Since these opportunities are unique and tailored to the goals and needs of each group and program, the possibilities are endless. We are excited to work with a multitude of groups from pre-college to adult learners such as: Upper Moreland Intermediate School, Temple University student groups such as Cecil B. Moore Scholars, Biology Department (for their retreat) , Temple Student Government (TSG), Temple Honors Program, Temple Wellness Day and CampOut in the natural setting that is the Ambler Arboretum.

Your program can consist of the following types of activities and are chosen after discussion with Holly Lynn, our Manager of Experiential Learning and your group’s point of contact.

• Community Building Activities
  • Community building activities are games or challenges used to welcome the group to the space, build rapport and familiarity with each other and the facilitator and get acquainted with the expectations or goals of the day. If participants hold a base knowledge of each other this can be a tone-setting experience. If participants are forming the group together with the facilitator as a guide this may take up more of the scheduled time.
• Team Initiatives
  • Team initiatives hone in more deeply to the goals of the group’s session. Problem-solving challenges, creative or out-of-the-box thinking and games which can be played in a wide-open field, a classroom, or on a trail all give participants the chance to focus on planning, observing and brainstorming together. These activities are highly accessible not only to location but also to group size, age and MESH (mental, emotional, social health) considerations.
• Low Ropes
  • The state-of-the-art Low Ropes Challenge Course facility at Temple University Ambler was constructed in 2022 and features 15 elements in a wooded section of the Ambler Arboretum. Low rope elements consist of a series of cables, ropes and obstacles strung between poles 1-3 feet above the ground. These obstacles may be real or imaginary: a long beam that all participants must arrange themselves on or alligators in a sticky, toxic peanut butter river ready to “eat” participants if they step off the islands and require groups to work together to accomplish the tasks. These elements present the need for some physical ability, stamina, agility, balance and flexibility however team members are taught to practice proper risk management techniques such as spotting. While these activities do invite participants to stretch outside their comfort zones with more defined spaces for potential failure or loss of control, our facilitators are trained to make accommodations to ensure that all group members can participate in some way regardless of ability or interest levels.

*It is important to note that all Outdoor Experiential Education activities are intentionally taught and honored in a space that is Challenge by Choice. This theory allows for different levels and types of participation, involvement and engagement as the individuals determine with support from the facilitator.

For Temple University groups, nonprofit and corporate groups, please contact Holly Lynn at [click-for-email] or 267-567-8107 directly.

To begin the booking process, please complete this form. Our team will reach out to confirm a program date, discuss your group’s goals, and answer any other questions you may have about the programming.

Experiential education in a team building and/or low ropes challenge course setting allows for individuals and the group to bond and grow in ways that may not be possible where they ~typically~ work, live and learn.

Absolutely! Our community building activities, team initiatives and low ropes are all open for booking from Temple University students, faculty, staff, alumni, as well as outside groups. Reach out to Holly Lynn at [click-for-email] or 267-468-8107 to discuss your group’s goals, needs and proposed dates.

What if someone is not physically, emotionally, or socially able to be on a low-rope element or are not interested in engaging with a specific game? 

Our programs can be scaffolded through discussion with the group’s Point of Contact and our Manager of Experiential Learning to ascertain goals and potential limitations before the program begins. Participants also engage in a Full Value Contract at the beginning of the experience to more fully understand their Challenge by Choice options throughout the program.

It is ideal to book programs 3-4 weeks in advance so that we can work with you to get all necessary paperwork prepared.

To determine how long a program can or should be, a discussion with our Manager of Experiential Learning may be necessary. Elements to consider in this decision may include: transportation limitations, budget, overall program goals and facilitator and groups’ schedules.

• Driving Directions
• Public Transportation

A happy, ready to move and learn attitude! Clothes and shoes that you feel comfortable moving and potentially getting dirty in. Water. Personal medication (inhalers, epi pen, etc.)

We are lucky to have the power and magic of the Ambler Arboretum surrounding us. Because of this gift and the power of growing and learning in nature, our facilitators are trained to teach and guide in all weather conditions. If the weather is extreme (high or low temperatures, snow or ice on the trees above the low rope cables, thunderstorms, etc.) Temple University Ambler has ample indoor spaces where we can facilitate initiatives and challenges in a deep and meaningful way. However we do encourage you to dress for the weather of the day (rain jackets, clothes that can get muddy, layers, etc.)

Our course is maintained to ACCT level standards of safety and our facilitators all hold at least a Red Cross First Aid, AED, CPR Certificate or higher as well as an ACCT Level 1 Certificate. We have basic med kits ready during all programming and are within close distance to urgent care facilities in the towns of Horsham, Willow Grove and Blue Bell as well as emergency rooms in Abington and Chestnut Hill (all within 6 miles from the Temple University Ambler campus).

Absolutely! We have worked hard to align our Recreation, Outdoor, Wellness curriculum to Pennsylvania Academic Standards. At a glance, our activities can complement student learning and skill growth in:

• Arts and Humanities
• Career Education and Work
• Civics and Government
• Geography
• Healthy, Safety and Physical Education
• Integrated Standards for Science, Environment, Ecology, Technology and Engineering (Grades K-5)
• Integrated Standards for Science, Environment and Ecology (Grades 6-12)
• Technology and Engineering (Grades 6-12)

In addition to state standards, an adventure in an outdoor, natural, experiential learning space leads to growth in 21st century skills, SEL (social-emotional learning) awareness, competencies, and more.