Challenge Courses (or ropes courses) are a progression of low team-based elements and high challenge elements built in the trees using cables, ladders and ropes. .These “elements” use physical, emotional and mental challenges that employ both human and rope safety systems to encourage team development, support, trust, leadership and personal goal-setting.

For over twenty five years our flagship program, the Fort Miley Adventure Challenge Course has fostered a fun, safe and positive environment in which individuals and groups may work together to develop confidence, trust, support, communication, cooperation and leadership skills. Fort Miley is located in the “Lands End” area of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. PLI operates different courses around the Bay Area and offers half-day, full-day, play day, and multi-day challenge course programs, all tailored to different groups and their goals. We have over 40 elements to choose from and can tailor programs to meet specific organizational goals. Our programs use accredited safety systems and standards, and includes well-trained leaders to facilitate a fun, supportive and inspiring adventure with a positive message.

Our Adventure Challenge Course at Fort Miley hosts 250 different groups each year. We schedule private programs for groups seven days week, year-round. Programs' costs depend on the group's size, affiliation and program length/depth. Program options include:

• 3.5-hour half day programs
• 6.5-hour full day programs
• Combination program in conjunction with other PLI programs
• Leadership trainings and volunteer opportunities
• Monthly Community Open-Play Days

• Group of 10 or more required to reserve a private program; we can also accommodate much larger groups
• Minimum 5 th grade classes (10 years of age) required on the challenge course
• PLI/Fort Miley requires 2 weeks notice to reserve any programs
• $200 deposit towards the balance is required to reserve a program
• PLI/ Fort Miley require every participant to complete a release form prior to participation. All forms must be present at the program in order to participate.
• Release forms must be signed by a parent/guardian for all participants under 18 years of age

The ropes course has been consistently successful in challenging and motivating participants to achieve more and work together in new and creative ways. Programs are designed to use physical, mental and emotional challenges to encourage collaboration, self-esteem, leadership, teamwork, support and achieving beyond your goals. Our programs operate under a “challenge by choice” philosophy, meaning participants can choose their own levels of personal challenge. The process of “choosing” will empower participants to leave their “comfort zone” to test their limits and build essential life skills. These skills, experiences, and values gained can transfer to impact not only your program but the lives of participants in positive and inspirational ways.

Ft. Miley uses state of the art equipment and safety standards, which are accredited and approved by the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). All construction is completed by professionals, complies with industry standards, and is inspected on an annual basis Our technical system, operated by our highly trained facilitators, consists of cables, ropes, helmets, harnesses, trees and the natural environment in general. This system, however, only covers about half of the safety system necessary on the course. We also develop the human side of the safety system where we work on the trust, support and positive encouragement needed to challenge groups we work with in a physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe environment.

What to Bring:

Fort Miley is a completely outdoor course on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in the GGNRA San Francisco and is consistently foggy and cold all year round. We have no water or indoor facilities on site and no place close to get a snack or lunch. Therefore, it is essential that groups come prepared with warm clothes and any food or drinks. We recommend groups and participants are prepared by wearing/bringing:

• Old shoes or light hiking boots that can get dirty (no open toe shoes allowed)
• Comfortable long pants
• Layers of shirts, sweaters or sweatshirts
• Jacket
• “Beanie” style hat and gloves may help in keeping you warm.
• Food and beverages; or PLI can provide for an additional fee, ask for details.

Directions:

Fort Miley is located in the GGNRA between the Pacific Ocean and Veteran's hospital, at the corner of El Camino Del Mar and Seal Rock Drive ( 48 th Ave / Geary Blvd. ) in the 4 acres of trees behind the houses. There is plenty of parking, a lawn and picnic area, and accessible by car or bus.

By Car:
From any direction into San Francisco, go west down Geary Blvd. and turn right at the stoplight for El Camino Del Mar, (if you left it is 48 th Ave.) at the Seal Rock Inn. Continue down El Camino Del Mar past the stop sign at Seal Rock Dr. approximately 50 yards on the right side in the trees will be the course. Park along side the road and walk up the small service road going uphill for the starting point.

By Bus:
The MUNI 38/Point Lobo line and the 18 line both have stops within a block of the course. These lines intersect routes from all over, check MUNI schedules and stops for precise details.

Policies:

Cancellation Policy
Groups canceling 30-days prior to a course reservation will be granted a full refund less the deposit. Groups canceling 15-days prior to their course date will receive a refund less 50% of total course fees. No refund will be granted for cancellations 14-days or less to their course date.

Rescheduling Policy
There is a fee of 20% of the course balance to reschedule any program.

Rain Concerns
Due to the unpredictability of Bay Area weather, we do not cancel a program until the day of your scheduled program. We are located under an umbrella of trees sheltering us from most of the weather allowing us to make the safety decision at the course. In the event we cancel the program, your course will be rescheduled at no additional charge. If a group decides to cancel or reschedule prior to the reserved date, there may be a fee.

At Fort Miley , we believe in the increased benefits which can only come from learning to lead these programs. Our leadership progression prepares people to lead our programs and use these skills throughout their lives. Our programs have always been run by a dynamic core of staff, volunteers and youth coming from “all walks of life”, what they all have in common is a commitment to the process of leadership, a sense of adventure, and an investment in building a stronger community.

PLI offers two ways of preparing individuals for a leadership development experience. First we deliver two challenge course trainings every year giving participants the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to start leading our programs. We also offer training interns opportunities where participants learn these skills directly on the course and give us a commitment to an agreed upon number of days of service leading our programs. For more details refer to PLI Workshops and Trainings page.

Open Day Costs (per person):

Youth and students: $25.00.
Adults: $35.00.

We do require pre-registration and payment to hold a spot on these programs, and day of registration based on availability. PLI will only organize Community Open Day programs if a minimum of 10 participants reserve spots in advance.

To register please complete the Community Open Day Registration Form and return it with your payment. Checks may be made out to: “Fort Miley Adventure Ropes Course.” Registration is taken on a first come, first served basis with a minimum registration of 10 participants for us to set up a play-day.

Bring release forms to the challenge course. Each person must have a signed release form with them at the course in order to participate. Parents/guardians must sign for participants under 18 years of age and accompany those under 16 years.