by Heidi Fendos
Do you want to host a teambuilding event that will take participants out of their traditional comfort zones and challenge them to conquer their fears with their co-workers close at hand? Then consider hosting an extreme teambuilding challenge. Thanks to TV reality shows like Survivor, extreme teambuilding, often referred to as adventure-based teambuilding, has been gaining in popularity in recent years. It can include anything from zip-lining, rock climbing, rope courses and a variety of water-based activities.
According to teambuilding experts, the intensity of these extreme exercises can be viewed by some participants as intimidating or overwhelming. However, they are beneficial because they force people to come face-to-face with their insecurities, while having to rely on the support of their colleagues. The positive results of conquering an extreme challenge include: boosting one’s self-esteem, improving employee morale, improving employee performance, and increasing the trust and overall level of respect for one’s co-workers.
According to teambuilding experts, the intensity of these extreme exercises can be viewed by some participants as intimidating or overwhelming. However, they are beneficial because they force people to come face-to-face with their insecurities, while having to rely on the support of their colleagues. The positive results of conquering an extreme challenge include: boosting one’s self-esteem, improving employee morale, improving employee performance, and increasing the trust and overall level of respect for one’s co-workers.
Soaring Through the Air
According to Ziplinerider.com, there are more than 40 zip-lining courses in the Midwest. One of these courses is located at Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The Wilderness Resort opened its zip-line last spring and it runs across the Dells’ Lost Canyon. It features five lines, running more than eight football fields in length combined, strewn between six steel towers. Participants connect to the lines using lanyards and steel carabiners and have to step off the steel platforms, which are over six stories in the air, to complete the experience.
Shannon Timmerman, group sales director for the Wilderness Resort, says, “While not competitive, zip-lining is a fantastic extreme teambuilding exercise because it challenges participants to conquer their fear of heights and losing control together. It’s a bonding experience unlike any other, and it creates a strong sense of unity as well as accomplishment amongst its participants.”
Last June, the Sauk Columbia Personal Association had a group of ten people try the Wilderness Canyon Zip-line instead of participating in their traditional golf outing. Group members report that the experience was truly memorable.
According to Trina McVicker, past president for the association, “I was probably the most nervous to try zip-lining, but everyone in our group was very supportive, even when I screamed going across the first line. It was truly an amazing experience! You really became a great team cheering each other on, and at the end all of us were so disappointed it was over.”
According to Ziplinerider.com, there are more than 40 zip-lining courses in the Midwest. One of these courses is located at Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The Wilderness Resort opened its zip-line last spring and it runs across the Dells’ Lost Canyon. It features five lines, running more than eight football fields in length combined, strewn between six steel towers. Participants connect to the lines using lanyards and steel carabiners and have to step off the steel platforms, which are over six stories in the air, to complete the experience.
Shannon Timmerman, group sales director for the Wilderness Resort, says, “While not competitive, zip-lining is a fantastic extreme teambuilding exercise because it challenges participants to conquer their fear of heights and losing control together. It’s a bonding experience unlike any other, and it creates a strong sense of unity as well as accomplishment amongst its participants.”
Last June, the Sauk Columbia Personal Association had a group of ten people try the Wilderness Canyon Zip-line instead of participating in their traditional golf outing. Group members report that the experience was truly memorable.
According to Trina McVicker, past president for the association, “I was probably the most nervous to try zip-lining, but everyone in our group was very supportive, even when I screamed going across the first line. It was truly an amazing experience! You really became a great team cheering each other on, and at the end all of us were so disappointed it was over.”
Climbing Obstacles
Rock climbing, another adventure-based teambuilding challenge, can be hosted in a natural setting or at an indoor rock climbing facility. Vertical Endeavors, with three locations in Minnesota, offers both types of rock climbing programs depending on the time of year and group preference.
Their St. Paul indoor location features over 18,000 sq. ft. of indoor climbing surfaces that can be both fun and challenging for any skill level. The facility includes 50+ top ropes, 15 Auto Belays, a 12-ft. bouldering cave that has over 3,600 sq. ft. of climbing, and a 45- and 60- degree bouldering cave experience.
Jeff Nelson, programs coordinator for Vertical Endeavors, says, “Rock climbing is a great extreme teambuilding exercise in that it offers a full body workout that can be customized for all ages and abilities.
“All of our teambuilding activities are built on trust, perseverance, and confidence, which is really beneficial for any organization. And, since rock climbing is a shared experience, it is hard to forget and easy to look back on as a noteworthy accomplishment.”
According to Angela Reinholdt, a project engineer with Cargill who recently participated in a teambuilding activity at Vertical Endeavors, “Our group had a great time. During the outside activity, we really got competitive and grew as a team. With the rock climbing, our group grew even more, encouraging others to make it up the walls. The staff was also very fun and very efficient so we could make the most of the time we had scheduled.”
Rock climbing, another adventure-based teambuilding challenge, can be hosted in a natural setting or at an indoor rock climbing facility. Vertical Endeavors, with three locations in Minnesota, offers both types of rock climbing programs depending on the time of year and group preference.
Their St. Paul indoor location features over 18,000 sq. ft. of indoor climbing surfaces that can be both fun and challenging for any skill level. The facility includes 50+ top ropes, 15 Auto Belays, a 12-ft. bouldering cave that has over 3,600 sq. ft. of climbing, and a 45- and 60- degree bouldering cave experience.
