Outdoor Recreation opens new climbing tower, challenge course

Augusta University’s Outdoor Recreation has officially expanded to include a new climbing tower and challenge course. Located downtown at 601 Old Bailie St., these new additions allow students to step out of their usual environment and into a unique outdoor setting along the Augusta Canal.

While both outdoor experiences are now open, there will be a grand opening celebration in Fall 2025, marking the official launch of this leadership development experience, in addition to showcasing updates to the Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education (CORE) building.

“We live in an area that has great outdoor activities, from biking to paddling to hiking,” said Trey Harrison, director of Campus Recreation. “The climbing tower and challenge course really give our students an opportunity to get out of their comfort zone in a way that’s affordable or at no cost. This is also a great opportunity to recruit potential students with all that we have to offer.”

Construction of the climbing tower and challenge course began in Fall 2024 and was concluded by the end of the semester. The challenge course features high and low elements made of cables, logs and ropes that participants can navigate. The challenge course is only available through reservation due to the structured programming and need for larger staff availability.

Meanwhile, the climbing tower is open to all students on Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. Students can keep up with the upcoming climb nights through Augusta University’s events calendar.

A man on belay is being held up at the rock wall by several student workers. — Student workers put their abilities to the test throughout several staff training sessions where they learn skills such as belay techniques, risk management, effective communication, problem solving and more. [Kayleigh Brown/Augusta University]

A student worker hooks another student on belay in front of a rock wall. — Student workers put their abilities to the test throughout several staff training sessions where they learn skills such as belay techniques, risk management, effective communication, problem solving and more. [Kayleigh Brown/Augusta University]

Beyond the physical challenges, the climbing tower and challenge course helps develop key soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, inclusion, teamwork and leadership — qualities recommended by the National Association of Colleges and Employers for college students to succeed. Participants will also be led through facilitation before, after and during programs that will ensure they leave with life-long skills that can be used in real-world scenarios.

“We live in a world where communication has drastically changed,” said Harrison. “We live in a time where we’re accustomed to getting what we want pretty fast. Side effects of these changes are a lack of patience, resilience and ability to handle hard conversations. On the challenge course, communication is imperative, and disagreements on the best way to maneuver through the challenges are inevitable. Our course facilitators will help students and other participants figure out how to listen well to one another and how to be received well when expressing their thoughts.”

To lead these new initiatives, Bear Welmaker serves as the coordinator for Outdoor Recreation, overseeing the climbing tower, challenge course and student workers. As an Augusta native, he is especially excited to be a part of the team unveiling these two great outdoor experiences.

“Our main goal is to provide students, staff and community members with unique and exciting experiences that challenge them and offer opportunities to try something new,” said Welmaker.

A female student worker speaks with a male worker in front of a rock wall. — Lauren Ford, lead student staff for Outdoor Recreation, with coordinator Bear Welmaker in front of the climbing tower.

The Outdoor Recreation program is also supported by a team of trained student staff members who help manage day-to-day operations. Lauren Ford, a third-year anthropology major, plays a versatile role as the lead student staff for Outdoor Recreation, assisting with outdoor trips, rental checkouts, student staff trainings, climb nights and more.

Ford encourages all students to attend a climb night and to come prepared by bringing closed-toe shoes, athletic clothes and water. While some participants may be a little nervous, student staff have all been trained to ensure a safe, fun and supportive environment.

“Challenge by choice is our motto and rule,” said Ford. “With challenge by choice, we are going to encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone, but we are never going to push you or pressure you. I would really encourage students to come see what we have because we have many levels of difficulty, and you’ll have a whole team of people backing you up and cheering you on.”

Visit Outdoor Recreation’s website for more information about the climbing tower, challenge course reservations, outdoor trips and rental equipment, including bikes, kayaks and camping equipment. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.