The assault course element brings your challenge to its physical and emotional climax. This is where participants really push their boundaries and experience the kind of obstacles that mirror some of the challenges refugees face. Choosing the right venue and approach makes this both safe and meaningful.
Professional assault course venues
Why professional venues are usually best:
- Equipment is designed, tested, and maintained for safety
- Staff are trained in supervising challenging activities
- Insurance and emergency procedures are already in place
- They understand how to create challenge while managing risk
- Often experienced in working with community groups
What to look for:
- Good reputation and safety record
- Willingness to work with your group’s specific needs
- Appropriate facilities (changing rooms, first aid, parking)
- Flexible approach to timing and group management
- Understanding of cultural and religious considerations
Finding assault course venues
Types of venues to consider
- Outdoor activity centres with assault courses
- Military-style training facilities that offer public sessions
- Adventure parks with obstacle course elements
- Scout camps or youth facilities with basic obstacle courses
- Some farms or rural venues offer custom obstacle experiences
Searching for venues
- Online search for “assault course + your area”
- Contact local outdoor activity providers
- Ask other community groups for recommendations
- Check with local councils for recommended activity providers
- Look at reviews and testimonials from similar groups
Questions to ask potential venues
Safety and supervision
- What qualifications do your instructors have?
- What safety equipment and procedures are in place?
- Can you provide female instructors if we request them?
- What’s your experience with groups who have religious/cultural requirements?
- How do you handle participants with different fitness levels?
Practical arrangements
- What’s included in the price (instruction, equipment, facilities)?
- Are there changing rooms and shower facilities?
- What happens if weather conditions are poor?
- Can you cater for dietary requirements if providing food?
- Is there parking available for our group?
Flexibility and customisation
- Can you adapt activities for participants wearing modest clothing?
- Are you experienced working with Muslim groups?
- Can activities be modified for different fitness levels?
- How do you handle participants who can’t complete certain obstacles?
- Can you incorporate educational elements about the purpose of our challenge?
Typical costs and what’s included
Price ranges
- Basic assault course sessions: £15-25 per person
- Full-day outdoor activity packages: £30-50 per person
- Custom group sessions: £25-40 per person
- Additional costs for transport, food, equipment hire
What’s usually included
- Safety briefing and instruction
- Use of obstacles and equipment
- Basic safety equipment (helmets if needed)
- Supervision throughout activities
- First aid cover during activities
Additional costs to consider
- Transport to and from venue
- Changing room and shower facilities (sometimes extra)
- Food and drinks (if not bringing your own)
- Photography or video services
- Equipment cleaning or damage deposits
Booking considerations
For different group sizes
Family and friends (up to 10):
- Many venues have minimum group sizes (often 10-15 people)
- May be able to join with other groups or pay minimum booking fee
- More flexibility on timing and customisation
- Often easier to accommodate specific requests
Community groups (20+):
- Good size for most venue standard packages
- Often eligible for group discounts
- Can request specific timing and arrangements
- May be able to negotiate on price for regular bookings
Larger events (40+):
- May need to split into smaller groups for safety
- Require more detailed planning and coordination
- Often get better rates per person
- Need advance booking and detailed arrangements
Working with venue staff
Briefing the venue about your group
Explain clearly:
- The charitable and educational purpose of your challenge
- Any cultural or religious considerations they should know about
- Fitness levels and age ranges in your group
- Specific outcomes you’re hoping to achieve
- How the assault course fits into your broader challenge
Requesting accommodations
Many venues can accommodate:
- Female instructors for women-only groups
- Modified activities for different fitness levels
- Timing that works around prayer times
- Respect for modest dress requirements
- Educational elements that connect to your cause
Alternative approaches
Creating your own obstacle course
If professional venues aren’t available or affordable:
- Use natural features (logs, streams, hills) as obstacles
- Create simple obstacles with basic materials
- Focus on teamwork challenges rather than complex equipment
- Ensure proper safety supervision and first aid cover
- Keep activities within your group’s capabilities
Hybrid approaches
Combine professional and DIY elements:
- Professional venue for complex obstacles
- Natural challenges during your walking route
- Simple team challenges you create yourself
- Mix of different activity types throughout the day
Safety considerations
Insurance and liability
- Professional venues usually have comprehensive insurance
- Check what your group insurance covers for different activities
- Understand liability arrangements and emergency procedures
- Ensure all participants understand risk and safety requirements
Supervision requirements
- Professional venues provide qualified supervision
- For DIY approaches, ensure adequate first aid cover
- Plan appropriate adult-to-participant ratios
- Have clear emergency procedures and communication
Risk assessment
- Professional venues will have conducted thorough risk assessments
- For DIY approaches, conduct your own assessment
- Consider participants’ fitness levels and any health conditions
- Plan modifications for those who can’t complete all activities
Cultural and religious considerations
Modest dress and activities
- Many activities can be completed while wearing modest clothing
- Some obstacles may need modification or alternatives
- Discuss specific concerns with venue staff beforehand
- Have changing facilities available if needed
Prayer time considerations
- Plan timing around prayer obligations
- Ensure appropriate facilities for prayer if needed
- Include non-praying participants during prayer times
- Be flexible about timing if prayers are needed during activities
Dietary considerations
- Check if venue provides food and whether it meets dietary requirements
- Plan for participants who may be fasting
- Bring appropriate food if venue catering isn’t suitable
- Consider timing of meals around activities
Making it meaningful
Connecting obstacles to refugee experiences
Work with instructors to:
- Explain how each challenge relates to refugee experiences
- Use rest periods for brief educational discussions
- Encourage reflection on temporary discomfort vs permanent hardship
- Connect successful completion to refugee resilience and determination
Group support and encouragement
- Emphasise teamwork and mutual support over individual achievement
- Celebrate effort and attempt rather than just completion
- Use challenges as opportunities for group bonding
- Help participants support each other through difficult moments
Booking and logistics
Advance planning
- Book 2-3 months ahead for popular venues and peak times
- Confirm arrangements in writing including any special requirements
- Plan transport and timing carefully
- Have backup dates in case of weather or other issues
Day-of logistics
- Arrive with time for briefings and preparation
- Bring emergency contacts and medical information
- Have appropriate clothing and equipment as advised by venue
- Be prepared for activities to take longer than expected
Follow-up
- Provide feedback to venue about your experience
- Maintain relationships with good venues for future events
- Share recommendations with other community groups
- Use experience to improve planning for future challenges
The assault course element can be the most memorable and transformative part of your challenge when done well. Professional venues usually provide the best combination of safety, challenge, and meaningful experience.
Don’t be put off by concerns about cost or cultural accommodation. Most good venues are experienced in working with diverse groups and can adapt their approach to meet your needs. The investment in a quality, safe, and meaningful assault course experience is usually well worth it for the impact it has on participants.