USF Challenge Center Offers Team Building Activities

Joliet, Ill. – The successful performance of any team depends on effective relationships. If you are looking for a fun, affordable, local option for the team building needs for your department, group or organization, look no further than the University of St. Francis (USF) Challenge Center in Joliet. Opened in June 2011, the USF Challenge Center offers a variety of programs that emphasize skills and behaviors necessary for effective leadership. Through tailored, action-based learning experiences led by USF’s certified Challenge Course facilitators, teams will practice the interpersonal behaviors needed for high-level performance. Groups can schedule an on-campus program at the outdoor USF Challenge Center (located behind the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Library on Taylor Street), or you can schedule an off-site program at a location of your choosing. Whatever the setting, USF’s facilitators will utilize a unique mix of portable activities and group facilitation tools to target customized learning outcomes. “Teams are more productive when members feel effective in their roles,” said Syd Sklar, USF Challenge Center Director. “Through the power of play, our programs encourage groups to combine creativity and effective decision-making strategies to establish empowering team environments. Teams will benefit from the opportunity to practice critical thinking skills, develop new points of view, and build stronger relationships.” Team-oriented games, puzzles, and experiential challenge activities are used to address themes of communication, trust, leadership, diversity, inclusion, dependability and accountability and can be designed for groups of all ages. Newly added in 2018, the center offers high adventure activities of Crate Stacking and Power Pole, each providing an exhilarating physical experience. “The themes our programs address have universal applications,” Sklar added. “The experiences at the Challenge Center are transferrable to work, school, life and relationships.” The Challenge Center serves school districts, park districts, day camps and forest preserve teams. Programming is available year-round. For more information, program rates, or to book an event, visit stfrancis.edu/usf-challenge-center, email challengecenter@stfrancis.edu or call 815-740-3367. : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 52,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #