My seven year old daughter has an anxiety disorder called Selective Mutism. This leaves her trembling, paralyzed, terrified in the face of unfamiliar people and situations. She's been slowly gaining courage and trust over the past couple years, but when she said she'd be willing to try Project Discovery's week long, 8 hour a day summer camp (after seeing the photos on the website), I was floored. She had never been anywhere without me or her dad besides her small, kind Waldorf school. I barely slept the night before, as I knew that this all day camp giant leap for her could end up being traumatic and set us back a loooong time in her therapy. We showed up on Monday morning, and I stayed with her for the first hour of camp, her holding my hand in a death grip. Mike and the crew played a few break the ice games, and after a while she stiffly, tentatively joined in. While barely able to say a word when spoken to, I could see her little heart trying so hard to be brave. She's naturally athletic, so I knew that if she could manage to stay present enough in interaction with the humans, she'd rock the activities. Well, the staff and other campers were authentically kind and welcoming. They sensed enough to not push her socially, and that made all the difference: they trusted the process and respected her, letting her speak and interact at her pace. I eventually asked her if she felt safe enough for me to leave, and she looked up at me with worried and trusting and brave eyes, and solemnly nodded yes. I left but hiked next door for another couple hours, as it was a 45 minute drive home and I needed to stay close in case she totally broke down once I was truly gone. ....The day passed with no calls to come quick she's lost it... Wow. I picked her up at 5pm. She was flushed, aglow, tired, and shyly but extremely proud. My girl went on to flourish at this wonderful place. She could eventually speak, laugh, and joke without hesitation, and the activities just rocked her world. This was all made possible by Mike's humane, solid, kid-grokking leadership, and the kindness and encouragement of his assistants and all the other good hearted campers. It's been a couple weeks since camp ended, and my daughter has emerged onto a another order of magnitude of confidence. Among other things, she's spoken whole sentences to certain family members and others that she's known her whole life but never been able to speak a word to. We've been hoping for this for so long, and Mike and Project Discovery made it happen. With all my family's heart, we thank you! read more

If you are lucky, you have those experiences in your life where you know you will never be quite the same again, and you leave a little better than when you arrived. I attended Project Discovery for the first time during a staff development day at a job I had just taken with an alternative high school. What a way to be introduced to staff! Outside in the sunshine, beneath the gold of aspen trees, I began to discover what I am capable of as an individual and with the support of a team. My journey only began here with Project Discovery adventures, for before I knew it I was on a four day overnight canyon trip with a group of 14 at-risk alternative high school students and two staff members. And as the year progressed I found myself back on the ropes course on multiple occasions with groups of students, for day trips and overnights. This life-changing rhythm changed my life and the lives of many students over the course of the four years I worked for the school. It is difficult to explain the magic that happens during Project Discovery adventures. From the outside it appears to be a day of playing on and overcoming various challenges, beginning on the ground and slowly moving into the sky, but as the day progresses, lives change. People discover their voices, build trust in themselves and others, while overcoming fears of all varieties. I have seen a 17 year old boy, who rarely smiled, beam and proclaim that his experience at Project Discovery was the best day of his life. I have seen many tears of recognition, relief, and transformation, as people feel like they are really seen for the first time and appreciated for what they have to offer. At project discovery people are able to experience who they are in new ways, build relationships with others, and better recognize their place in community. Mike Selby, the owner and director of Project discovery, has created a system that really breaks through barriers that people have built up within themselves that keep them from experiencing all they are capable of, and prevent them from fully connecting to others. I could speak endlessly of the powerful experience Project Discovery provides, but one must really experience it for themselves. If you have ever wanted to fly, Project Discovery can get you rather high (ask about the flying squirrel!) Experience Project Discovery for yourself, and discover a better you as you connect with yourself, others, and your environment in a whole new way. read more

