Eat . Play . Learn .
If whirly ball , scavenger hunts and rope courses are on your mind , chances are you either are reminiscing about youth camp or just returned from your company ’ s off-site retreat . Tapping the playful instincts in an employee , who has kept their head in the sand for too long , unleashes fresh passion and energy for that employee ’ s job and workplace . Unique activities offered on a strategically planned retreat open communication channels , which leads to deeper connection and trust levels . Here ’ s how to retreat within the Tri-State region .
IN THE WILD . Discover Outdoors manages all retreat logistics for ski , camping and survival-skill building expeditions . Team exercises can also take place with seaside BBQs , sandcastle building , rock climbing and waterfall canyoneering . http :// www . discoveroutdoors . com / corporate Technology meets nature at Mohonk Mountain House , which offers geocaching across Shawangunk Ridge . Teams are given the latitude and longitude of seven cache positions that can be found with GPS devices . http :// www . mohonk . com /
WHO DONE IT ? Watson Adventure Scavenger Hunts stage their competitive searches at national landmarks , such as New York ’ s MOMA and Grand Central Terminal . Espionageand Leonardo da Vinci-themed murder mystery programs are played out in nature . http :// www . watsonadventures . com /
BACK TO SCHOOL . The Leaders Institute integrates specific curriculums into modules that guarantee fun . Gaining consensus and enthusiastic cooperation are sample topics that have headlined one-hour sessions . http :// www . leadersinstitute . com / teambuilding / CreatingTeamCulture . pdf
EYE ON THE BALL . Chelsea Piers is known for gladiator games , bowling , and batting cages — plus creative gaming . In a competition that simulates rock-climbing , team members are guided by climbing staff while building a tower of gym mats . http :// venues . chelseapiers . com / se / corporate-events / index . cfm
THE ARTISTS ’ WAY . Make Meaning ’ s crafty approach to bonding will provide your team with scented candles and painted ceramics . Staff members guide projects and an in-store café caters events . https :// www . makemeaning . com / locations /
RETREAT CHECKLIST Engaging all individuals in a company will require a range of ideas . Foolproof retreat planning by incorporating various employees with unique interests .
� Be inclusive . Select activities that appeal to a wide variety of personalities , and keep in mind that certain employees might lack the ability required to participate in a physical activity .
� If budget is an issue , look at staging a weekday afternoon at a local game center or planning a very interactive town hall in the workplace .
� Involve employees ’ families if the retreat goal is simply to socialize and get personal .
� If conflict resolution between individuals or teams is the priority , hiring mediators or ombudsmen in the role of a referee in a sporting event could help resolve the core issues , but lighten moods , change attitudes , and provide a healthy environment to vent negative energy energy .
SHUTTERSTOCK / LUCIANO MORTULA ; JAROSLAV MORAVCIK | THE WHITE HOUSE , OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
20 | SNB . COM // CONNECT CULTURE WINTER 2016