About Us

S.T.E.P.S. Bonsai Design, LLC brings the talents of two unique organizations together with the goal of providing unsurpassed quality in canopy tour, zip tour, and challenge course design, installation, and program development. Our partnership brings unsurpassed experience in challenge course management,adventure challenge course design and installation, and staff training and development systems.

Who is S.T.E.P.S., Inc.?

Based in Southeastern Michigan, S.T.E.P.S., Inc. was founded in 1991 by a group of professionals in education, mental health, and organizational development.  The founders all shared a strong interest in using outdoor activities to enhance and support the work they were doing in more traditional settings. Since 1991, S.T.E.P.S. has taken a leading role in developing adventure challenge programs for agencies and organizations throughout southeastern Michigan, and more recently, across the United States and abroad. Services range from challenge course programming to challenge course and canopy tour installation and program development.  In addition to on-site programming and consulting, the company currently has management and course usage partnerships with a variety of agencies in Southeastern Michigan and Western New York.

S.T.E.P.S. consultants and trainers work closely with each client and the Bonsai Design team to ensure successful program development.  Services offered by S.T.E.P.S., Inc. include:

  • Business coaching for canopy tours and challenge courses
  • Staff training and development services for canopy tours and zip lines
  • Operations review and assessments for canopy tour operations
  • Course documentation and curriculum design  
  • Creation of canopy tour and zip line program standards and guidelines
  • Administrative and operation management tools for challenge course and canopy tours
  • Safety equipment purchases for canopy tours, zip lines, and challenge courses
  • Web design and marketing materials

Who is Bonsai Design, LLC?

From it's humble beginnings re-designing and expanding a ropes challenge course in Michigan in the early 90's, Bonsai Design, LLC and owner John Walker quickly developed a reputation for taking on ambitious projects that pushed the edge of challenge course design.  Rooted in the belief that the possibilites are endless, each Bonsai Design installation is unique.  Designs blend a passion for educational enhancement, stewardship for the land, and unparalled aesthetics. 

Since 2005, Bonsai Design has been at the forefont of canopy tour design and installation in the United States.  Bonsai designers and installers work closely with S.T.E.P.S. representatives to ensure that tour design and installation meet business and programming objectives set by the client.  Services offered by Bonsai Design include:

  • 5-step design process for canopy tours and challenge courses
  • Site feasabiltiy studies for canopy tour operations
  • Site mapping and surveys
  • CAD and 3-D computer-rendered drawings
  • Course installation services
  • Course maintenance and renovations
  • Technical inspections and documentation

 

  • Our Team  ( 9 items )

    S.T.E.P.S. Bonsai Design maintains a robust and talented staff of challenge course and canopy tour builders, educators, trainers, and consultants. Our diversity of products and services are a showcase of the personal ambition and talent we carry as an organization.

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