If you are looking for a rockstar team-building experience that will propel your group or organization to its outlandish potential, then look no further than the good crew of Project Discovery. If you think I exaggerate just a tad, I invite you to read on. I have been bringing groups to Mike Selby (he's the head honcho) for nearly 15 years, give or take. Not only have we had staff retreats facilitated amongst the gorgeous pines, but we've also taken all sorts of groups of teens. We are so impressed with the work that Mike's crew does that we intentionally build the expense into our youth budgets and into our schedules. Here in a nutshell is what happens. These youth are often a bit squirrelly as we drive the short distance up from Reno. The first thing that catches their eyes are Project Discovery's brightly colored flags fluttering in the wind, as well as the inviting and welcoming smiles of the Project Discovery crew. Through the course of the day, nervous smiles and uncertain glances give way to confident yelps and shouts as teams learn to trust one another, communicate with one another, and share leadership. This process of learning how to work together allows the teams to accomplish greater and greater things. What things? I can't give away too much of the mystery (it would be like ruining a good movie by telling you the end), but I will say that it can involve fun and silly games designed to get the blood moving (and break down inhibitions); team challenges like trying to get everyone on a group teeter-totter while keeping it perfectly balanced, or getting everyone across cables strung just a few inches above ground from one tree to another while going up and over and down and under a variety of obstacles; and, yes, jumping for a trapeze from a small platform perched on a 30 foot pole. All of these activities are vehicles for personal and interpersonal growth. The reasons we continue to bring youth to Project Discovery is because there are so few opportunities that are this fun and engaging that support the participants in learning the soft skills -- i.e., the aforementioned communication, leadership, and teamwork skills -- that are so important for youth to be successful and to thrive. If you want your group and people in it to be transformed, you could certainly do worse than Project Discovery. I guarantee you, though, that you certainly can't do better. read more

I have been part of a board of directors for a non-profit civic organization. We have used Project Discovery for over ten years to complete a three day team building experience. I have tasked Project Discovery with helping create unity of purpose and establish relationships in a group of 30 adult strangers with varying backgrounds, education levels, and professions which would be working together for a year on a civic project. I have found Project Discovery to be an excellent choice for our program! Each year there is an open communication with leaders of my organization with regard to the goals and objectives for the group. As conditions change during the three days with Project Discovery, adjustments are made and plans are altered to best fit our program. The staff of Project Discovery are careful to maintain a balance of fun with professionalism, pushing people to the limits of their comfort zone, while maintaining a safe environment both physically and emotionally. The individual group members are polled anonymously regarding the team building workshop. Without fail, the group rates the weekend as one of the highlights of the year. Additionally I have visited the Project Discovery facility on Sky Tavern Road in Reno as Project Discovery was leading a group of junior high school kids through a leadership program. The staff was patient and challenging to the kids, pushing them to their limits in order for them to see success. I highly recommend Project Discovery. read more

We have worked with Dr. Mike Selby at Project Discovery for about 11 years in a partnership with Pioneer High School. In the beginning of this partnership the focus centered on our most challenging students. Project Discovery provided realistic and hands on practice for positive and productive problem solving and working in teams. We also found that attendance and academic achievement both increased as a result. It worked so well, we then broadened our participation to include all of our students at PHS. Our student leadership organization, yearbook clubs, and other groups also participated in small teams to help build stronger bonds between students and staff. After spreading our work to the student body, we started working with our staff as a separate project. As the principal of PHS, I know that this partnership has resulted in the overall growth we have had as a school. It helped increase the number of graduates and it has helped our staff better prepare our students for life within and outside of the classroom walls! Our staff and students are still working with Dr. Selby and plan on keeping our cooperation going for years to come. We appreciate, respect, and are truly grateful that Mike and his extended family at Project Discovery have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others. read more

Mike Selby, and the rest of the staff at Project Discovery, provide an excellent ropes course based learning experience that made a significant difference for our staff training program. I have been involved with many ropes course programs over the years and I have to say that Project Discovery is, simply put, the best I've been part of. Mike and the staff have a clear sense of how to take the experience of the low-ropes team building and the high-ropes elements and help each individual take away some personal learnings that can be life-changing. For our staff, the experience made a great difference in their confidence as individuals and their ability to work as a team. This experience made them better leaders for the summer. Mike also worked with some of our younger campers and developed a well-constructed program that helped them learn how to work together. Although the youth came from very challenging backgrounds as many of them had incarcerated parents, the staff at Project Discovery patiently guided them through a great day of adventure and fun! The location is great too! For an experience like this, it's great to get away from the city and immerse oneself in a wooded mountain environment. Simply beautiful. Stuart Campbell Camp Galilee read more

The ropes course was an amazing experience. I have been trying to explain it to other coaches. Next year will be my 15th year coaching either Varsity or Community College Basketball and I can honestly say that I have never done something that with my teams: A. Forces the boy's to communicate to be successful and because they are a naturally competitive group they will communicate to get try and be successful. B. Forced some of them to face some of their fears in a safe environment. C. Was collaborative and was sure to reflect upon their learning experiences together. D. Was all of the things above while having fun! A lot of fun! * Project Discovery was the best team building/bonding event I have ever encountered for one of our teams and we plan to be regular attendees from here on out. *I believe project discovery ropes course could be great for a youth team or a cooperate event as the principles translate to to building and running effective teams. As a manager I want a team to be effective communicators that are able to problem solve and collaborate in any type of environment. This ropes course truly builds and helps people refine those skills. It is just different than anything you have done with your group before. read more

