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Team-building activities are a great way to build relationships in the workplace and foster collaboration. Spending time outdoors can be especially beneficial, as it provides an opportunity for colleagues to get away from their desks and break up the monotony of working indoors all day. Whether you’re looking for something fun or something more challenging, there are plenty of outdoor activities that can help your team bond while having some much-needed fun. Here are six outdoor activities you and your work colleagues can enjoy together!
1. Hiking
Take your team on a nature hike. You can find easy trails for beginners or more challenging hikes for the more experienced. It’s a great opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air with your colleagues. A lot of parks have guided nature hikes if you’re looking for a more educational experience. The aim of the hike should be to have fun and get to know each other better, so make sure you take plenty of rest breaks along the way.
For example, in Portland, Oregon, Forest Park has plenty of trails to explore that offer sweeping views of the city. Some of the trails are more challenging, but they all offer some amazing scenery. If you’re looking for a more leisurely hike, the Wildwood Trail is perfect.
2. Kayaking/Canoeing
If your team is looking for an adventure on the water, then kayaking or canoeing could be a great option. This is an exciting and challenging activity that can bring everyone closer together – it’s also a lot of fun! It’s a great way to explore nature, as you can get up close and personal with the local wildlife. It also helps build trust amongst your team, as everyone needs to work together in order to navigate the waters successfully.
Over a period of time, you and your team can progress from easy paddles on calm waters to more difficult white water rafting. You could even combine the activity with camping – imagine sleeping under the stars after an exciting day out canoeing!
3. Golfing
Playing golf is an excellent outdoor activity for coworkers to bond over, as it combines exercise with leisure. Whether your group is small or large, you can choose between individual or team play. This option is especially suitable when group members have different skill levels because team play guarantees everyone will participate. Furthermore, it provides a wonderful opportunity to escape the office and enjoy the outdoors. Namely, the people from The Left Rough say that it is less about the time you put into practice with golf, and more about how you practice. So, feel free to organize some golf time with the coworker who it into this activity. On the golf course, there is a special camaraderie between colleagues that can significantly contribute to team-building efforts.
4. Team Sports
Playing a sport together is a great way to get your team outdoors and have some fun! It doesn’t have to be anything too serious – softball, soccer, or even volleyball could work well. This activity requires everyone to work together as a team in order to succeed, so it’s a great way to build camaraderie. Plus, you can always use the game as an excuse for a post-game celebration! A lot of parks host sports tournaments and leagues that you can join as a team.
Some cities even have kickball leagues specifically designed for the workplace. For example, in Chicago, there’s the Corporate Kickball League that you can join if your team is looking to participate in a larger tournament-style event.
5. Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt game where you use GPS coordinates to locate hidden treasures, or ‘caches’. It’s a great way to get your team out in the fresh air and explore different parts of your city or town. Each cache will have a unique code or combination that you must use to open it and find the prize inside. It’s an exciting game that encourages cooperation and team spirit, plus it’s also educational – you’ll learn a lot about the history of your area as you search for caches!
6. Camping
If you’re looking for an activity that will really bring your team together, camping is a great option. Not only does it provide a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the office, but it also offers plenty of opportunities to bond with your colleagues in nature. Whether you choose to go car camping or backpacking, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time with your team. There are many different things you can do while camping – from games to hikes or even fishing – so make sure you plan something that everyone will enjoy!
These six outdoor activities are just a few of the many ways you and your work colleagues can get outside and have some fun. From hiking to geocaching, there’s something for everyone – so get out there and explore! No matter what you do, make sure that you take the time to appreciate nature and build relationships with your team. It will be an experience that everyone remembers! While you’re at it, why not take photographs to document your team-building outdoor adventure?
