Before You Arrive

Before You Arrive
Thank you for joining us for the 2016 Father/Son Challenge at Doe River Gorge! This pre-arrival information
sheet is designed to answer questions as you prepare for this exciting weekend. Should you have any
questions after reviewing this, please feel free to call us at 423.725.4010 or email
[email protected]. We look forward to seeing you on September 16!
Your Online Account
Before your arrival, you must go online and complete the Health Form, Terms and Conditions, and pay your balance. To login to
your online account, simply visit our website at www.doerivergorge.com, click on “My Account” at the top of the page, and login.
Health Form
Doe River Gorge must collect health forms for you and your son prior to your arrival date. A physician’s visit is not necessary to
complete the medical forms, however, we do need the dates of your last tetanus shots.
Terms and Conditions
You must sign the Financial Terms and Conditions, the Release Indemnification/Hold Harmless Agreement, and the Transportation
Consent for each person attending the Father/Son Challenge. This form also includes a publicity permission section (allowing us to
use photographs of you and your son in our promotional materials).
Balance Due
The balance of the registration fee will be due to Doe River Gorge prior to your arrival date and can be paid on your online account. If
you have any questions or concerns regarding this method of payment, please feel free to contact us.
Cancellations
It is understandable that plans are altered due to unforeseen circumstances. If your plans do change, our cancellation policy is as
follows:
 100% of registration fees and payment are transferable to a previously unregistered guest.



Cancellations more than 30 days prior to event receive a full refund.
Cancellations between 10 and 30 days prior to the event receive a refund less the $50 registration fee.
Cancellations less than 10 days prior to the event are ineligible for a refund.
Roommate Requests
If you have a roommate request and have not already requested it, you may do so on your account online. Although roommate
requests are granted based on availability and cannot be guaranteed, Doe River Gorge will make every effort to honor them if
possible.
Linens
For those participants traveling by airline who wish to reduce baggage charges, Doe River Gorge can provide a linen package for $10
per person. This package includes a mattress pad, fitted sheet, top sheet, blanket, bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth. (A limited
number of pillows are available. Please bring your own pillow if possible.)
Special Needs Assistance
If you or your son have specific needs, such as dietary, physical, behavioral, or emotional needs, please make indications on your
health forms. This information will be relayed to the appropriate staff members in order to provide the best experience for you and your
son.
Late Arrivals
Please make your best efforts to arrive during check-in hours 4:00pm-6:00pm. If for some reason you will not be able to arrive during
this time, please call our office at 423.725.4010.
Need Directions?
Download directions at http://www.doerivergorge.com/directions.php
While You’re Here
Check-In
Check-in is at 4:00pm on Friday, September 16. Please make your best effort to arrive at 4:00pm. If, for some reason, you will not
be able to arrive at this time, please call our office at 423.725.4010 and leave a message that includes your name, cell phone number,
and your estimated time of arrival. Please come dressed and prepared to jump right into outdoor adventure activities.
Level of Physical Activity
While our activities are designed to be challenging both physically and mentally, each participant is encouraged to participate at their
level of comfort or ability with the “Challenge by Choice” philosophy. Each participant will have the opportunity to choose activities in
which they can participate, starting at arrival on Friday evening. Feel free to contact the Program Services with any questions at
[email protected].
Outside Communication
Should someone need to get a message to you while you are here, they may call 423.725.3906 to reach the staff member on call.
Outgoing phone calls should be limited to emergencies or during scheduled breaks so as to not disturb the flow of the weekend.
Health & Safety
Our outstanding safety record in working with groups for many years demonstrates that we give TOP priority to safety. While danger is
inherent in any adventure activity, Doe River Gorge seeks to minimize that danger through well-designed courses, top-of-the-line
equipment, and well-trained staff. All adventure courses are professionally designed and independently inspected. Staff members are
certified in Heartsaver First Aid with CPR and AED. Doe River Gorge maintains an infirmary that is staffed by a licensed nurse or other
trained medical professional. As preparation in case of an emergency, Doe River Gorge maintains a close relationship with the local
EMS and Wings Air Rescue.
We allow fathers to keep medications for his family in his personal belongings. We keep a supply of over-the-counter remedies in our
infirmary in case you or your son need treatment.
Insurance
Doe River Gorge provides limited secondary insurance coverage for accidents and illnesses (excluding pre-existing conditions) which
occur while engaged in one of our programs. In the event of an accident or illness, our staff will take immediate action to obtain proper
medical treatment.
Withdrawal
Refunds will not be made for those who withdraw before the end of the weekend except in cases of physical illness or emergency (this
does not include homesickness), in which case $50 per missed day will be refunded. Doe River Gorge reserves the right to dismiss
anyone without refund whose conduct is not in the best interest of other participants.
When You Leave
Departure
Departure will be at 2:00pm after a banquet on Sunday, September 18.
Doe River Gorge Outfitters
The Doe River Gorge Outfitters Store will be open on departure day so you can purchase last minute souvenirs or other items.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found items will be on tables located on the way into the luggage pick up tent. Please be sure to check this table for any
items you have lost. We want to help you leave with everything you brought. Doe River Gorge is not responsible for lost, stolen or
misplaced articles. Items left behind will be held for one week only, then donated to charity.
Staying Connected
Don’t let the Doe River Gorge experience end! Stay connected by receiving emails on upcoming happenings at Doe River Gorge,
including information on next year’s Father/Son Challenge, summer camp, other programs, and information to help you and your son
grow in your relationship with God and with each other. You can also stay up-to-date by following Doe River Gorge on Facebook and
Twitter.
www.doerivergorge.com
What To Bring
How to Pack
Please pack all items in soft-shell luggage or duffle bag, if possible, for easy storage (2 bags maximum per person, please!). Be sure
to label ALL ITEMS clearly using nametags, labels or marker, to ensure things return home with you!
All Attendees Bring:


















