trek?
The typical trip is four to six nights, depending on the needs of the sponsoring therapist or organization.
Return to Top
When should I make a reservation?
We accept reservations as far as 10 months in advance. Summer dates tend to fill up fast. Please contact us by phone at 803-771-6663, toll-free at 1-866-660-8090 or send a message by email to info@challengeadventures.com.
Return to Top
Do you need to have prior backpacking experience?
No. The staff plans the hiking part of the trip according to the abilities of the group. However, campers must be able to hike several miles on uneven trails. For beginners, we may hike 3-5 miles. For those who want a greater challenge, we may hike 5-8 miles per day. We hike at the pace of the slowest person in the group.
Return to Top
What credentials does staff have?
The primary staff are licensed psychotherapists. Support staff are experienced, mature people. At least two licensed individuals are on each trip. All staff meet Forest Service group leader requirements.
Return to Top
Do campers need to bring everything on the gear list?
Yes, all campers must bring the recommended clothing, medications and personal items on the list. We furnish sleeping bags, tents, mess kits, backpacks, etc. and provide all food and cooking gear.
Return to Top
Can you bring I-Pods or cell phones?
No. Forest Service regulations prohibit bringing any personal electronic devices other than emergency communications devices into the Wilderness Areas. Besides, we want campers to fully see and hear what is around them in the natural world. Any contraband electronic devices will be confiscated from campers and returned after the end of a trip. Adult chaperones may carry cell phones to be used for emergencies only. We strongly discourage routine cell phone calls home to parents during a trip. Our staff carry cell phones for emergencies. Cell phone reception is poor in remote mountain areas.
Return to Top
Where do campers sleep?
We will do primitive camping in tents in remote mountain meadows. Tents (with floors) can sleep 2-4 persons, depending on the ages and characteristics of the group.
Return to Top
What about bad weather?
Generally trips go on as scheduled, rain or shine. Campers just put on their rain coats and we put waterproof covers on the llama’s packs to keep everything dry. Hiking in the rain (or even in the clouds!) can be fun. However, we may alter a planned route to choose a trail more suitable to wet weather or higher wind conditions. During lightening storms, we follow established safety procedures to shelter in low areas, rather than on exposed ridgelines. In cases of severe or dangerous weather (high wind, heavy snow or sleet), guides have the authority to cancel the trip and return the group to the headquarters office at Hyder Mountain Farm near Waynesville, NC. In that case, campers can tent camp on the farm and do day hikes with the llamas on nearby trails. This rarely happens.
Return to Top
What if a camper becomes ill or injured?
We carry a basic First Aid kit and all staff is certified in Wilderness First Aid. For minor illness or injury (such as a headache, blisters, scrapes or minor sprains), our staff will administer first aid treatment. For more severe problems, staff and adult chaperones will determine whether to evacuate a particular camper to seek help at the nearest emergency room. One adult will hike out with the injured camper. Luckily, this is a rare occurrence. In more than 21 years of operation, we have only had to evacuate a camper for medical treatment four times and only one of those was for an injury. The health form for each youth camper includes authorization of the parent or guardian to seek medical treatment for minors and health insurance information. For adult campers, we will need health insurance information for the same purpose.
Return to Top
Where do you go to the bathroom?
Since this is “primitive” camping, there are no established campgrounds or toilets. Campers will defecate and urinate in a “cat hole,” then bury their waste, along with toilet paper. We carry several hand trowels and will show campers how to do this in a way that protects the environment and keeps the streams clean.
Return to Top
How do you deal with personal hygiene in the woods?
There are no showers. Campers can use a wet washcloth to clean their face and hands each night. They brush their teeth with purified water and use flavored floss to freshen breath (no toothpaste because of harmful residue it leaves on the ground). We encourage the use of baby wipes or moist towelettes to do a partial sponge bath if desired. We carry wipes to clean everyone’s hands before eating. Staff reminds younger campers to change their underwear and socks each day. If we camp near a creek, campers can get their feet wet and splash their faces. There is no swimming.
Return to Top
What food do you serve?
Breakfast is pancakes, grits or oatmeal, along with lots of hot chocolate or herb tea. We serve kid-tested dinners, like chicken and bean burritos, turkey and dressing, and beans and rice. Lunches may include peanut butter and jelly, summer sausage and cheese, hummus or tuna sandwiches. We carry trail mix, granola bars, nuts and crackers for snacks.
Return to Top
What is the philosophy of behavior management?
We insist on several basic rules for everyone’s safety and cooperation, like staying with the group, following instructions from staff, no violence toward humans or animals and using respectful language. Most situations are handled by allowing campers who violate the rules to suffer the natural consequences (if you don’t put on your raincoat when instructed, you will get wet; if you lose your spoon, you will have to figure out how to eat your oatmeal). If there is a conflict between two campers, we stop everything and insist that they talk things out to a satisfactory resolution. We use the example of the llama herd (a highly cooperative group) to make the behavior lessons clear to campers.
Return to Top
I'm interested in setting up a Challenge Adventures trip for my school, community organization or group. What is the next step?
E-mail us at info@challengeadventures.com or call our business office in Columbia, SC at 803-771-6663 or toll-free at 1-866-660-8090 Let us know some details about your organization or group, your address, and exactly what you would like to do.
Return to Top
Our nonprofit community organization serves at-risk youth. We think an adventure trip would benefit our clients but we don't have the funds on hand. What can we do?
For organizations that serve at-risk youth or youth who are wards of the State, our staff will work with your organization to seek ways to finance the trip. This may include cooperative grant-seeking, advice on community funding sources or local fund-raising ideas. Our interest is in providing adventure experiences to these kinds of kids. We will work with you to make it happen.
Return to Top