From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 23 between, we’re offering a free open house for school administrators, teachers and camp directors so they can check out what Brownstone Park has to offer. We’re Connecticut’s newest field trip destination, offering outdoor sports adventures with educational twist. Offering anti-bullying, science, art and team building programs.

Take this free opportunity to experience why other schools in the area are already making reservations for next fall!

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to see firsthand what a day at the park could look like for your group. For the adventurous teachers, you can to try out Brownstone Park’s team building courses that offer “Survivor”-type challenges with a variety of physical and mental obstacles. All challenges require the individual to have faith in themselves and their team.

As a thank you for taking the time to visit each guest will receive a 2012 Adventure Sports Day Pass that you may use after your tour or any other time in our 2012 season.

Brownstone Park is a safe, well maintained and monitored environment where your group can celebrate their success and strengthen their friendships with adrenalin-filled activities including zip lines, cliff jumping, rock climbing, wakeboarding, water slides, awesome water toys and rope swings. For the more tame, the park offers swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball, kayaking, and paddle boards

As a National Historic Landmark, the Brownstone Quarries in Portland, Connecticut offers students a glimpse of the past and is centrally located 30 minutes from Waterbury and New Haven, and 15 minutes from Hartford.

Youth groups receive 10, 20 or 30% discounts plus for each 10 students, one chaperone gets complimentary admission.

To attend this open house, reservations are required. Please call (866) 860-0208 or contact our sales staff via email.

Thanks to everyone who came out to our 3rd Annual Spring Plunge and Cannonball Competition in support of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Here are a few photos from the day’s events, but make sure you post yours to Facebook and share them with us! Thanks again!

One thing that will go on – with or without ice – will be the 2012 Spring Plunge & Cannonball Competition supporting the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center – so we’ll see you on March 17!

Watch for the Rock & Ice Festival to relaunch next winter.

Last year was a record year for Brownstone’s attendance, and we’re gearing up for another busy season. As incentive for employees, you get to “play” for free at the park and your immediate families receive some incredible discounts. We don’t believe in all work, no play – we work hard and play hard!

Those interested in becoming certified for lifeguarding or belaying can take our Get Certified to Work Event and attend classes from May 21 – 25. Applicants who complete training classes and are hired at Brownstone Park are eligible for a refund up to $75 on full certification courses once you’ve worked at the park for three months.

We’re not just the coolest place to hang out in Connecticut in the summer, we’re also the coolest place to work!

“Oh my god, it’s a work out,” is how Amy Martin from Avon, Conn. described the 3K race that included long swims, a cargo net climb, a cliff climb, mud slide, a zip line and much more. Scroll down for some selected photos from the event, or check our our PhotoShack online with more than 160 pictures. You can buy photos as souvenirs!

Click here for the race results online.

From the East Hampton – Portland Patch website…

An estimated 150 runners, many of them first responders, navigated the rugged obstacle course hauling a water-filled cylinder.

Some participants competed in teams. Others went it alone.

One obstacle that frustrated many a Challenge-taker was a greased tube crawl, uphill.

“That was horrible,” Jon Martin said.

Added his wife: “It was almost impossible … I covered my elbows and knees in dirt to get traction.”

Much groaning also could be heard where racers had to shimmy under a long chain link fence that lay horizontally just above the ground.

“That was not fun,” Spitz said with a laugh.

The course also included a tire run, a cargo net and wall climb, a mud slide and a zip line.

“It was definitely worth getting a babysitter for,” Jon Martin said

You can buy photos online by visiting our Photo Shack.

This summer, Brownstone Park is highlighting both raft building and our exclusive Team Building through Adventure program.

The Raft Building Challenge is an exciting team-building activity where your group has the opportunity to enhance their communication skills. This challenge demands a team mentality. Teams must find common ground using “active listening” and other skills to provide effective feedback enabling them to build their own raft and then race it on the quarry.

Raft building focuses on real business skills by challenging traditional problem solving, encouraging cooperation and working under pressure. Teams will use an array of materials for building including; ropes, planks, oars, flotation devices and plastic barrels to build a raft and win the race! Raft building is a half-day activity and is facilitated by a Brownstone Park team member.

Contact Brownstone Park to make advanced reservations (required). The group must include at least 20 people. The current price is an additional $25 per person. (Participants must have an Adventure Sports Day Pass or Season Pass.)

Brownstone Park’s exclusive Team Building Through Adventure full-day program is a unique blend of adventure coupled with engaging skill building activities including raft building and other group exercises. Teams will be energized and challenged while participating in group activities and serious meeting content.

