Taking the Werner Mazda Challenge Course with Easterseals
On a recent Friday at the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, I found myself about 30 feet in the air, gripping a pole and contemplating a narrow log suspended over an empty space. From the ground, everything had seemed much simpler.
Despite not usually being afraid of heights, my heartbeat quickened. I was secured in a harness with a team member from UNH’s Browne Center belaying below. That morning, I had joined a group of community and business leaders to experience the newly opened Werner Mazda Challenge Course, designed to serve military members, veterans, and first responders while also facilitating corporate team-building activities.
During a stroll through the campus, Easterseals NH CEO Maureen Beauregard shared her vision for the facilities, including future plans for an indoor climbing wall. She highlighted the transformative potential of the challenge course, which aims to foster trust and connection among participants. Beauregard believes that such experiences contribute to a broader therapeutic ecosystem that includes equine therapy, art programs, and more.
The course is designed for corporate retreats as much as for personal growth. “We need to sell half to support the mission,” she noted, referring to the necessity of financial sustainability for veteran services.
As the day began, we engaged in team-building exercises that focused on trust and support. One activity involved balancing a ball on a ring held by strings, requiring us to move as a cohesive unit with minimal communication. The sense of connection quickly deepened among us, fostering familiarity.
By the time we prepared to climb, the bonds we had formed were palpable. Standing 30 feet up on the log, I reflected on the significance of the moment: my thoughts shifted to those I care about—friends, family, and colleagues. With the wind rustling around me, I was reminded of the importance of support as I stepped out onto the log, ready to walk forward.
