Poplar Ridge’s Challenge Course is conveniently located on the grounds of the University of Virginia (near Observatory Hill). Specific meeting areas will be pre-arranged but generally someone will meet your group at the course area off of Edgemont Road or at the picnic tables behind Zehmer Hall. Please make sure that you are meeting at whichever is the agreed upon pre-arranged meeting spot.
Experiential Education is all about “Learning by Doing” so you can expect a day filled with engaging and thought-provoking activities emphasizing group teamwork and interaction. While often labeled as a “Ropes Course,” in reality, most of our events require more mental fortitude and teamwork than physical strength or stamina.
Participants on our outdoor courses should plan to be outside for the entire program and should be dressed appropriately, so please check the weather before the program. We suggest long pants to protect your legs from abrasion and irritants (mosquitoes, poison ivy, etc). Wear comfortable, closed toe and heel shoes (any type of hiking or athletic shoe is fine) that you won't mind getting dirty. If you have long hair, wear a hat or a ponytail--something to keep it up and away from anything in which it might get caught. Please leave your jewelry at home--it could get caught on equipment or other participants. (Earrings, rings, watches, necklaces, etc.)
If weather conditions are forecasted to be an issue, someone from Poplar Ridge will reach out to the event organizer to discuss options for moving a program indoors. Due to the difficulty of rescheduling programs, if there is unexpected weather, outdoor programs will continue to run as scheduled unless the program director determines the weather to be hazardous (lightning, high winds, heavy rain, extreme cold, etc.) If appropriate, an alternate indoor site may be used.
Be sure to eat well before your program since you may be active for extended periods of time. Water will be provided for your group. There are typically short water breaks throughout the program, and you are welcome to bring small snacks to eat during these breaks.
While most of our program is very low impact, some events may be physically demanding, requiring short periods of physical activity such as balancing, lifting, pushing, pulling, or climbing. If you have any concerns about your health, we recommend you consult a physician. If you have any allergies or medical conditions that require medications, be sure to bring these with you and inform the facilitator of their use and possible side effects. If you have health concerns that might impact your participation in activities at Poplar Ridge, please let your facilitator know, as most activities can be adapted in order to ensure that you can still safely participate in activities. If groups have major health or accessibility concerns, they should indicate those concerns in pre-program communication with Poplar Ridge staff.
The University of Virginia prohibits any use of alcohol or drugs during any Poplar Ridge program. Tobacco products can be a safety hazard and are prohibited during activities. If you have to smoke, you may do so either before or after the activities or during a designated break.