All programs are customized to meet your objectives and ensure the most effective training possible. Our experienced facilitators display exceptional skills for motivating teams and keeping groups focused on what they have in common and helping them to move forward with positive, realistic goals that they can all agree upon.

What did Emily say about her company’s semi-annual meeting?

Yesterday was quite a day. This week is my company’s semi annual company meeting.  There are always crazy activities and team building workshops. This year was no exception. I may even go so far to say it was the best yet.

Full-day programs include park entrance pass, lunch, handouts and workbooks. Follow up programs are available to reinforce training. Contact Brownstone Park to make advanced reservations (required). The group must include at least 25 people. The current price is an additional $69 per person.

We’ve got three categories: Brownstone Bloopers, Oh No They Di’int, and Best Overall. Come to Brownstone and film yourself and your crew. Edit, produce and post your video on YouTube and submit your entry using the form below. If selected as an entry – you do have to put a little effort in – your video will be posted on the Brownstone Park YouTube Channel and you’ll be in the running to win 2012 season passes! A great example is Abbot’s birthday video by Aurora Hooper from 2010.

Then tell all of your friends to scope out your shenanigans at the Brownstone Park YouTube Channel. The maker of the most popular video in each category – as viewed on the Brownstone Park site and YouTube channel – will score a four pack of season passes for the 2012 season!

Brownstone Park YouTube Video Star Rules

• All videos submitted must be family-friendly.
• Videos should be shot during the 2011 season and highlight current attractions at the park.
• You need to provide your real name and email address in the form below. If not, we’ll have no idea who you are.
• Not all videos will be entered into the contest, but if you capture some great video and/or put some effort into producing and editing your video – with cool music, laughs and screams – you’re pretty much guaranteed entry.
• Try to keep your videos to a compelling two to three minutes of bloopers, wild tricks and no-friggin-ways!
• By submitting your video link below, you agree to allow Brownstone Park to copy your video and post it on the Brownstone Park YouTube channel for this contest and for use in future advertising.
• We’re measuring video popularity by the total number of views for each video on the Brownstone Park YouTube Channel exclusively.
• All entries must be submitted by noon ET on Nov. 4, 2011.

If you have any questions, contact us.

This year's contest is now closed to new entries.

Students coming out on their class trips qualify to compete. We’re talking about “Survivor” type challenges where classmates run through obstacle courses and post their best scores. Can’t beat the other schools? Don’t worry – you won’t be voted off this island! An official Brownstone Schools Rule Trophy…Wall of Fame…and bragging rights will be awarded to the top school. Do you have what it takes to compete?

Check out our Group Rates page that has information you need to begin planning for your class trip!

2011 School Rules Competition Results

School/Class	Time
Newtown High School	4:40
Shelton High School	5:30
West Haven School	5:40
Trumbull High School	6:36
Connecticut River Academy	6:45
Eagle Hill	6:46
Naugatuck class of 2013	7:13
Old Saybrook 7th Grade	7:00
Adams Middle School	8:10
Chocksette Middle School	8:21
Currier Memorial	9:55

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Rail Jam on July 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Professionals and amateurs hit the rails with the fastest, gravity defying moves ever seen in Connecticut.

The day’s activities began at 11 a.m. and included a silent auction item, the Beach Plunge and a Pee Wee Plunge and Cannonball Challenge. The entire fundraiser brought 123 participants through the gates. Sixty people took part in the plunge, and 45 in the Cannonball Challenge.

“We are so grateful to all those who participated in the Brownstone Exploration Plunge to raise funds for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Their generosity ensures that the patients and families of our region receive the very best in pediatric health services,” said Martha Schall, president of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation. “Our ability to pursue promising scientific discoveries, upgrade vital state-of-the-art resources and recruit and retain skilled faculty that are dedicated to caring for children, is only possible with philanthropic support. We are so fortunate to have the support of those associated with the Plunge and greatly appreciate that they have chosen to make the health of children a priority in their charitable giving.”

Many people contributed to the events success. The Portland Fire Department EMTs and Portland Fire Department Dive Team were on hand to help out in case of emergency and Brownstone employees volunteered their time to ensure the event ran smoothly. A generous group of 2011 sponsors included WCCC Radio Station, PrimeSource Distributors, Fiduciary Investment Advisors, Scuba Shack, V.I.P., Sneaky Bear Productions, Miss Southington – Morgan Amarone and CT and Children’s Medical Center Ambassador – Claudia Steves.

To learn more about the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, visit their website.

The following videos are courtesy Sneaky Bear Productions and The Rock WCCC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9hHMjiraAQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rmEHCB-Lb0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxgEWJZm56o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHn21WKGCeo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ItmpJEVvBQ