Teambuilding by Leadership Ventures

Providing superior experiential leadership programs in the Bay Area and Central Coast.

Experienced staff, creative programming, and the beauty of our surrounding redwood forest combined with our top priority, safety, make for a memorable day.

We create a unique program design for every group with professional facilitators ready to adapt any moment into a teachable and valuable experience.

Leadership Director
Erik McClain
D  650 747 1207

 

FAQ - Coming Soon!

    What should I wear/bring?

 

Forms - Coming Soon!

    Sample Schedules

    Waiver

What other groups have said

Rates

Link to Accomodations

 

 

high ropes cable walker

 

 

teens resting at stump at ropes course

spotters protecting tree climber

 

 

teens working together on mobile initiatives

 

 

forest trail climbing a ropes course tree

 

 

 

11000 Pescadero Road
La Honda, CA 94020
P 650 747 1200
F 650 747 0986
info@campjonesgulch.org

Use any combination of our courses.

Click a link below to go directly to information about that element.

Low Ropes Course High Ropes Course Mobile Team Challenge and Initiatives

 

Low Ropes Course

 

A series of engaging activities that combine the need for team unity, creative problem solving, and moderate physical challenge.

 

 

Participants will work together as a team to balance on wires, climb through spaces, use boards to create bridges…and more. The small groupings of 8 to 15 people will rely on safety training and activity goal focusing to eliminate risk for teammates 0 to 6 feet above the ground.

Our experienced professional facilitators will guide your group through a series of these activities that will progress in intensity as the day goes on. These staff members will provide entertainment as well as insight into the way that your group functions to solve problems in quick debriefing sessions throughout the experience.

Your retreat is designed uniquely for your group based upon pre-event conversation, observation, or survey analysis. Facilitators are trained to adapt to your group’s dynamics as the day progresses and change activities and scenarios as needed. This process will allow your group to benefit from a retreat that fits your desired outcomes and will help set the tone for the next step of the organization.



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High Ropes Course

 

Exhilarating! Be ready to climb large redwood trees and complete challenges aimed at improving self-confidence and positive risk taking.

  • Provides high perceived risk.  
  • Participants get the opportunity to challenge their perceptions of themselves and their team members.  
  • Practice setting goals and striving to reach them!  
  • Vanuatu awaits...

Gain confidence in yourself and your team's support when you leap from a 65-foot elevated diving board!

 

 

Activities

Individual climbers are assisted by their group members as they use a rope ladder and climbing holds to ascend our natural redwood tree activities. Upon reaching the top of the activity, between 25 and 75 feet above the ground, the participant will have the opportunity to traverse a cable, balance on a beam, or jump from a platform and reach for a goal.

Each event is hidden among our beautiful 10 acre site, allowing each small group of 8 to 15 people to focus on their experience while avoiding distraction from other small groups. This ideal course structure along with three separate large and small open areas allows us to accommodate groups up to 150 people at once, while allowing plenty of room for picnic lunches and outdoor discussion and meetings.

Safety

Leadership Ventures is regularly inspected by an ACCT(the most recognized national ropes course standard) accredited vendor and uses the strongest and most durable building supplies including galvanized steel cables, performance grade forged bolts,  and unique friction devices providing additional strength and consistently safer participant lowering.

We purchase top of the line full-body harnesses designed for safety and added comfort. Facilitators check harnesses, safety ropes, caribiners, and belay devices on a daily basis. Ropes are also logged by usage and wear and are replaced before national standard requires. The helmets used at Leadership Ventures protect the entire head while being versatile in terms of comfort.



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  Mobile Team Challenge & Initiatives

 

Using scenic outdoor spaces and indoor settings in close proximity to your office or school to provide groups with a refreshing dose of team synergy. 

 

 

Leadership Ventures gives you the opportunity to get any school grade or class, company management department, or youth group working together through the use mobile team games and challenges. We will pack up our large van full of fun activity supplies and bring it to your school, a local park, or one of our mobile sites in the Presidio of San Francisco and Point Bonita just across the Golden Gate Bridge.

These activities are ground based and include challenges like walking as a team on giant skis, moving objects as a group without touching them, silent and blindfolded communication events, and more. All challenges are inclusive and provide all members of your team the ability to participate.

 

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Low Ropes Course

A series of engaging activities that combine the need for team unity, creative problem solving, and moderate physical challenge.

Participants will work together as a team to balance on wires, climb through spaces, use boards to create bridges…and more. The small groupings of 8 to 15 people will rely on safety training and activity goal focusing to eliminate risk for teammates 0 to 6 feet above the ground.

Our experienced professional facilitators will guide your group through a series of these activities that will progress in intensity as the day goes on. These staff members will provide entertainment as well as insight into the way that your group functions to solve problems in quick debriefing sessions throughout the experience.

Your retreat is designed uniquely for your group based upon pre-event conversation, observation, or survey analysis. Facilitators are trained to adapt to your group’s dynamics as the day progresses and change activities and scenarios as needed. This process will allow your group to benefit from a retreat that fits your desired outcomes and will help set the tone for the next step of the organization.
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kids on team challenge circle of girls' team

Incorporating core values respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring while focusing on ways to develop leaders in your school.

Developing leadership skills aimed at improving your students' communication, trust, cooperation and creative problem solving skills.
Leadership Director
Erik McClain
D  650 747 1207

 

FAQ - Coming Soon!

    What should I wear/bring?

 

Forms - Coming Soon!

    Sample Schedules

    Waiver

What other groups have said

Rates

Link to Accommodations

Low Ropes Activity

11000 Pescadero Road
La Honda, CA 94020
P 650 747 1200
F 650 747 0986
info@campjonesgulch.org

We have a program design that is right for your group.

Choose according to your needs:

Leadership Field Games & In-School Leader Programs (3rd-8th Grade)

Low Ropes and Leadership Initiatives (5th Grade-12th Grade)

High Ropes Course (7th grade-12th grade)

 

Here are some of the benefits and unique features of choosing a ropes course or teambuilding program with Leadership Ventures:

  • Professional Facilitators and Staff with years of experience
  • Secluded redwood forest site
  • Program designed specifically for your group based on desired outcomes
  • Top of the line safety equipment
  • In-School information and activity day before ropes course
  • Quality outdoor lunches and comfortable cabin or camping style lodging available
 

Whether for a church group, agency, community club or organization, our outdoor-based experiential programs are designed for your group to build leadership skills and an improved sense of community.

Leadership Director
Erik McClain
D  650 747 1207

 

FAQ - Coming Soon!

    What should I wear/bring?

 

Forms - Coming Soon!

    Sample Schedules

    Waiver

What other groups have said

Rates

Link to Accommodations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11000 Pescadero Road
La Honda, CA 94020
P 650 747 1200
F 650 747 0986
info@campjonesgulch.org

Improve your community by building a stronger group.

Choose a program design that matches your group:

Leadership Field Games & In-School Leader Programs (3rd-8th Grade)

Low Ropes and Leadership Initiatives (5th Grade-12th Grade)

High Ropes Course (7th grade-12th grade)

 

Here are some of the benefits and unique features of choosing a ropes course or teambuilding program with Leadership Ventures:

  • Professional Facilitators and Staff with years of experience
  • Secluded redwood forest site
  • Program designed specifically for your group based on desired outcomes
  • Top of the line safety equipment
  • In-School information and activity day before ropes course
  • Quality outdoor lunches and comfortable cabin or camping style lodging available

 

starting to climb a rope ladder

 

Leadership Ventures provides opportunities for your group to build a better connection outside of the office using group development models, philosophy, business strategy, and individual assessment.

Enhance employees' leadership abilities in your board room or on the ropes course. Develop effective strategies for group management and creative solutions to improve your business.

Leadership Director
Erik McClain
D  650 747 1207

 

FAQ - Coming Soon!

    What should I wear/bring?

 

Forms - Coming Soon!

    Sample Schedules

    Waiver

What other groups have said

Rates

Link to Accommodations

 

 

11000 Pescadero Road
La Honda, CA 94020
P 650 747 1200
F 650 747 0986
info@campjonesgulch.org

There are four major contributing factors that make Leadership Ventures the best choice in the Bay Area for your company retreat or leadership training.

 

Professional Staff

LV boasts the most experienced and versatile facilitation staff in the Bay Area. With backgrounds and education in industrial psychology, business administration, computer technology, and education- our staff will connect with your group and be able to offer valuable insight into your current dynamic.

 

Scenic Settings

Our main facility is a secluded redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, one hour from San Francisco as well as San Jose and Santa Cruz. Leadership Ventures also has teambuilding sites at Point Bonita YMCA Conference Center with views of the bridge and coastline, and within the Presidio of San Francisco on lawns with panoramic bay views. We will also travel to your site and utilize outdoor areas or large meeting rooms.

 

Use of Technology

Ropes courses and teambuilding isn’t just about physical challenges and climbing trees. Through the use of online assessment tools and leadership models, we will be able to identify group strengths and weaknesses, giving you the ability to focus your retreat’s purpose and concentration.

 

Post Retreat Activities: Exciting attractions within short driving distance

  • Wine tasting at British Restaurant & Pub in La Honda- 5 minutes away
  • Coastal restaurants, golf, and hotels in Half Moon Bay- 30 minutes away
  • Conference, cabin, and dormitory style lodging on site and nearby- 5 minutes or less
 

We can bring the benefits and challenge of a ropes course to your board room, backyard, or field near you.

Using scenic outdoor spaces and indoor settings in close proximity to your office or school to provide groups with a refreshing dose of team synergy. 

Leadership Director
Erik McClain
D  650 747 1207

 

FAQ - Coming Soon!

    What should I wear/bring?

 

Forms - Coming Soon!

    Sample Schedules

    Waiver

What other groups have said

Rates

Link to Accommodations

 

 

11000 Pescadero Road
La Honda, CA 94020
P 650 747 1200
F 650 747 0986
info@campjonesgulch.org

A leadership development company that comes to you!

Leadership Ventures gives you the opportunity to get any school grade or class, company management department, or youth group working together through the use mobile team games and challenges. We will pack up our large van full of fun activity supplies and bring it to your school, local park, or one of our mobile sites in the Presidio of San Francisco and Point Bonita just across the golden Gate Bridge.

You get to choose the level of intensity as it is the goal of Leadership Ventures to provide an experience that is tailored to the needs of your group. Develop more respect for your colleagues’ strengths and become aware of their needs from you. Practice the art of positive communication amongst your students. Or realize the full potential of your sports team.

 

Leadership Ventures has mobile teambuilding sites near you!

Point Bonita YMCA Conference Center(Sausalito, CA)

En joy a picturesque view of the Golden Gate Bridge and rugged California coastline at this conference center just minutes across the bridge.  A variety of different outdoor lawns and spaces and four different sized meeting rooms provide an ideal setting, complimented by the possibility of snacks and meal service. 

 

Presidio of San Francisco

Our connection with the Presidio Community YMCA allows Leadership Ventures to utilize a number of different outdoor lawn spaces throughout the Presidio. Imagine taking in the incredible view of the Bay and Palace of Fine Arts while enjoying a beneficial leadership training session with your colleagues and teammates. Indoor meeting spaces are available and local catering companies provide the possibility for a great lunch.

 
belayer at the tower staff clipping in at high ropes reflection in sunglasses

Leadership Ventures hires only experienced and dynamic professionals, providing us with the most diverse and talented team in Bay Area leadership development.
Leadership Director
Erik McClain
D  650 747 1207

 

FAQ

    What should I wear/bring?

Employment Opportunities

 

Forms - Coming Soon!

    Sample Schedules

    Waiver

What other groups have said

Rates

Link to Accommodations

 

11000 Pescadero Road
La Honda, CA 94020
P 650 747 1200
F 650 747 0986
info@campjonesgulch.org

Marcus King - Director

A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management, Marcus has been facilitating Ropes Courses, Adventure Programs, and consulting Leadership and Organizational programs for over ten years. He has facilitated groups in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, California.

Leadership Ventures is the second adventure leadership company that Marcus has managed full-time, while working for and co-managing programs for a total of five companies throughout his career. He also specializes in leading workshops and training sessions for the YMCA, at camping conferences, and speaking at fundraisers.

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Allen Wagner

 Allen has been facilitating for Leadership Ventures for almost two years. He graduated from UC Santa Cruz and has been a small business manager in addition to working for a total of three professional teambuilding agencies as well as a local non-profit teen program. Allen has a total of 5 years of facilitation experience and continues to gain valuable knowledge in the field. He also has a medical certification of Wilderness First Responder.

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April Disheroon

April joined the Leadership Ventures team in late spring of 2009. She has gained extensive experience in the Adventure Education and Outdoor Education fields over the past decade. She has led programs for youth and adults in California and Colorado, working for a total of four different adventure leadership companies since 2001.

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Colin Disheroon

Colin came to Leadership Ventures in summer of 2009 bearing a diverse set of talents in the adventure leadership field. He has been active as a facilitator for the last ten years, working with youth and professional groups all over the state of California for a number of well respected companies . Also a passionate program designer and builder, Colin is accredited by the ACCT for his ropes course construction skills. He is also a fluent Spanish speaker.

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Roland Arostegui

As a graduate of the Jefferson Wilderness School, Roland has been facilitating programs at the YMCA Camp Jones Gulch ropes course for more than ten years. A native Spanish speaker, Roland also assists in the teaching of outdoor medical trainings as a certified Wilderness First Responder. Working professionally with older adults and being active in leadership programs for youth has left Roland with an array of experience in our field.

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Ross Johnson

 

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Sarah Schneider

 

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Shawn Moriarty

Shawn is a 20-year veteran in the fields of teambuilding, outdoor education, summer camps, and leadership development. He has facilitated programs for youth and adults from summer camps to Fortune 500 companies, built ropes and teambuilding courses, and trained hundreds of staff, all across America. "I wholeheartedly believe that if people engage themselves in a ropes course program to the best of their ability, they will get amazing results." When not working for Leadership Ventures, Shawn guides rock climbing groups and instructs wilderness skills in the Bay Area, as well as teaching Environmental Education.   

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Susan Chavez

Susan has been leading ropes course programs at the Camp Jones Gulch site for more than 30 years. She was in the second graduating class from the Jefferson Wilderness School and works professionally with older adults.

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