Athletes and musicians develop muscle memory from repeating a sequence of steps.  Students also learn by frequently practicing a series of rules in reading, writing and arithmetic.   So what happens when a person is faced with an unfamiliar environment?  Some fight.  Others take flight.  On a challenge course, we ask you to ask for help and work together.  While most courses operate on a challenge-by- choice doctrine, what happens when peer pressure or better yet, supportive team mates encourage you to try?  Well you stretch yourself and learn.

Learning comes from failure as well as success.  A group that takes on a challenge will often learn more about themselves and each other by coming up short than by succeeding.  The games may be silly but the lessons translate well and stretching yourself yields many benefits.

–Matt Baker, Chief Adventure Officer

Terrapin Adventures guides are experienced Team Builders. Come to our facility or we can bring our fun to yours. Call 301 725-1313 to design a program for your team.

Well, I have good news for you! Did you know that there are camps for after camp? There are a variety of camps that you can enroll your child in when most camps have already ended. For example, this year Terrapin Adventures will be running two sessions of their Ultimate Adventure Camp.

Each camp session is one week of adventure, exploration and discovery. Here kids will learn about outdoor leadership skills and test their strength and courage while having a blast conquering Terrapin Adventures challenge course and exploring nature along the Little Patuxent River while biking, geo-caching, river tubing and more.  The sessions are in the beginning of August- those dreadful weeks when you must find activities to entertain day after day.

Of course, I would still encourage you to spend time with your children, because often it is those fun family trips to the pool that will create memories that will last a lifetime. (I still think back to the summer days I spent with my mom and siblings at the local community center pool – laying on towels while drying off from our swim, laughing, and eating Bugels. No trip to the pool was complete with out Bugels to put on the tips of our fingers!) But, that is why I think this idea of a one-week camp after camp is such a great idea. This gives you the best of both worlds. You can spend time with your children, but also enable them to have new experiences and fun while attending a one-week camp that is packed with adventure.

Four days? The words kept echoing in my mind. I was excited for the trip, but reality was starting to hit. I had been on camping overnights with the Cub Scouts, but never a trip like this. The Appalachian Trail runs from Maine to Georgia; we were going to hike the Maryland portion in its entirety – 36 miles!

Today I am an Adventure Guide at Terrapin Adventures. I am a big hiker, and have hiked the Appalachian Trail many times and in various states. But, each time I remember my very first experience, the hike that spurred my interest in outdoor recreation, ten years old on a four-day 36 mile hiking trip…

Before I could protest and back out, we were on the trail. Carrying 50 pounds on my back was tough, but my dad encouraged me by explaining that we would just be traveling five miles at a time. I could handle that! My sister and I complained about the blisters our boots were giving us, but we made it to the shelter our goal for the day. But, when we arrived there we still had energy flowing. The next shelter was just another five miles away, and so we decided to continue. We were having a fun time, and we were still psyched about the idea of a four-day hike. But, soon the sun was going down, and the shelter was nowhere in sight. So, we found a flat spot on the side of the trail and set up camp.  For dinner we had freeze-dried meals (so much food packed in such a small bag!)  Then we played cards by flashlight, and crawled into our sleeping bags.

The next morning we were ready to conquer the next ten miles of trail. As we hiked, we talked The conversation was light as we considered recent T.V. shows and what mom was doing at home without us. We would stop from time to time to hydrate and eat some GORP – good old raisins and peanuts. We finally reached the next campground, and we were exhausted from the long 10-mile hike  We made freeze dried spaghetti, which was nasty and ended up in the garbage. And, like the night before, we played a round of hearts before going to bed.

“We are going to the Washington Monument,” my father explained as we ate our oatmeal the next morning. (Of course I thought this meant we were hiking to DC. But I soon learned that the Washington Monument is actually located in Boonsboro, Maryland, a wonderful place to behold.) As we journeyed onward, we would stop to view the beauty of Western Maryland, or to make sure the bug creeping up our leg wasn’t a tick. But, we kept trekking to our destination. We passed a thru-hiker that told us that we were not to far. Though, a thru-hiker who came all the way from Florida would think that anything was close considering where he came from.

A long time later we finally came across the Washington Monument. We found a nearby picnic table, and oh, did that first can of coke taste good! (Over the next 11 years I would return to this place and remember the majesty of the monument the very first time I saw it. I will always have an affinity for the Washington Monument State Park.)

After a while we put our packs back on and set out on the trail again. We fell into a good rhythm and before we knew it were at the next shelter. We set up camp, made dinner (better than the spaghetti the night before) and played cards. And then we heard a  weird rustling sound. Bear! Bear! Bear! It was going to burst through the tent and eat us! I stayed quiet, as directed. But it seemed that the bear knew what I was thinking. The rustling noise now moved toward the back of our tent. I sat there holding my breath praying it would go away. And then… PURR…  it was not a bear after all. It was a cat! And that is when my dad whipped out his handy trail guide, and read to us that this was a frequent phenomenon. Cats frequently visited the campsite hoping that hikers would share their food. Phew!