Sleeping Bag OR Twin XL sheets and 1 Blanket
Pillow and Pillowcase
Bath Towel and Wash Cloth
Soap, Shampoo, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Toiletries
Pajamas
Underwear and Socks (lots)
1-2 Pairs Athletic/Tennis Shoes
Flip-Flops (for shower)
Windbreaker or Jacket, and hooded Raincoat or Poncho
Swimming Trunks & Beach Towel
4 Changes of Clothes
Shorts and T-shirts
Long Pants and Long-sleeved Shirts
1 pair of clothes that can get very muddy and possibly thrown away
Flashlight
Laundry Bag and a separate bag for wet clothes
Bible, Pen, Journal or Notebook
Prescription Medicine in original container with instructions
Optional:
 Hat, Bandana, Water Bottle, Camera, Nose or Ear Plugs for water, Spending Money, Footballs, Frisbees, etc.

Synthetic Underwear (tops & bottoms), Socks, and/or Wetsuit if you would like to do river or caving activities

Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Bug Spray
Prohibited Items:





Handheld Games, Laptops
Radio, CD Player, MP3 Player or iPod
Food, Gum, Energy Drinks
Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco Products, Illegal Drugs
Knives, Firearms, Fireworks
*Although not prohibited, jewelry, valuables, and cash are discouraged. Doe River Gorge cannot be held responsible for these
items in the event of loss or theft.
Special Items for Specific Activities
Some activities may require additional gear. Doe River Gorge provides safety gear and equipment for all programs, although
participants are welcome to bring their own gear if they already own it (there is no need to make special purchases).
Activity Map - Saturday, 1:15-6:15
Doe River Gorge - Father/Son Challenge
(See other side for information on times, and limitations)
Outfitters Shop and Equipment Service
START your Mission HERE! Get your tickets for ticketed
activities here. Fishing gear is also available here!
*Skeet
Meet at the
UNIMOG for a
ride to the range.
1:15-2:45 &
3:15-4:45
UNIMOG
1:45 ride meets
at the Depot.
3:45, 5:00 &
5:45 rides at
the lake.
The Via
Dolorosa
1:15-3:45
Bench Craft
Lower Big Top
”Game
Room”
Ping Pong, Chess
& Checkers)
The Lake
3:30-6:15. Includes: the
BLOB, triple ziplines, the
inflatables, and our NEW
ROCK CLIMBING WALL!
*SRX
*Via
Ferratta
Meet at the
speeder.
1:15-3:45
1:15-4:45
*Paintball
Hike up the road
above the lake.
1:15-3:15
Rappelling
(meet at the bottom of the
rappel inside the tunnel)
1:15-3:30
The Way
with
Rappel
1:15-3:15
Plaza Games
(Octaball, Corn Hole,
Volleyball, & Disc Golf
Putting –OR– Take a Disc
Out on the *Course)
*Ticketed Activities
Activity Descriptions & Schedule
Saturday Sept. 17, 2016
With the Flex-Time schedule, which includes both “Event Style” &
“Ticketed” activities, you can arrange your activities in a variety of
ways to match your energy and desire to participate.
The following are “Ticketed” Activities offered at various times on Saturday
Only (see each below). Tickets are free and 1st -come, 1st-served basis at the
Outfitters Store on Friday from 4:00-7:30 and on Saturday from 1:15-3:15
Paintball —10 years old & up (mask must properly fit.) One, session from 1:15-3:15. Coat your dad in
paint! He’ll love it! Loose fitting long pants & long-sleeved shirt suggested. BDU camos would be
GREAT!! Hike directly to the Paintball Field to arrive by 1:15 for the briefing.
Sliding Rock Express— 12 years old & up and under 225 lbs. One, session from 1:15-3:45. “Fly” over
the beautiful Doe River as you Zipline down this amazing high adventure challenge. Meet at the Speeder
Car at the 1st Tunnel.
Skeet Shooting/Unimog—Two, 1.5 hour sessions from 1:15-2:45 & 3:15-4:45. Meet at the UNIMOG
at the front of the Depot. After an introduction to Skeet Shooting, compete in the best of 10 shots to test
your patience and accuracy. Choose between a .410 or 12 gauge depending on your abilities. (Note: The
Unimog has a 225 lbs. max weight limit)
Via Ferrata—12 years old & up. Strong Climbing ability highly recommended! One, 3-4 hour session