Jeff Nelson, programs coordinator for Vertical Endeavors, says, “Rock climbing is a great extreme teambuilding exercise in that it offers a full body workout that can be customized for all ages and abilities.
“All of our teambuilding activities are built on trust, perseverance, and confidence, which is really beneficial for any organization. And, since rock climbing is a shared experience, it is hard to forget and easy to look back on as a noteworthy accomplishment.”
According to Angela Reinholdt, a project engineer with Cargill who recently participated in a teambuilding activity at Vertical Endeavors, “Our group had a great time. During the outside activity, we really got competitive and grew as a team. With the rock climbing, our group grew even more, encouraging others to make it up the walls. The staff was also very fun and very efficient so we could make the most of the time we had scheduled.”
Taking to the Water
Whether you are white-water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or surfing, the use of water in any extreme teambuilding initiative presents a whole new level of adventure for participants.
Jessie Hadley, owner of Woods and Water Ecotours based near the Les Cheneaux Islands in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, regularly takes groups out on kayaking teambuilding challenges. According to Hadley, sea kayaking is extremely popular in this area because much of the water in the region is protected, so there is a lot of wildlife and natural beauty to enjoy while having a great teambuilding experience.
Hadley says most tours are customized for groups of ten to 12 and can last anywhere from a half day to three days with overnight lodging. The trips focus on teaching safety skills, including how to react if your kayak capsizes, and basic paddle strokes. Participants then set off on their adventure, taking in the area’s natural beauty around them. A wrap-up reflection time, journaling, or yoga can even be incorporated into the experience.
According to Hadley, “We find our participants come back revitalized, refreshed and renewed from the physical work-out of kayaking as well as from being so close to nature. We also hear how they have a new appreciation for the water and wildlife. And we regularly see how groups are brought together on a new level through the experience.”
Are you looking for something a little more on the wild side? How about surfing on the Great Lakes? Since 2005, the Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo, MI has been offering “Surfing 101” lessons for Midwesterners looking to learn the sport. The group lessons, which are taught on Lake Michigan during calm and small-wave days, focus on the fundamentals of surfing and water safety.
According to Ryan Gerard, the owner of Third Coast, “Although the waves on the Great Lakes are smaller and less powerful than on the ocean, they are still capable of getting two to four feet high on a typical surfing day. And, because of this, you can get an amazing surfing experience!”
All group lessons can be customized and generally run from one and a half to two hours. They start on land with warm-up exercises, equipment handling and safety instructions, and other details. Then participants move into the water, where Gerard and his staff cover water and rip current awareness, followed by the basics of laying, paddling, sitting, and popping up on the surfboard. It’s a great experience for all ages.
“This is a remarkable extreme teambuilding experience people can’t find anywhere else in the Midwest,” says Gerard. “It’s a great way for people to come together and bond. Everyone leaves exhilarated.”
Heidi Fendos is a contributing author for Midwest Meetings. Want to get in touch? Contact Heidi!
Whether you are white-water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or surfing, the use of water in any extreme teambuilding initiative presents a whole new level of adventure for participants.
Jessie Hadley, owner of Woods and Water Ecotours based near the Les Cheneaux Islands in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, regularly takes groups out on kayaking teambuilding challenges. According to Hadley, sea kayaking is extremely popular in this area because much of the water in the region is protected, so there is a lot of wildlife and natural beauty to enjoy while having a great teambuilding experience.
Hadley says most tours are customized for groups of ten to 12 and can last anywhere from a half day to three days with overnight lodging. The trips focus on teaching safety skills, including how to react if your kayak capsizes, and basic paddle strokes. Participants then set off on their adventure, taking in the area’s natural beauty around them. A wrap-up reflection time, journaling, or yoga can even be incorporated into the experience.
According to Hadley, “We find our participants come back revitalized, refreshed and renewed from the physical work-out of kayaking as well as from being so close to nature. We also hear how they have a new appreciation for the water and wildlife. And we regularly see how groups are brought together on a new level through the experience.”
Are you looking for something a little more on the wild side? How about surfing on the Great Lakes? Since 2005, the Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo, MI has been offering “Surfing 101” lessons for Midwesterners looking to learn the sport. The group lessons, which are taught on Lake Michigan during calm and small-wave days, focus on the fundamentals of surfing and water safety.
According to Ryan Gerard, the owner of Third Coast, “Although the waves on the Great Lakes are smaller and less powerful than on the ocean, they are still capable of getting two to four feet high on a typical surfing day. And, because of this, you can get an amazing surfing experience!”
All group lessons can be customized and generally run from one and a half to two hours. They start on land with warm-up exercises, equipment handling and safety instructions, and other details. Then participants move into the water, where Gerard and his staff cover water and rip current awareness, followed by the basics of laying, paddling, sitting, and popping up on the surfboard. It’s a great experience for all ages.
“This is a remarkable extreme teambuilding experience people can’t find anywhere else in the Midwest,” says Gerard. “It’s a great way for people to come together and bond. Everyone leaves exhilarated.”
Heidi Fendos is a contributing author for Midwest Meetings. Want to get in touch? Contact Heidi!
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