After my heart rate returned to normal, we had some fun with the cat, and then settled in our sleeping bags for we knew that the next day was to be our last. We woke the next morning well rested and ready to trek to our final destination, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

We continued our journey discussing all that had occurred in the past three days. Wow, this was going to make a good story to share with my friends! We soon came close to the road and got off the Appalachian Trail and headed toward the train tracks, and finally we reached the bridge stretching from Maryland to West Virginia.

We did it! Four days, many slices of moleskin, bad spaghetti, and a wild animal – almost. We hiked a total of 36 miles from northern Maryland to West Virginia.

Now, eleven years later I am 21 years old and a lover of the outdoors. Sometimes I wonder why so many people do not take advantage and enjoy the nature that surrounds them. Perhaps if they had hiked the Appalachian Trail as a kid, this would not be the case. I recognize that this trip was not just fun; it was a learning experience. I learned (with my parents encouragement) that I could accomplish great things. I learned the power of sheer will and motivation. And, I learned to appreciate nature.

If you are a parent, I hope you will consider taking your child on a hiking/camping trip. Spend time with them and create memories that will last a lifetime. Encourage your children to spend time outdoors, and teach them to appreciate their surroundings. Show them what they can accomplish. (Trust me, without my parents pushing me, I would have never thought of going on a 36 mile hike, and I certainly would not have succeeded in many of the grand endeavors I have had since then. Thanks Mom and Dad!)

–Billy Orndorff

Billy is an Adventure Guide at Terrapin Adventures, who is currently a senior at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA. He still enjoys learning about his outdoor environment as he studies Environmental Science. You can occasionally find him studying in a tree or running on the local trails. 

I have traveled to Hawaii several times, but on my most recent visit I found myself in Oahu. Hawaii has more than 100 islands; Oahu, translated to English as “The Gathering Place,” is the most populated, and is home to the states largest city and capital, Honolulu. Despite the fact that there is over a million people on the small island, Oahu is still full of wild and beautiful scenery. It seems that one is never far from some amazing summit, hiking trail, or scenic vista. During my visit, I hiked three trails – Koko Crater, Ka’ena Point, and Diamond Head State Monument. Each hike was an adventure I hope everyone gets to experience in his or her lifetime.

Koko Crater is an ancient volcano located on the southeastern coast of Oahu. Koko is not the tallest peak on the island, or the largest crater. However, its views are not to be missed. In fact, the view from the crater is possibly the only thing that draws people to its summit, as the hike to the top is one of the mostnotoriously difficult on the island. An abandoned inclined railroad bed leads straight up the side of the 1,208-foot tall summit. There are no turns, no switchbacks, and no easy way to get to the top. The trail is steep; at its steepest point it shoots skyward at over 60 degrees! A slip here would not be advised. But at some points crawling and using your hands is recommended. Half way up, the old volcano throws the hiker another obstacle: a 25-foot deep, 100-foot wide chasm. Luckily the railroad crosses the gap, but one must use caution as the ties of the railroad are 2.5 feet apart, and there is nothing in between. But once at the top, the view is absolutely amazing and breathtaking… until you remember that the only way down is the same way you came up!

Ka’ena Point is the westernmost point of Oahu. Due to steep sea cliffs and jagged coral shore, it is completely inaccessible by anything other than hiking boots. It is an amazing place to get away from the crowds of Honolulu and truly enjoy the rugged beauty of Hawaii. The Ka’ena Point trail is located in Ka’ena Point State Park, and is only 3.5 miles long. This trail is easy by most hikers’ standards, but it isn’t the challenge people come for, it is the wildlife. Located here is a wildlife preserve that contains many endangered species, some found only in Hawaii. The Hawaiian monk seals are the star attraction; there are only 1,100 of these seals left in the wild, and the point is an excellent place to see them. Ka’ena Point is also home to Laysan Albatrosses, with wingspans of up to 8 feet. In addition, during the winter, the Island is host to one of the great migrations of nature, as hundreds of humpback whales make the waters of Oahu their temporary home. Visitors can see the whales, and it is an astounding site. I believe that Ka’ena Point is an under rated, and under appreciated Hawaiian attraction, and one worth visiting.

My last hiking location on this trip was Diamond Head State Monument. Diamond Head is another ancient volcanic crater. Almost perfectly circular, and easily visible from all of Honolulu, Diamond Head has become a famous symbol of the state. The hike is only .75 miles, but begins inside the crater. Most of the hike is a hot, dry, steep, and windless climb of switchbacks up the inside of the crater wall. The crater was previously used as a military installation, and the trail takes you through the remnants of World War II defensive bunkers. Exactly 203 very steep steps later, youreach the top, and the view is post card perfect from every direction. The vast Pacific Ocean lies in front of you. To the right is the skyline of Honolulu, and to the left is a view of Koko Crater. Also, while enjoying the scenery at the top, be sure to savor the cool breeze of the famous and ever present trade winds, because once you descend into the crater it will become very hot once again.

