Amazing things happen when corporate groups gather at the YMCA Spencer Lodge Outdoor Centre for a day of teambuilding away from the office.
The YMCA has been facilitating high-impact teambuilding workshops in the outdoors for groups from the corporate and non-profit sectors for almost ten years.
“Our facilitators were awesome”, reports Loralee Goddard of RBC Bank.“It was a fantastic day.We all had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves”.
At the Spencer Lodge Outdoor Centre, briefcases and laptops get left at the door as teams communicate, problem-solve and laugh their way through a day of progressively more challenging activities, allowing participants to emerge with a renewed sense of team identity, purpose and drive.
“The debriefs and feedback from the YMCA facilitators made us feel like we could say anything…made us feel welcome.All members became involved and were made to feel part of the team”, continues Loralee.
Regardless of age, weight, gender or strength, a culture of “success” is generated through carefully structured activities designed to lean into the individual strengths of each team.A tailored progression of activities gets participants talking, thinking and working together in ways they never dreamed possible.
“The entire day was one big teambuilding activity”, says Niki McCracken of the Canadian Mental Health Association.“There were satisfying results from every activity.The thought-provoking work encouraged team cohesion...We would recommend your program to any organization who wishes to develop a true understanding of their team’s dynamics”.
In a typical day, the group moves into activities that engage trust, mutual support, physical challenge (adaptable for all!) and creative communication.Low Ropes and Executive High Ropes activities are often included as part of the event, with participants climbing, balancing and jousting their way, 35-feet off the ground, to a greater sense of well-being and connection within their group.
“A highlight for us was how the YMCA staff made us feel safe, and communicated effectively with our group members.It was highly inclusive for everyone, and provided lots of thought-provoking activities and takeaways”, reports Niki McCracken and her team.
A typical 5-hour day ends with a comprehensive debrief led by the YMCA staff, allowing connections and ‘bridging’ of the day’s experiences back into the office environment.Discussion and reflection maximize the impact on each team member, and crystallizes the learning and development that has occurred.
“I thought the day was an excellent opportunity for us to build positive teamwork,” says Brian Henderson, Regional Vice President, London/St.Thomas Market, RBC Bank. “ The format was informal, fun, and challenging. What makes the biggest difference is to see that we all struggle with certain things, but when you have the support of your teammates, you can overcome virtually all of your fears”.
In a downturned economy, with companies looking for innovation in leadership, the YMCA Spencer Lodge Outdoor Centre delivers.
“Things you would not ever do on your own become achievable with that kind of support” continues Brian Henderson from RBC.“It also makes us all equal as teammates. No titles or positions matter - it is all about the team, which puts everyone in a relaxed state of mind for the day.It was a great use of our time and a fun day for our team!”
Each individual engaged, each personality honoured.Spencer Lodge Outdoor Centre Executive Teambuilding - A great way to bring a team together!
The YMCA Spencer Lodge Outdoor Centre is now taking bookings.
Spencer Lodge is located at 531 Windermere Road on the Scouts Canada property, 10 minutes from downtown London.Staffed by the YMCA of Western Ontario, the Centre offers adult-adventure and executive teambuilding programs for groups 10 – 80 participants annually May through October.
Or contact Allison Menegoni
Manager
amenegoni@ymcawo.ca
Office: 519.858.1907
Mobile: 519.878.7959