from 1:15-4:45 (estimated). Try out one of our most challenging courses as you travel “The Iron Way”
across the Doe River & along the cliffs above it. Meet at the tunnel to take the Speeder out at 1:15.
The following are “Event” Activities (no ticket needed).
Rappelling—10 years old & up. 1:15-3:30. Rappel down our 90 foot cliff face beside your dad! Meet
inside the tunnel for your gear.
UNIMOG Rides —under 225 lbs. Meet at the Depot at 1:45, and by the lake at *3:45, 5:00, & 5:45.
The Way with Rappel—1:15-3:15. Cross our 250 foot long swinging bridge and then free rappel off of
the deck 65 feet up in the air! After you finish this, it’s a natural transition to climb The Via Dolorosa!
The Via Dolorosa—1:15-3:45.Our vertical challenge course is known as “the Way of Suffering”
because it is such an amazing challenge! Come give it a try with your dad...maybe race him to the top!
The Lake: 3:30-6:15.
Includes The BLOB, Triple ziplines, The SideTrack Café, The UNIMOG (* see ride times above) and
the NEW Rock Climbing Wall!
Also Available All Weekend: Disc Golf, Ping Pong, Chess & Checkers,
Sand Court Volleyball, Tetherball, Corn Hole, Soccer, Octaball, and Fishing (Gear available at
Outfitters Store)
(see map for locations.)
Activity Map - Friday, 4:00-7:30
Doe River Gorge - Father/Son Challenge
(See other side for information and limitations)
Outfitters Shop and Equipment Service
START your Mission HERE! Fishing gear is available here!
Make a plan for all your Saturday activities as well
Technical
Tree Climb
Meet at the UNIMOG for
RIFLERY & ARCHERY. Runs roughly every 45
minutes starting at 4PM. Last crew to depart to
the Ranges at 6:15 & last ride to depart from
the ranges at 7:00. 1st Come, 1st Served!
Horseback
Rides
Disc Golf Course
Bench
The Quad
Leap of
Faith
Craft
Lower Big-Top
Game
Room
(Ping Pong, Chess
& Checkers)
Plaza Games
(Octaball, Corn Hole,
Volleyball, & Disc Golf
Putting –OR– Take a Disc
Out on the *Course)
Soccer
Tetherball
 Activities also
available on Saturday
Activity Descriptions & Schedule
Friday Sept. 16, 2016
With the Flex-Time schedule, which includes both “Event Style” &
“Ticketed” activities, you can arrange your activities in a variety of
ways to match your energy and desire to participate.
The following activities are available on Friday only:
The Special Friday Archery, “Rifle Qualifying” & UNIMOG Ride - Prove your skills as a
marksman as you compete against your dad at shooting the archery and/or Riflery targets. This
includes a short tour on the UNIMOG too! Meet at the front of the Depot whenever the
UNIMOG arrives (Roughly every 45 minutes starting at 4:00. Last crew to depart to the range
at 6:15 & last ride to depart from the range at 7:00. 1st Come 1st Served ) Note: The UNIMOG
has a 225 lbs. max weight limit.
The Quad Leap of Faith – under 275 lbs. Get as many as FOUR of you up on the poles at
once and leap off TOGETHER! Check the map on the back for the location.
Technical Tree Climb—Climb our huge oak and literally climb out on a limb if you want.
Long pants suggested.
Horse Back Riding—Two 1.5 hour rides available on Friday at 4:30 and 6:00. Set out on a
leisurely ride together. 1st come, 1st served with up to 9 riders maximum on each ride. Long
pants highly recommended & closed toe shoes required.
The following is offered on Friday from 4:00-7:30. It will also be
available on Saturday:
The Bench Craft—Come to the Lower Big Top to begin your bench project. You’ll be making
one bench for each father and their son(s). Keep in mind that it’s going to take some time and
they need to be done no later than Saturday before bed. You’ll be returning a few times to
continue working on this project.
Also Available All Weekend: Disc Golf, Ping Pong, Chess & Checkers,
Sand Court Volleyball, Tetherball, Corn Hole, Soccer, Octaball, and Fishing (Gear available
at Outfitters Store)
(see map for locations.)