In Hawaii it seems that everywhere you look, an amazing view or experience awaits. Hike the Koko Crater; the challenge is worth the rewarding view from the top. At Ka’ena point you will see wild life that you cannot see anywhere else in the world. At the Diamond Head State Monument, climb from inside of the crater wall. Explore Oahu; enjoy the natural beauty of the most isolated islands in the world. And, don’t forget thepineapple, its amazing!

– Sean Myers

Sean is an adventure guide at Terrapin Adventures. Growing up on a farm in rural St. Mary’s County contributed to his love for the outdoors. He enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, and scuba diving in his free time.

Those of us who live in the Columbia, Maryland area should consider ourselves extremely lucky. We have natural resources in our backyard! From Terrapin Adventures in the Savage Mill, it takes about five minutes to access four different trailheads with over fifteen miles of trail to explore. There is the Wincopin trail, both sides of the Savage Mill Trail, and the Patuxent Branch trail. All of which, while only minutes from major highways, are quite tranquil and filled with local flora and fauna.

So, on this beautiful day, I decided to explore the newly opened section of the Savage Mill trail. The trail begins at the top of the Mill parking lot and follows the Little Patuxent around to the old mill ruins. At the beginning of my walk I wasn’t expecting much, but with the noon sun shining and hitting the water perfectly I saw this area in a new light. The beauty of the area was amplified by the clear water and wildlife at almost an arms reach away.

After passing some old rusted out bridge trusses I happened upon a heron and was able to snap a few quick pictures. It’s incredible that we can see such impressive animals with the ever-increasing encroachment of development around every corner. Around another bend in the river I came upon the small rapids where the water flow was quite high and impressive. The sound of thousands of gallons of water crashing around massive boulders is soothing and constant–providing contrast to its violent action.

During my hike, I had time to think, and I realized how incredibly rare and special it is to have the opportunity not only to see these wonders, but also to have the time to appreciate them. So as you sit at your desk and slave away, I urge you to take some time to get out; go outside and really see the nature surrounding you, even if it is only for five minutes. This can provide you with a fresh perspective so you don’t burn out in the haze of florescent lights. Go outside and get your first sunburn of the season in February, like I did! You will feel refreshed and renewed.

–Byron Bell

Byron is an adventure guide at Terrapin Adventures. He enjoys sailing, aggressive in-line skating and unicycling, and has extensive experience camping and hiking. www.terrapinadventures.com

By having regular times that you get together with staff you can share milestones and progress made, things needing to improve, and go over lessons learned from the past.

Celebrate success with fanfare and exclamation. By emphasizing the achievement of the team goals, the message will be clear. Allow for others to provide positive and constructive feedback as well. It will energize everyone.

“Forward, the Light Brigade!”Was there a man dismay’d? Not tho’ the soldier knew Someone had blunder’d: Theirs not to make reply,Theirs not to reason why,Theirs but to do and die: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volley’d and thunder’d; Storm’d at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell Rode the six hundred.

This excerpt taken from poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigade highlights what can happen when we are vague in our communications, don’t use a feedback loop and blindly follow leaders. 278 casualties out of 600 original British soldiers resulted from this battle in 1854 during the Crimean War between the British and Russians. In fact the brigade attempted a much more difficult objective than intended by the commander, Lord Raglan.

While an organization like an army would be deemed dysfunctional if nobody followed orders or requests, good organizations allow for constructive feedback before execution of plans. High functioning teams brainstorm, test ideas and allow different points of view before blindly following one person’s vision. Likewise, a confirmation process ensures that the team is heading in the right direction.

Note: We will continue to be open for groups in January and February 2012. Call to arrange an outing or click here to email. We also bring our highly regarded teambuilding programs to your space.

The same is true for your workforce. Depending on a person’s background, education, upbringing, and position in the company, they can view a project or challenge much differently. Part of this is their role in the firm. The other part is dependent on their vantage point.

Companies that solicit and exchange these different points of view may take a little longer to get results (not necessarily) but excel from being open and seeing a problem or opportunity from these different perspectives. Sales, support, production, finance and logistics see problems from how it affects them. The key is to constructively share these perspectives and develop an action plan that uses the talents and wisdom from those involved.

If everyone in the company is a stakeholder in the outcome, they will work together to achieve the best result, especially if they are part of the problem solving or creative process .

Many organizations success depends on solid hand-offs and coordination between departments. Production, sales, and customer service departments must work together to meet customer demand and expectations.

In complex processes, it helps to have regular meetings between departments to share information. Many creative solutions come from people with different perspectives.

Consider incentives for staff that reflect both their individual, department and overall company success in achieving tangible goals. Periodically review these goals to make sure everyone is aligned. People are smart and will do what they benefit from. Make sure it is the right thing.