KARYAE - TEAM BUILDING

Welcome – Welcome to the new Karyae Park YMCA Outdoor Family Center. In the early 1920s, the Adelphotis Arahovitan Karyae fraternal order of the Carolinas aquired 52 acres of wilderness in Southwest Gaston County near the base of Crowders Mountain. During the years, this Greek organization created a beautiful park designed for their family gatherings. Many others from Gaston County and beyond have enjoyed numerous events, family reunions, and corporate functions. Since January 2005, the Gaston County Family YMCA continue this tradition  in collaboration for many years to come.      

Team Building

New for 2008!

Alpine Tower challenge course

The Tower can be used for individuals and partners and presents the same challenges as rock climbing and high ropes course elements. This programming option addresses the same objectives as the group initiatives (due to the climber/belayer relationship) as well as self-esteem and encouraging others to do their best.

The toower provides an intense partnering experience which dramatically highlights objectives of teamwork, cooperation, trust, communication, adventure, and probably most important of all - compassion. The true potential of the Alpine Tower experience is reached when partners from differing cultural backgrounds develop compassion, care, respect, and understanding of each other due to the fact that their safety depends on working together toward a common goal.

Saftey

The actual Tower structure analysis was performed by Utility Technology Engineers-Consultants. Their in-depth report covers wood preservative treatment, lightning protection system, structural analysis, wind loads, guy cables, bolt connections, and weight loads. The findings indicate that the Alpine Tower design is incredibly strong and capable of withstanding extremely high wind loads (100 mph), as well as tremendous weight (twelve 400 lb. people climbing on the Tower). Since introducing the Alpine Tower concept over ten years ago, there are now a large number of organizations around the country conducting experiences on the Tower.

Low ropes challenge course

The low ropes challenge course is designed for groups of 8 or more people to work together, building trust, commuincations skills, and teamwork. It is perfect experience for high school athletic teams, executive groups, church leaders, youth clubs, and civic organizations working to build a stronger group.

Some groups participating in the ropes course in 2005 include the Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Gaston (see below), the Commissioner's School, Sadler Elementary 5th graders, and Ashbrook High School's Teen Leadership students.

Groups will plan a three to six hour course especially designed to meet the needs of the group. Our challenge course includes teambuilding games and activities, along with the following group elements:

Location: 4227 South Linwood Rd., Gastonia, NC 28052.  Link to map

To schedule a tour or for more information, call Steve D'Avria at (704) 865-2193 or click here for an information request/hold the date form. Please fax back to Steve D'Avria at (704) 864-9710 and he will follow up on your request.

Download an Activity Release Form

Directions

From Downtown Gastonia, take Franklin Blvd-US 74 to South  Linwood Road approximately 5 miles. The Outdoor Center will be on your left before Camp Rotary Road. From other areas, please contact the Central YMCA at (704) 865-8551.

Cost

Cost per group depends on the number of people and hours for the program.  Contact Kimberly Bell at (704) 865-2193 or kbell@gastonymca.org.