Child’s Play Challenge Courses (CPCC) is a traveling obstacle-course and fitness-themed franchise that launched in 2015 in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. The idea was originally sparked by founders Matt and Lauren Borawski, who built a backyard course for a neighborhood event.

The company operates from its New Jersey headquarters and has grown by franchising to individuals who want to bring mobile, activity-centered programming to schools, neighborhoods, and organizations in their area.

The franchise offers a variety of obstacle-course events and fitness challenges designed for children, teenagers, and adults. Its services cover birthday celebrations, school and camp programs, corporate team-building, community gatherings, and adaptive activities for participants with special needs.

A key advantage of Child’s Play Challenge Courses is its entirely mobile approach. Franchisees do not need a dedicated building, making it possible to serve clients at parks, schools, private properties, and venues of all sizes while keeping overhead low.

Training

Child’s Play Challenge Courses provides a comprehensive training program designed to ensure that franchisees operate in accordance with the brand’s standards. The franchisor mandates that training is completed both before and during the operation of the business, with a focus on classroom and on-the-job components. Here are the main training programs offered:

1. Initial Training Program
   The franchise requires the Managing Owner and one manager to attend and successfully complete the initial training program before the business begins operations. This training includes both classroom instruction and practical on-the-job training, typically held at the franchisor’s facility in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Additional attendees can be included for a fee, and the training may also be delivered online depending on the franchisor’s discretion.
2. Ongoing Employee Training
   Franchisees are responsible for training their own staff in line with the franchisor’s standards. The initial training structure may be delivered in phases, and any staff member who fails to meet the franchisor’s expectations must undergo retraining, potentially incurring an additional training fee.
3. Supplemental Training
   If needed, the franchisor may provide supplemental training either onsite within the franchisee's territory or remotely. This is commonly required when a new Operating Manager is hired or when operations fall short of standards. Franchisees must cover associated fees, which include a daily rate per trainer and travel expenses.

Territory Protection

Child’s Play Challenge Courses grants franchisees a defined Operating Territory where they are allowed to market and provide services. This territory typically encompasses a population of approximately 250,000 to 550,000 people, determined by local conditions and market factors.

Within this area, the franchisor agrees not to establish or authorize another franchisee to operate a competing Child’s Play location, provided the existing franchisee remains in compliance with their agreement.

However, the territory is not deemed exclusive in the broadest sense. The franchisor retains rights to use alternative distribution methods—including online platforms, catalog sales, and telemarketing—to reach customers within the franchisee’s territory.