5 Fun Team Building Outdoor Activities for Your Next Company Outing

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “team building activities”? Picture this: a group of employees getting together, participating in boring, repetitive activities that do not bring anything to the table except for some momentary laughter or awkward conversations. Fortunately, this stereotype couldn’t be farther from the truth. Team building can be an engaging and fun experience that helps your team bond and gets them ready to tackle any challenge. And what better way to do it than with some outdoor activities. Here are five activities that can help your team building while you enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

1. Obstacle Course Races

Obstacle course races have been growing in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. These races test a team’s problem-solving and communication skills, as well as their physical capabilities. You can build your own course or take your team to a nearby facility. You can even get creative and build a course with materials from your office. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that everyone can participate, regardless of their fitness level.

2. Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts aren’t just for kids. This activity can be an excellent way to encourage teamwork and problem-solving in adults too. You can design a scavenger hunt around your local park or a nearby city. Make sure to divide your team into smaller groups and encourage them to work together to complete the challenge. You can even make the scavenger hunt an ongoing activity, and release new clues for your team to solve each week.

3. Outdoor Camping

Camping is an excellent way to bond with your team while enjoying the outdoors. You can organize a camping trip for your team, or take them to a nearby campsite. You can do an array of activities such as hiking or cooking, that will help your employees get to know each other better and build trust. Moreover, switching off from digital devices and surrounding yourself with nature can also help to reduce stress levels among the team, creating a positive impact on your team’s overall wellbeing.

4. Canoeing/Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking can be both relaxing and challenging, and are the perfect way to get your team out on the water. Make sure to normalize safety procedures such as wearing a life jacket before you begin. You can organize a race to the finish line, and the team who finishes first can get a prize. This activity can help your team to focus on communication, and it requires everyone to work together to achieve common goals.

5. Sports Tournaments

Sports tournaments are a timeless classic. You can organize a friendly match of soccer, volleyball or basketball, where teams compete against each other for a prize. This activity can boost team morale and reduce your employee’s stress levels. Moreover, it also promotes healthy competition and is a great way of encouraging teamwork among colleagues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, team building activities don’t have to be boring. Engaging your team in outdoor activities can be a fun and memorable way to foster teamwork and build camaraderie. Incorporating the above activities into your work routine not only breaks the monotony of office work but also helps in developing skills like communication, trust, and problem-solving that are essential for all high-performing teams. Outdoor activities are increasingly becoming a way of promoting teamwork among colleagues, and with good reason. They can be enjoyable, unique and help your team recover from the daily grind.