We live our lives in close proximity to others, but community doesn’t always come easily. If you’re in a group where cohesion seems to be lacking, it might be time to get intentional about team-building.
This post is sponsored by RockRidge Canyon.
Groups of all types can benefit from team-building activities: workplace departments, advisory boards, leadership teams, MOPS members, youth groups, Bible study groups, sports teams, musical groups…they can all boost community, increase retention, and improve performance by engaging in strategic team-building activities.
So whether you’re trying to develop a positive workplace culture or build community within your church youth group, here are six team-building ideas that will have a long-lasting positive effect on your group.
Share a Meal. Go out to dinner after work, or meet at a park for a picnic in lieu of your regular meeting. It’s amazing what a change of scenery will do to shift conversations to more personal topics and build interpersonal relationships among your team members.
Take a Class. Grow together! Attend a self-defense class, learn the fine art of bath-bomb-making, go to a paint-and-sip studio, or bring in an industry expert for some professional development. You might choose an activity that makes sense for the nature of your team, or you might do something wildly unexpected. Both strategies can have a profound impact!
Do a Service Project. There’s nothing like serving together to bring you together. Do repairs or landscaping for an elderly neighbor or community nonprofit, volunteer at a food bank, or put together holiday gift baskets. Help your team think outside of themselves and feel the collective satisfaction that comes with making a difference in the lives of others.
Create Friendly Competition. A low-stakes friendly competition adds a new layer of fun to your group. Find creative ways to motivate your crew, keep track of progress, and watch the group shift to a more lighthearted and friendly mood.
Recognize Work Well Done. Everyone loves to feel valued in their community. To improve your team members’ individual sense of belonging, recognize them for work well done, for amazing personal attributes, or for their contribution to the group.
Plan a Retreat. The fastest way to build community is to carve out intentional, focused time with your group in a distraction-free environment. Get away from “real life” and build lasting memories with your team in a way you can’t duplicate close to home.
RockRidge Canyon is perfect for your event or gathering, and their all-inclusive model makes retreats a breeze to organize. Their lakeside retreat property is top notch, with hotel style accommodations and comfy dorm lodges for large groups. 1500 acres of inspiring views and activities will keep your group happy and refreshed.
RockRidge Canyon specializes in events for 50-400, including:
- Retreats for students, men, women, and couples
- Staff retreats
- Family reunions
- Professional conferences
- Team-building getaways
- School, Band or Choir camps
