An innovative business idea can come to an entrepreneur at any time. For Matt Baker, the founder of Terrapin Adventures in Savage, inspiration struck during a zip-lining tour of the rainforest in Costa Rica. After touring the US to look at similar facilities, Matt returned to Baltimore to open the outdoor adventure experience Terrapin Adventures.The growing company has recently doubled the size of its staff, adding 15 positions in the last two months.
"We try to share our love of the outdoors with people," says Baker, who goes by the title Chief Adventure Officer.
Located at Savage Mill, Terrapin Adventures offers team building adventure days for corporate clients, church groups and scout troops, and also books private parties. Open year round, Terrapin Adventures holds a variety of events, including murder mysteries, moonlight madness events, and the "Beer & Fear" Hallowe'en event with partner Ram's Head Tavern.
The adventure park offers participants the opportunity to try a wide range of adrenalin pumping activities, including zip-lining, climbing towers, high and low challenge courses, and the giant swing. Teams are accompanied by a guide who stresses both safety and fun. The challenges on the courses are designed to maximize team work and creative thinking.
"We create an 'a-ha!' moment, when the process of sharing something outside of the normal workplace gets people to think differently," continues Baker. "We help build stronger relationships."
The company is also active in its community. They have partnered with Arlington Echo to adopt two endangered terrapin turtles, and sponsored a clean-up of the Little Patuxent River. Terrapin Adventures recently sponsored a 5k race, "Terrapin And The Hare," to benefit Playworks D.C.
Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Matt Baker, Terrapin Adventures