Our company employs 250 associates in a very diverse work environment spread over multiple offices and departments. We have had the good fortune for more 150 of our staff to participate in full day team building events at Project Discovery. The results have been so resoundingly positive that we have planned for the remainder of our staff to attend another full day event next month. Our corporate culture fosters a team environment and the activities at Project Discovery so reinforce and magnify our approach. All individual titles and department divisions melt away quickly as the day begins and you focus on each individual in your group as a person. You soon realize that it is just as important (maybe even more important!) to be supporting a teammate in their success as it is for you to be successful in the challenge. Project Discovery is able to assemble a tremendous team of "group leaders" each with their own unique approach to bring out the strengths of the individuals. The leaders have the unique ability to develop the strength and confidence of the team. The location is beautiful, the facilities are fun, challenging and safe and the food is top notch. read more

We have been bringing groups of youth to Project Discovery for about 15 years and every visit is exceptional. Mike's insights into our students' dynamics are invaluable to us as he tailors his activities and debriefs to the needs of the group, which change year to year, and even hour to hour. We always come to Project Discovery around the mid-point of our summer program (usually around day 20 of a 40-day course) and it's always the perfect time for Mike to work his magic. We're able to share any problems that have arisen so far with Mike and he always knows how to shake things up to get us on track for success. He supports the students who need encouragement and challenges the ones who think they have everything figured out. We have worked with other ropes courses and other facilitators and, unfortunately, have been disappointed because of the high bar that Project Discovery has set. The variety of low ropes elements and the emphasis on working through "easy" problems before doing high ropes is exactly what our groups need to challenge their patterns of leadership and followership. Really cannot say enough good things about Project Discovery. Thank you! read more

I am part of a parent group for allergy and asthma education and support. Several times over the last few years, we have organized a full day adventure at Project Discovery where our kids are challenged to move (way!!) out of their comfort zone and gently encouraged to see new limits in their abilities and strengths. It has been an absolutely amazing experience for the kids. Literally life changing for many! I know Project Discovery is a significant experience for many/most, but for kids who face physical challenges, a day like this is incredible to watch... kids just blossom before your eyes! Project Discovery was great in supporting restrictions on foods (like creating a nut/food aware environment, and being sensitive to asthma warning triggers and helping kids honor their bodies while still encouraging them to move past "irrational" fear). I highly recommend Project Discovery for all children, but especially those who have anxiety or mild/moderate physical limitations (like asthma) that limit the owning of their full potential in life. Also the staff at Project Discovery is AMAZING! Mike Selby, YOU ROCK! read more

As a school principal I LOVE Project Discovery. I took my staff on a mystery trip there as a team building exercise to kick off our year. It was a wonderful way to look at team dynamics, communication, trust, and how to build stronger teams. My staff loved it so much my 5th and 6th grade teams are taking their entire grade levels there this year for our end of the year celebrations. Our big send off to middle school this year is important, we are losing our 6th graders and we want to make sure all of our scholars are ready to be productive team members as they move on to their middle school lives. I cannot even begin to convey how wonderful the leadership and staff are at Project Discovery. Outstanding!!! Michael has been absolutely fantastic to work with. He truly understands our school's philosophy (student centered, project based, experiential) and has been incredibly gracious in working to make magic happen for our scholars. We are a Title I school and we have sincerely appreciated his willingness to be flexible and understand our vision in making this possible for our scholars. Thank you Michael. read more

Project Discovery has been an irreplaceable part of our student orientation for many years! We bring our college juniors and seniors to Project Discovery on the 1st day of our 10 week summer research program. It definitely starts the summer on the right note. Students have expressed that they bonded more in one day at Project Discovery than in the entire previous semester of class together. What's great about Project Discovery is that in addition to challenging physical activities that often force our brainy students out of their comfort zone, Mike facilitates wonderful conversations that charge the students to think about their place in the world and the change they want to make. Our students will all be going off to complete PhDs someday, so they appreciate the thought provoking questions, insightful dialogue with staff and their peers, and, of course, the camaraderie that occurs when you're testing your physical limits in fun, new ways. We hope to continue the Project Discovery tradition for many years to come! read more

