Adventure Centre
About Us
It is the Adventure Centre’s philosophy that the best teams are made through shared experiences and a willingness to take intentional risks. With input from you the Adventure Centre creates experiential programming geared toward social and emotional learning, self-reflection, personal growth, team cohesion, and team development. Since 1972 we have been on the cutting edge of the development of experiential education in the United States. The Adventure Centre works with a variety of teams, challenging individuals to think creatively, listen intentionally, and communicate openly to grow together.
Our Personalized Approach
Each program at the Adventure Centre is uniquely designed to fit your training needs. We believe social-emotional competency is one of the keys to unlocking the full potential of any team. Whether you are the coach of a collegiate sports team looking for team unity, a corporate executive trying to build a strong team, or a teacher who wants to broaden their students’ experiences outside the classroom, we can design an approach to meet your expected outcomes. We begin with a consultation. You will have an opportunity to tell us about your group and its desired training style and outcomes. We want to know who is coming and what you are hoping to achieve through a program with us. We can discuss your intended timeline, length of program, dining needs, and all other details associated with your program. Through this discussion, Adventure Centre staff will create a personalized program itinerary that incorporates your group’s specific needs and expected outcomes.
Your group’s program may include any of the following:
Cooperative Games
We have a number of wonderful activities that do not require harnesses or ropes; they’re done right on the ground. Since these elements are also portable, we can bring them to you!
Low Rope Initiatives
This series of challenges are set close to the ground. They’re great for enhancing teamwork and communication, and solving these elements takes full participation from your group.
Group Olympics
This program incorporates many cooperative games designed to challenge participants through friendly competition. This is an ideal activity for groups with a broad range of physical ability levels.
Indoor and Outdoor High Ropes Courses
Set at varying heights, our ropes courses allow members of your team to progress through various challenges and elements. This is a powerful shared experience for your group.
Climbing Tower
Our climbing tower creates a challenge for an individual participant, while their colleagues remain vitally involved on the ground. It is great for enhancing trust.
Giant Swing
The giant swing is an all-ages activity that provides opportunities for group members to rely on their team and to practice goal setting.
Crate Stacking
Crate stacking is an all-ages activity that focuses on team awareness, problem solving, and cooperation.
Squirrel Climb
The Squirrel Climb is an all-ages activity that enables participants to be self-reflective and to set goals for themselves.
Paddling on the Lake
Going for a paddle can be a rejuvenating solo activity OR it can be a cooperative problem-solving challenge with a partner. Either way, Pretty Lake itself is the star of this all-ages activity.
Boxcar Derby
This is a great activity for builders and problem solvers! Participants must construct a functioning boxcar from minimal materials and race.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Can I come to the Adventure Centre in the winter?”
Yes! We have an indoor high ropes course, climbing wall, and several other adventure activities inside our gym. Most of our program options can be done indoors, and we would be happy to discuss those possibilities in your program consultation.
“What should I wear to the Adventure Centre?”
Most programs at the Adventure Centre take place outside in the woods. All participants MUST wear closed-toe shoes. We also recommend comfortable clothing suitable for physical activities. You can view a detailed list of what to wear/what to bring here, insert link.
“What is the age limit for the Adventure Centre?”
The Adventure Centre can provide age-appropriate programming to groups starting at 7th grade (approximately 12-13 years old) on the outdoor course, and 5th grade on the indoor courseIf you have a group that is younger, our Education Department specializes in programming for younger folks. Please visit our Education page here, insert link, for more details.
“What is the size limit for groups who want to come to the Adventure Centre?”
The maximum size group we can accommodate at one time is 120 people, the recommended minimum is 8. If your group is larger than 120 people, we can brainstorm with you on scheduling options. Please contact the Adventure Centre and we can discuss options!
“Is lunch included in the program cost?”
The cost of meals is not in the programming cost. Pretty Lake has an outstanding chef and meal service options. You can view detailed meal service information here, insert link. You are also welcome to provide your own food from an outside source. You can discuss meal options during your program consultation with the Adventure Centre Director.
“Do you have space where we can have a meeting before/after the program?”
Yes! We have meeting spaces to accommodate most groups. You can view detailed retreat information here, insert link. You can discuss your team’s needs during your program consultation, and the Adventure Centre Director will incorporate them into your personalized program itinerary.
“What if I want my group to stay overnight?”
No problem! Pretty Lake Camp has overnight accommodations to suit most groups. From our beautiful Retreat Centre to rustic campsites, and everything in between, we have something for everyone. Please see our Retreating page for more details about accommodations, insert link. You can discuss overnight accommodations with the Adventure Centre Director during your program consultation, and they will be incorporated into your personalized program itinerary.
Costs and Scheduling
The Adventure Centre serves a key function in the advancement of Pretty Lake’s mission to provide life-changing experiences through cost free summer camp and experiential education. Revenue generated by the Adventure Centre directly supports our cost free summer camp, and we are grateful to every client who chooses to come to the Adventure Centre.
Additionally, we have a three-tiered pricing system designed to help keep our programs affordable for most groups.
Half-Day Program | Full-Day Program | |
Non-Profit Groups | $55 per person | $95 per person |
Collegiate Groups | $65 per person | $100 per person |
Corporate Groups | $75 per person | $110 per person |
Program scheduling at the Adventure Centre is done on a first come, first-served basis. We do programs 7 days a week, 50 weeks a year. We recommend contacting us with as much advance notice as possible to ensure you get the dates you want.
The busiest time of year at the Adventure Centre is the beginning of the school year, August-October. We recommend contacting us at least 6 months in advance if you want to schedule a program during that time.
To check availability, ask more questions, or schedule a program consultation, please submit the form below and a representative from the Adventure Centre will contact you. OR you can email the Adventure Centre Director, Maggie Walters, directly at maggie@prettylakecamp.org.
Maggie Walters (she/her/hers) has been at Pretty Lake in one capacity or another since 2008, and has served the community as the Adventure Centre Director since May 2021. Before joining our team full time, Maggie was a special education teacher. She also spent several years inspecting and training on challenge courses. For many years, Maggie was a part-time Adventure Centre facilitator, where she worked with a variety of groups acquiring years of experience and knowledge about teams and team development. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys woodworking, hiking and camping, and spending time with her dog and cat, Benjamin and Thomas.
Contact Pretty Lake Camp Adventure Centre
Map & Directions
Where is Pretty Lake Camp located?
Pretty Lake Camp is located just ten minutes from Kalamazoo (southwest of the I-94/US-131 interchange) on Q Avenue in Texas Township.