The Columbia Challenge Ropes Course is a program that brings groups together with challenging experiences. Activities used at the course are not always the same, but are instead tailored to the group. This tailored approach allows each group to have an original experience that is the best for them.

The objective of the Columbia Challenge Ropes Course is to provide skill building opportunities in an experiential learning environment. At the course groups learn about problem solving, cooperation, communication, decision making, consequences, trust, self-esteem and other elements that affect the dynamics of a group.

As groups work together on activities they are facilitated through physical and mental challenges. Going through these challenges allows the members of the group to gain experience that later activities are then built upon.

Safety is a must at the Columbia Challenge Ropes course. This includes both physical safety and emotional safety. Facilitators present during course activities make sure that team members do not harm themselves and others through actions or words.

While there is the hope that all team members will take part in the activities throughout the day, the Columbia Challenge Ropes Course works on the idea of "challenge by choice." Challenge by choice is the idea that each individual only does as much as they are comfortable with physically or emotionally.