According to Forbes, team building activities can be incredibly beneficial to businesses of all sizes and industries. Not only do they help to create a stronger bond between co-workers, but they also create an environment of collaboration and trust which can significantly improve performance. But planning the perfect outdoor team-building activity isn’t always easy. Here are five essential factors you should consider when organizing your next one.
Location
Choosing the right location for your team-building activity is essential. First, make sure that the space is big enough to accommodate everyone in your group and any equipment you may need. Also, consider whether there are any amenities nearby, such as restrooms and restaurants, in case people need a break during the activity or want to grab lunch afterward.
This is important because it will ensure that the event runs smoothly, and people can focus on participating in the activity instead of worrying about where they will go next.
Finally, determine if there are any potential hazards or obstacles that could be a problem during the activity, such as water or uneven terrain. It’s important to keep these things in mind to make sure everyone remains safe.
Mode of transportation
Another factor to consider when planning a team-building activity is the mode of transportation that you will use. Depending on the size and location of your group, it may make more sense to rent vans or buses for everyone to ride in together. Alternatively, walking or biking might be appropriate if your event is nearby.
If you’re looking for a more flexible option, consider investing in a versatile toy hauler camper. These versatile vehicles can transport all sorts of equipment and provide a comfortable ride for everyone.
Moreover, they can act as a mobile base camp, meaning that you don’t have to set up and take down tents every time the group moves locations. This is especially helpful if you stay out in the wilderness or engage in activities requiring multiple locations.
Weather Conditions
Of course, weather conditions play a major role in outdoor events, so it’s important to check the forecast before committing to a date and location. If you’re expecting rain or snow, make sure that there is somewhere nearby where people can go inside if necessary.
If extreme temperatures are forecasted, plan accordingly with loose clothing and plenty of water breaks throughout the day. Alternatively, if the weather is too hot or cold for a certain activity, consider replacing it with one that doesn’t require as much effort and is better suited to the conditions.
For example, set up a scavenger hunt instead rather than running a relay race in hot weather. You can still achieve the same objectives but in a more comfortable way.
Activity Type
Choosing an activity type that will achieve your desired outcomes while still being fun for everyone involved is important. You should also consider each person’s skill level when selecting an activity; it shouldn’t be too difficult for those who don’t have much experience but also challenging enough for those who do.
Finally, try to pick an activity requiring teamwork over individual effort, as this will encourage employee collaboration. Examples of this could include a treasure hunt or whitewater rafting, where everyone in the group has to work together to complete the task.
It’s essential to debrief after any team-building activity you organize. This is an opportunity for participants to reflect on what they learned and how they can apply it to their work. It will also bring the team closer and help people understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses better.
Time Limit
When planning an outdoor team building event, it’s important to set a time limit in order to ensure that everyone remains focused on the task at hand and doesn’t get too distracted by their surroundings.
This time limit should be reasonable depending on what type of activity you’re doing; if it’s something like a scavenger hunt, then you might give people two hours, whereas something like orienteering might require four hours or more depending on how long the course is.
It’s also important to leave time at the end of the day for feedback so everyone can share their thoughts on what went well and what could have been improved upon during their experience.
Planning an effective outdoor team-building event requires careful thought and preparation if you want it to be successful in achieving its intended purpose. By considering these five essential factors — location, mode of transportation, weather conditions, activity type, and time limit — you can ensure that your next team building event will be one your employees remember fondly! With just a bit of careful planning ahead of time, anyone can create an enjoyable outdoor team-building experience for their employees!
