Grand River Corporate Team Building… a Refreshing Approach

The corporate team building "quests" is designed to be low in intimidation, but high in imagination. The rafts require no skills… there are no tipping risks or size restrictions… everyone can play in safety. Yet, within the quest, leaders can become followers… and followers can become leaders. There is the opportunity for different people to shine and different people to be recognized.

There is one more experience that happens in team-designated rafts, not found with similar outings in canoes or kayaks… the camaraderie of experiencing everything together. People are literally in the same boat… paddling the same direction… suddenly facing the same obstacles… and the same consequences. This risk free outdoor environment permits laughter over mistakes… with the opportunity to try again. There is a different spirit here… a change from the every day race.

Additional perspective can be gained by implementing the choice to include more formal teambuilding infrastructure tools as offered by the Myers-Briggs or True Colors approaches. By simply changing a player’s position, there is an interactive demonstration of temperaments. The outdoor quests put everybody in a new playing field. Everyone gets mixed up… and a new team has to sort itself out in order to complete the challenges ahead. Some are successful and some are not. Meanwhile, all have fun trying and have a meaningful demonstration of personality differences at work! We believe that this is where community healthiness in the workplace begins. One day of team building will not change the world… but it can gently shift "arthritic" thinking.

The selection of outdoor quests include such challenges as the Office Fishing Kit, A Cup of Tea Please, Who’s the Boss, the Floating Rock Race ... and the Joe Bushman Quiz… all designed to peak the imagination and enhance the effectiveness of team effort. Please note as well, that other speakers and workshop topics that may be of interest as compliments to the ‘quests" can be profiled upon request.

Included with the rafting is experiencing the outdoors with short hikes, bold tastes of edible plants… and sips from fresh water springs. But the barbeques are best. On the banks of the Grand River corporate groups can enjoy a feast cooked by local chefs. The meals are a gourmet delight of marinated steak & chicken breast with all the works. Everyone can sit back in the shade of manicured lawns and soak in the riverside scenery. These unique team building events start at $60 per person.

The uniqueness of visiting the Grand River Valley in Paris, Ontario is that many groups can get up in the morning… travel a short distance… be in the wilderness… and be in their own beds at night! This valley is only 10 minutes off the 403 Highway, just outside of Brantford... or a half hour from the 401 Highway, just outside of Cambridge. The valley is one hour from Toronto, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, Burlington, Guelph or Woodstock!

Corporate groups coming from a further distance and/or looking for a multi-day getaway will find the Grand River Valley a perfect choice. There are meeting facilities, multi-outdoor adventures, great restaurants and excellent accommodations. The town of Paris is in a valley setting. It hosts a number of quaint shops and cafes along the river… and for the visiting spouses, a shopper’s delight!

A favorite overnight choice for small groups is the countryside setting of River Ridge Bed & Breakfast. This B&B in conjunction with the nearby golf course accommodations, also on the river, can host small groups of 8-10 with single occupancy, private baths… or double occupancy for couples. Larger corporate groups can stay at the beautifully restored Arlington Hotel in downtown Paris.

A team building event is not just a day off work. It is important to have a purpose that invigorates and encourages the team… no hidden game plan… just a different way of being together and recognizing each other at work.

The Grand River Rafting Company, in Paris, Ontario, specializes in creating customized packages to fit corporate group needs… in addition to their unique outdoor team building experiences, they can arrange for meeting rooms, fine or casual dining and overnight accommodations. Besides rafting, groups can choose golfing, platform fishing, spring whitewater rafting, evening/moonlight paddles, cycling and hiking excursions.

Groups wishing more information can call the Brant County "River Line" in Paris, Ontario toll free: 1-866-286-7722.