“My all-time favorite team building activity was a bike build on the beachfront in Cancun, Mexico. My group of 200 international executives raced through challenge stations (draw a picture, spell a word with foam letters from a swimming pool, race while kicking a soccer ball) to collect pictures of bicycle parts. They turned the photos in to receive kits of children’s bicycles, which they assembled and ‘test drove.’ While this was happening, a group of children from small, inland villages was brought in to watch a local magician to perform. As a surprise to both groups, the teams then got to present the bicycles to the children along with backpacks of school supplies. None of them had a bicycle, and most had never seen the ocean. After the bikes were presented, many adults walked hand-in-hand with the children to let them put their feet in the ocean. I’m not sure who was more excited about it all—the adults or the kids—but I know there were very few dry eyes that afternoon.” —April Ferguson, CMP, CMM, senior event logistics manager for CD M&E onsite at Cisco Systems Inc.
“After the bikes were presented, many adults walked hand-in-hand with the children to let them put their feet in the ocean. I’m not sure who was more excited about it all—the adults or the kids—but I know there were very few dry eyes that afternoon.”
“I love a true corporate Olympics where teams are competing in eight active games with non-active components ending with a cheer for the team because it’s fun, and it encompasses everyone regardless of physical capabilities, making it a great team builder. Team building is so selective based on the group. I’ve loved working with symphony’s and having a conductor teach people how to play instruments, too.” —Dianne Devitt, owner of DND Group
“My all-time favorite team building activity was a Recipe for Success–themed cook off. We have executed the event with multiple groups at different venues: hotels, restaurants and cooking schools. [One instance], the team had to select an entrée from a provided list and create a menu around it. They prepared a meal, including everything from appetizers to desserts and a beverage—all on a grill. Then, they had to present their ‘table’ (along with décor) to the judges. So, if you weren’t into cooking, maybe you liked napkin folding. It’s a highly energetic event every time and a huge success.” —Denise Wallace, senior account manager for Corporate Travel Concepts
“Indoor rock climbing! It was physically active, yet there was a job for even the most couch-potato-y among our group. We really had to depend on one another for safety, and communication was a must! —Dotty Durney, executive assistant to the CEO & CFO at TalentWave