Best in the Carson/Reno/Tahoe area!!! We have partnered with Project Discovery for over 15 years working with our at-risk high school students. The young people who participate in these adventure events consistently describe the time with Mike and Project Discovery as the most impactful and life changing experiences of their high school careers. Week long canyoneering trips, 1-2 day challenge courses, down-hill and cross-country skiing adventures, are just some of the many activities used to train our students and staff. Project Discovery has proven to be extremely skilled at adapting and adjusting these activities to meet the specific needs of the group and individuals they are facilitating. Always professional and safety conscious, Project Discovery has truly helped our school reach towards higher levels of what is possible. We have worked with many similar organizations, Project Discovery stands apart emphasizing leadership training, and using adventure, fear, and fun for the end goal of self discovery. read more

Project Discover is much more than a feel-good experience; it changes lives. Mike Selby has worked with Leadership Redding for over a decade. Each year, he brought 30 unique individuals from differing community roles together for a three-day off-location retreat. Every time, the participants emerged with new individual self-confidence and a belief that they could achieve anything as a team. I also watched those new teams put that belief into reality. Project Discovery safely challenges each participant physically, mentally and emotionally to depend on each other. Through the debriefing process, participants affirmed the special ways they changed. I am impressed by the way Mike and his team are able to understand what holds each participant back from being fully engaged in this growth process. I also observed Project Discovery achieve powerful team-building results in a one-day workshop with a youth volunteer organization. Dr. Mike Selby knows people and brings out their best with his time-tested programs. read more

I chaperoned my daughter's Girl Scout trip on September 26th, and participated in several "elements". I was the only Dad, and I must say these girls so impressed me! Our team leader Elizabeth really connected with the group, so respectful and quietly confident, instilling comraderie , trust, teamwork, and womanly self-belief. What a great experience for the girls. I told my wife they also did birthday parties, and that will be in another review... ... We held our sons' double birthday party on October 24th here, and what a great experience it was for both kids and parents (15 of us!). Our team leader Mark, was quite adept at focusing every one into a team mentality. We graduated from ground elements, to higher elements, with the team trust and confidence he fostered. Assistant Leader Noah's assistance on the higher elements really inspired the kids, because he is a kid! An amazing, satisfying afternoon was enjoyed by all, with time for cake and presents as well. Best party ever! read more

For 17 years I managed a variety of leadership programs in Sierra County. When I met Mike Selby and started bringing my youth and group facilitators to Project Discovery I quickly realized we had to add this program to our regular schedule of events. Project Discovery is built on the principle of teamwork, trust, and leadership and works exceptional well with youth, military, corporate teams, or just good friends who wish to bond and learn to support each other in life. It was important to me to see our groups come home with increased respect and appreciation for each other and Project Discovery never failed to meet that goal. It was one of my greatest pleasures to see a young person deepen the bond of trust with friends, classmates, or even parents while experiencing the challenges offered at Project Discovery. I would highly recommend this program to any organization where safety and leadership is a primary objective. Don Yegge Sierra County Program Coordinator, Retired. read more

I enjoyed very much participating in the team building activities that Project Discovery had for my work crew. As a crew with a lot of returning members along with some new people I was very curious to see how everything would work out in the team building activities. We learned a lot throughout the day and the staff translated the lessons they teach into our everyday job applications really well. Everyone was really friendly and everyone participating was challenged in some way or another. You really learned to rely on your team mates and as a unit everyone came together. All of the elements were very fun and had a good mix of challenge, fun and exhilaration later in the rope courses. I recommend this for any group that wants to learn how to work together even better or just any group that wants to have fun for a day. Project Discovery does it all and if you go, you will not be disappointed in your day. read more

Project Discovery has helped change programming forever at Carson City Juvenile Services. Every year, Carson City Juvenile Services has relied on Project Discovery to bring quality and dynamic programming to the Wilderness program. The high and low elements ropes course has challenged and rewarded hundreds of youth at Carson City Juvenile Services. This outdoor adventure has exposed many youth to things they have never been exposed to in their life, leaving a lasting impression for years to come. In addition, the program director Mike Selby has trained multiple staff in ropes course facilitation at Carson City Juvenile Services. His leadership and expertise with the ropes challenge course has provided valuable lessons to many youth at Carson City Juvenile Services. Our department will always be grateful for Mike, his staff and his programming. read more

I love Project Discovery with all my heart! I have been coming back to Project Discovery every year for the past 7 years. I continue to come back year after year because of the community that the staff at Project Discovery has cultivated which allow groups to form a special bond which can't be created anywhere else. I have also witnessed first hand how Project Discovery pushes you to grow into the best form of your self. Many groups I have been a part of have been brought to tears of joy at the appreciation circle at the end of the day because of Project Discovery's ability to break down the walls of judgment which this society we live in builds up against being vulnerable. Project Discovery has shaped me into the person I have become and I know it has had a huge impact on everyone's life who has come to the course. read more