When it comes to building a strong team, nothing beats getting everyone together for a fun, engaging day outside the office. At Dartmoor Zoo, we believe that a team building event is the perfect way to shake things up and bring everyone closer together – especially if many colleagues work remotely. Here’s how you can ensure that your day with us is not just good, but great!
Know What You Want to Achieve
Start with the end in mind. What are your goals for this team-building event? Maybe you want to boost morale, improve communication, or just give everyone a well-deserved break from the daily grind. Whatever your objectives, let us know and we’ll help tailor the activities to meet your needs. From problem-solving challenges to trust-building exercises, having clear goals will guide the day’s activities and outcomes.
Dress for Success
Comfort is key when you’re spending the day at the zoo. Encourage your team to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. If it’s going to be sunny, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are must-haves. For colder days, suggest layering up with jackets and scarves. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is also essential, as there will be quite a bit of walking on uneven grounds. Dressing appropriately means everyone can focus on the fun and learning, not the weather!
Take Advantage of the Zoo Setting
Dartmoor Zoo isn’t just about seeing the animals; it’s about interacting with them in ways that inspire and educate. Our team building activities might include behind-the-scenes tours or animal encounters that can’t be found anywhere else. These experiences serve as metaphors for workplace lessons like adaptability, innovation, and teamwork. Check out some of our team building activities here. Don’t forget to download the brochure too!
Food Glorious Food
We all know that great food can make any event better. At Dartmoor Zoo, we take pride in offering delicious, freshly prepared meals at the Jaguar Restaurant. Whether it’s a light lunch or a hearty meal to round off the day, we’ve got options to suit everyone. Plus, sitting down to eat together is a fantastic opportunity for informal chatting, sharing experiences of the day, and just enjoying each other’s company.
Travel Smart
Organising a group trip to the zoo can be part of the fun! Encourage your team to carpool or use public transport—it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and get everyone mingling before they even arrive. Plus, travelling together is the first step in team bonding; it sets a collaborative tone right from the start.
Reflect on the Day
After a day full of activities, it’s important to wind down and reflect. We can provide spaces for your team to gather and discuss what they’ve learned, or simply to share their highlights and takeaways. This reflection period helps solidify the connections made and lessons learned during the day, ensuring that the benefits of the event continue even after everyone returns to work.
Break the Ice
Early on, use ice-breakers to get everyone relaxed and talking. Simple, fun activities can help even the shyest team members come out of their shells and feel comfortable. These initial games set a playful tone for the day and show that while the day’s agenda might be about learning and improving, it’s also about having fun together.
Shake Things Up
Mixing teams is a fantastic strategy to encourage mingling. People often stick to what they know, so by creating groups that blend different departments or levels of hierarchy, everyone gets a chance to interact with someone they might not speak to on a regular day at the office. This can spark new friendships and innovative ideas, enriching your workplace culture.
Snap Away
What’s a team day without photos to remember it by? Whether you hire a professional photographer or encourage your team to snap pictures on their phones, capturing the day’s moments is a must. Photos can later be used in newsletters or shared on social media, keeping the memories alive and reminding everyone of the fun and learning they shared.
Keep the Momentum Going
To truly make the most of your team-building efforts, keep the conversation going once you’re back in the office. Discuss how the day’s activities can be translated into everyday work life. Maybe set up a follow-up session to revisit the day’s achievements and talk about how to implement new ideas. This helps maintain the energy and camaraderie long after the event has ended.
Ready for a fantastic team-building adventure at Dartmoor Zoo? We’re just as excited to host you! Let’s make it a day to remember, filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable memories. Learn more about team building activities and get in touch with us here.