Growth can be defined as the process of developing or maturing physically, mentally, or spiritually. But what does that really mean and how do we grow? Well there are lots of thoughts and opinions around how one can accomplish growth but for me its as simple as “doing.” 

At the AIA Challenge Course we help teams grow by doing or through “experiencing” to be more specific. In the challenge course world there is something called the experiential learning cycle which goes something like this. You have an experience followed by discussing that experience with peers. Then, take time to reflect and transfer that gained knowledge to future experiences. This can also be referred as experiential education. 

The experiential learning cycle can turn an experience into a learning opportunity. With the AIA Challenge Course we create that experience through a series of intentionally designed activities or challenges. The key to effective experiential education is in the transfer of knowledge and cognitive change (ie. growth). This transfer may occur on its own but it’s more likely to occur through a facilitated process. Here in lies the benefit of being a part of a program like the ones we have here at Athletes in Action.