History of the Challenge Course at Montreat College

The TLC’s challenge course facilities are unique because they were designed and constructed by students as part of a fall 2006 academic course taught by Shane Sullards and Greg Peck of lapdog, inc. Without their donation of time and resources, this facility would not have been possible.

Until it was destroyed in a storm, the college owned and operated a small challenge course on the main campus. Sullards, a Montreat College Outdoor Education alumnus, had a dream to replace that facility with one that would both educate Montreat students and provide a venue to serve the public. His dream became a reality after he and fellow alumnus, Dr. Andrew Bobilya, proposed the project to the college and other supportive constituents.

Students and volunteers spent the fall semester designing and building the course. The final details were completed in March 2007 and the course was open for public use in April of the same year. A few interesting facts: 

  • Approximately 4,350 hours of construction labor by students, volunteers and contractors
  • 8,750 miles driven to instruct and oversee the design and construction of the course
  • 56 days of on-site work
  • Just under 7,000 feet of cable used to construct the course

Eagle Pavilion Dedicated October 24th, 2008

The name “Eagle Pavilion” is really about the fact that the work at Montreat, both in the classroom and outside it, is a training ground for the leadership that eagles represent. The eagle is our national bird - a symbol of our international leadership in the world. Eagle rank is the highest rank obtainable in the Boy Scouts - another acknowledgement of their superlative stature. The eagle calls to and represents those who will be the best. Not those timid souls who are hunkered down in the back of the room but those adventurous and inspiring spirits who will soar out, above and beyond.

John Rogers
Director of the Team and Leadership Center

Montreat College Professional Development Institute
310 Gaither Circle
Document Center Box 897
Montreat, NC 28757

828-669-8012 x 2761
jrogers@montreat.edu
www.TLC.montreat.edu

 

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Contact

John Rogers 
jrogers@montreat.edu 
828-669-8012, ext. 2761.