The Sequential Approach
A groups and/or individuals learning and development follows a sequential process and the effectiveness and mastery at one level contributes to each subsequent level. Each level can be viewed as both an outcome and a phase of group development.

• Level 1: Goal Setting
• Level 2: Awareness
• Level 3: Trust
• Level 4: Cooperative Activities
• Level 5: Group Challenge
• Level 6: Extended Challenge
• Level 7: Application

Level 2: AWARENESS
Awareness activities are designed to assist participants in feeling more comfortable in their group environment and to appreciate the relationship between peers. This level also may be utilized to open discussion pertaining to the scope of issues before the group. The defining of the issues is directly tied into the goals and the measurement components of the program.

Level 3: TRUST
Trust activities focus on one-to-one as well as group trust. While the purpose of some activities is to support other group members, other trust activities are designed toward intellectual trust. Trust is an element of a successful team.

Level 4: COOPERATIVE
The activities at this level are designed to give the participants a sense of accomplishment through cooperation and to develop group cohesion. Groups work together in accomplishing activity goals.

Level 5: GROUP CHALLENGE
Activities are "problem solving" in nature and metaphors are drawn to tie the experience to the participants lives. Common linking points are back to family, school, or a sports team. Groups have to work together and problem solve in order to find a solution. Efficiency, quality, and speed are managed by a group's ability to interact, utilizing group members' skills. Cooperation, communication, group decision making, conflict management, trust, and leadership are benefits of this level.

Level 6: EXTENDED CHALLENGE
"Challenge" is defined differently for members of a group. Because of this, individual needs must be met to provide meaningful challenge experiences. These activities encourage participants to stretch themselves beyond perceived limits by facing challenge in a perceived risk environment, typically through the high ropes course. Participants experience an increased sense of competency, risk taking ability, leadership behavior, and the value of group support. Self-esteem is a great benefit here as participants often exceed what they think they can do. Examples: Zip Line, Leap of Faith, Pirate's Crossing, Postman's Walk, Balance Log, or a Tension Traverse to name a few.

Level 7: APPLICATION
Structuring and implementing a follow-up phase after a group's experience is an important step to ensure that ongoing results are obtained. As an automobile requires maintenance, so does a team. Reflection, evaluation, and goal review become critical for the learning process.

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