When Summerhill School sought to create a memorable Open Day experience that would leave a lasting impression on prospective students and parents, they partnered with South Africa’s premier inflatable adventure – The Gauntlet.

THE CHALLENGE

Summerhill School needed to:

• Attract prospective families while reinforcing community bonds with existing students
• Create a distinctive and engaging Open Day that would stand out from other schools
• Provide an experience that showcased their commitment to both education and holistic development
• Generate excitement and conversations both during and after the event

THE SOLUTION

The Gauntlet delivers 36 uniquely crafted obstacles across 270 metres of pure adrenaline. With wider running lanes and fresh, innovative design, we’re setting a new standard for inflatable experiences. With twelve high-energy sessions over the weekend, The Gauntlet became the centrepiece of Summerhill’s Open Day strategy.

Key implementation features

• Full 2,100 square metre adventure zone with consistent 6-metre wide lanes throughout
• Strategic positioning to maximise visibility and foot traffic throughout the school grounds
• 70m x 30m footprint designed to create maximum impact in the available space
• Curated vendor village featuring five premium refreshment options: slushies, bubble tea, artisan coffees, boerie rolls, Belgian waffles, and candy floss, plus essential amenities like sunblock

Outcomes and impact at Summerhill

The Gauntlet didn’t just bring physical excitement to Summerhill – it generated significant digital engagement:

engagement OVERVIEW

• 318,500+ content reach across platforms
• 76,200+ video views
• 14,300+ link clicks driving traffic to Summerhill’s online resources
• 1,100+ meaningful content interactions

Qualitative Success

In the words of Lara Fast, Head of Marketing at Summerhill School:

“The Gauntlet was an incredible addition to the event and played a huge part in making it memorable for everyone involved. The children had an absolute blast on the inflatables, and the energy they brought to the day was contagious.”

The school reported that feedback from parents and prospective students was “overwhelmingly positive,” with The Gauntlet helping to “create an exciting and engaging atmosphere that made the Open Day a huge success.“

WHY SCHOOLS CHOOSE THE GAUNTLET

THE DEFINITIVE INFLATABLE OBSTACLE EXPERIENCE has arrived. When schools partner with The Gauntlet, they’re not simply renting an inflatable course – they’re creating a experience that delivers:

• Professional execution – Benefit from end-to-end event management from an experienced team
• Differentiated events – Stand out with SA’s most obstacle-dense adventure
• Authentic engagement – Create genuine excitement that translates to meaningful interactions
• Extended reach – Leverage the inherent share-ability of The Gauntlet experience

Standout features and vendor integration

The “Balls of Doom” obstacle proved particularly popular, creating natural photo opportunities and social sharing moments that extended the event’s reach beyond those physically present.

The Gauntlet appealed to adults, with parents and teachers enthusiastically taking on the challenge alongside children. The team from The Cirk—known for their high-energy entertainment—joined the festivities, creating viral-worthy content that significantly boosted social engagement and demonstrated The Gauntlet’s cross-generational appeal.

The strategic placement of vendor stalls around The Gauntlet created natural flow between activities, with many participants enjoying refreshments while watching friends and family tackle the challenges. This integrated approach maximised both participation and spectator engagement throughout the day.

Additionally, The Gauntlet’s professional health and safety crew ensured that all the sessions ran smoothly, maintaining energy levels throughout the weekend while upholding the highest safety standards.

PARTNER WITH THE GAUNTLET

Not all obstacle courses are created equal. The Gauntlet features 36 unique challenges, consistent 6-metre wide lanes, and cutting-edge design throughout its 270-metre journey. Experience the difference at your next open day, corporate event, or community gathering.

Contact us to discuss how The Gauntlet can elevate your next event: hello@gauntlet.co.za

The post Transforming Summerhill School’s Open Day first appeared on The Gauntlet.

Read more at The Gauntlet