The Airborne Challenge is a rigorous 48 hour experience designed to draw a clear distinction between productive and non-productive thinking patterns, between effective and ineffective problem-solving strategies, between constructive and destructive attitudes, between relationships that enhance growth and relationships that impede growth, and between persevering effort and the “try once and quit”  approach.   

The activities the Airborne Challenge incorporates includes initiative / high ropes activities, drill and ceremony, physical training, case studies / ‘real life” scenarios, community service,  knot tying, and internalizing specially selected content designed to compare and contrast with their current thinking and their view of the world.    Teens also attend large group sessions facilitated by an Airborne senior staff member.      

Senior counselors have primary responsibility for a team of 8 – 10 teens.  The senior counselor is aided by an assistant counselor.  Overall, the teen to staff ratio is approximately 4 to 1.    Figure 1 shows a typical weekend schedule for the Airborne Challenge.   The Airborne Challenge is purposeful and fast paced.

The Airborne Challenge is composed of nine distinct segments.  These nine segments are designed to move teens through the various "stages of the change process" while maintaining a close relationship to the central mission.  These nine segments are intended to build on one another and serve as a continuum for the weekend rather than serve as discrete, stand alone elements.  The nine segments are unique in themselves but are designed to build prerequisite experiences to prepare teens for challenges ahead. 

1| To give a “wake-up” call, it’s time to get control of their lives before it’s too late

2| To experience how to work together as a team and deal with frustration positively

3| To develop analytical thinking and problem solving skills

4| To build confidence through new experiences and accomplishments

5| To minimize selfishness and develop a growing concern for others

6| To help realize personal strengths and encourage their development

7| To help recognize and curb negative attitudes and behaviors

8| To debrief challenge experiences and discuss how to apply them in real life situations

9| To emphasize the importance of growing mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually