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Outdoor Experiences

Discover Nature. Find Challenge. Grow Together.

Outdoor Education

"Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives." - Thomas Berry - Priest, Author, and Teacher

At Gretna Glen we want to make it simple to find a program that is the right fit for your group. We contact you individually to discuss the contents and schedule of your program. Groups can focus on any combination of the categories below:
• Pond/Aquatic Studies
• Guided Nature Hikes
• Outdoor Living Skills
• Nature Crafts
• Teambuilding Adventures
• Animal Studies
• Boating
• Archery
• Pioneer Living
• Open Rec/ Free Play
• S.T.E.M.
• Outdoor Cooking
For a one-day field trip, there can be 3-4 one hour long class sessions. Programs can be applied directly to the Pennsylvania Education Standards.

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Outdoor Education

Challenge Courses

Challenge Courses at Gretna Glen

Challenge Courses at Gretna Glen
Experienced———Accredited———Trusted———for over 20 years

“Smooth Seas never made skilled sailors.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt


We utilize our challenge courses to help groups and individuals experience community, and be challenged in a safe, and constructive environment. When we challenge ourselves, we grow. The same principle applies to your team or group. Programs can be two hours, two days, or spreadout over a number of weeks. Participants return home with the ability to apply lessons learned at Gretna Glen to real life situations and transform them into individual and group success! We will work to make the experience a fit for your group and your goals.

Whether you’re encouraging each other through the most challenging part of a High Ropes element, or you’re problem solving a new obstacle on the Teambuilding course, there is something at Gretna Glen for everyone.

*Combine teambuilding and high ropes to provide a truly unforgettable experience.
*We suggest a minimum of 2 hours and 8 participants for all of our challenge course experiences.
Our Climbing Tower and Personal Challenge Course can accommodate guests as young as 8 years old (3rd grade). Our other challenge course opportunities like Teambuilding and High Ropes are designed for participants who are at least 12 years old (6th grade).

Teambuilding & Personal Challenge Course


Keeping balance and staying afloat! Retrieving a rope which will unlock a fun new adventure! Supporting each other as you reach your next goal! Using creativity, skill, and cooperation, your team must navigate through a series of challenges set by your facilitator. Like an obstacle course meets an escape room, you won’t know every activity coming your way. Throughout the program, your facilitator will work to keep everyone engaged, and use teachable moments to discuss things like: trust, communication, positivity, cooperation, and more.

Climbing Tower & High Ropes Challenge Course

Participants (protected by a harness, rope, and belay system) will experience the pinnacle of individual challenge, all while being guided by our well-trained and highly qualified staff.

Our certified High Ropes Course elements are 20-60 feet off the ground, set in trees, and poles. Our 35 foot Climbing Tower has 3 sides with many opportunities for success and challenge. Group cooperation and involvement is a pivotal part of the experience as we support each other through individual and multi-person challenges. Participants enjoy traversing, climbing, leaping, balancing, and pushing our perceived limits for the experience of a lifetime.

Our Vision

Gretna Glen is a Christian (United Methodist) Camp and Retreat Center located just east of Hershey amidst the beautiful forest and streams of Mt. Gretna, PA. With 200 acres of rolling landscape, we celebrate the opportunity for groups of every type and background to enjoy and explore the wonders of Creation at Gretna Glen.

Gretna Glen promotes outdoor education to its fullest potential by using the outdoors as our playground, classroom and teacher.
Gretna Glen creates original programs for every group in order to optimize the potential for success. Group goals, interests, and abilities help us design a program appropriate for you.

Our site allows your program to be designed as a day event, field trip, or overnight retreat with lodging and food service available. Programing for school-age classes, youth groups, athletic teams, student committees, corporate organizations———we do it ALL!

Pricing


Call or e-mail us today and we will provide you with a custom quote that fits the needs of your program.

 This pricing guide is a preview of some of the options for your event at Gretna Glen. We customize every event to meet the needs of your group. Please call our office to get a quote for your special event.

Outdoor Experience Pricing