The mission of the Adventure Learning Programs (ALPs) is to challenge people through adventure-based learning to discover themselves and understand those around them. We are a leadership organization that operates under the philosophy of Experiential Education where learners are purposefully engaged in direct experience and focused reflection in order to learn new skills. We offer adventure-based team building workshops that incorporate initiatives, problem solving activities, and high and low ropes course experiences.
Workshops are free for all UW students. However, you don’t have to be a student to request as workshop. If you’re looking for your next office outing, team bonding day, or even just a fun time with some good friends email us as alps@studentaffairs.wisc.edu to set up a workshop and receive a price quote.
Request a Workshop
Develop your leadership skills! We offer adventure-based team building workshops that incorporate initiatives, problem solving, and activities.
Winter Secret Agent Quest
Winter Secret Agent Quest is an outdoor team-based adventure where participants follow cryptic clues to locate “agents” hidden around campus. Each group works together to solve riddles, explore iconic UW–Madison winter landmarks, and complete playful challenges while staying active outdoors. The program encourages wellness, movement, and teamwork in a fun and low-stakes competitive setting. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and warm clothing!
Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: 11am – 12:30pm
Starting location: Memorial Union, Greek Council Room
Facilitation Trainings
For 25 years, ALPs has been training college students to facilitate groups in person.
Low Ropes Course
The low ropes course consists of elements constructed of wood, cable, and rope that range in height from one foot to 12 feet off the ground. The elements, because of their height off the ground, and the level of difficulty, increases the perceived level of challenge and requires groups to really work together to accomplish a task. It is imperative that people rely on one another to work through the challenges.
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Length of Workshop
Low ropes course workshops can last for any length over 2 hours. The longer you can spend with us, the more your group will get out of the workshop! The focus of the workshop will be on the low ropes course elements, but we may complement those activities with group games and initiatives as appropriate to meet your goals.
Availability & Group Size
Our low ropes course is open April 1 – November 1
Group size: 12 – 100 people
What You'll Gain
Low ropes courses are excellent for focusing on the following goals:
- Trust
- Communication
- Support
- Building community
- Being vulnerable
- Challenge
- Bonding as a group
- Teambuilding
- Leadership
- Problem solving
- Resilience
- Self-efficacy
- Confidence
- Having fun
ALPs Playdate
Want to have fun and challenge yourself on a ropes course for free? Bring your friends and come check out UW-Madison’s coolest campus feature–the Recreation & Wellbeing Challenge Course operated by the Adventure Learning Programs (ALPs)! Explore various high challenge course elements 40 feet in the air including our tandem zip line, climbing wall, giant swing, and more. No experience necessary! All equipment and instructions will be provided. The playdate is only open to current UW-Madison students.
The challenge course is located in Stoughton and transportation will be provided. You will not be able to return to campus until the end of the session.
Date: Saturday, April 18
Registration opens: March 23
Registration closes: April 16
Session 1: depart campus at 8:30am; return at 12:30pm
Session 2: depart campus at 1pm; return at 5pm
Time on course: 3 hours
ALPs Challenge Course Policies
- Climbing without ALPs staff present is prohibited. Participants cannot access elements unless under the supervision of an ALPs facilitator.
- There are inherent risks involved with participation in ALPs programming and everyone must complete and sign an Assumption of Risk form before participating.
- Behavior that may endanger you or others are strictly prohibited; ALPs staff have the right to stop any activity when unsafe behavior is exhibited.
- No running, jumping, or diving, etc. except when the element is designed for such use and an ALPs facilitator has confirmed that behavior will result in an acceptable amount of risk.
- All participants should monitor their own safety. On low challenge course elements, step off safely if you feel unstable.
- Weather and activity-appropriate attire must be worn. Secure, closed-toe shoes must be worn during the program. Sandals, flip flops, Crocs, Chacos, and Five Fingers shoes are not permitted.
- Loose clothing and loose long hair can potentially be a hazard. Participants should tie back long hair to prevent getting it caught on the elements.
- Helmets are required when climbing at height.
- Participants on all high elements must utilize an appropriate climbing harness system provided by ALPs.Participants will be fitted and instructed in the proper use of their harness by ALPs facilitators.
- ALPs staff will double-check participants’ safety system before they climb and reserve the right to check safety systems at any time.
- Report issues or injuries to ALPs staff immediately.
- All personal belongings should be secured in a bag or backpack in the pavilion area. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Meet our Facilitators
Stephanie Mickelson
Credentials: She/Her
Pronouns: Life Science Communications & Certificates in History, American Indian and Indigenous Studies
