Levi and I took a scenic trip to Verdun on Tuesday where we took a leisurely 2 hour stroll 
around the site. Our guide showed us examples of team- and leadership building activities, as well as the high adventure courses, including the famous zip line! One of the highlights of the tour included the rock wall, which includes different inclines as well as varying styles and skill levels of climbing. On the other side of the rock wall are parallel hanging bars of wood, which teams use a combination of leadership skills and team work to climb.
The activities involved with the camp not only help groups learn how to work together, but can potentially change the group dynamics permanently and positively. By spending a day participating in games and activities which not only play on the strengths of the individuals, but also encourage these strengths to be applied to a group setting, groups learn how to identify and use one each others strengths, and appreciate each other more. Individuals that might feel isolated from the group in a work setting might find themselves of value in these group activities, and later apply this mindset in the office.
As well as the skill-building games and activities, the environment of the camp is equally valuable to the overall experience. Completing these exercises and learning about each other in tandem with nature allows for a strengthened bond between the group as well as between the individual and nature. It is exceedingly important to not only be aware of yourself in the office, but to be aware of yourself in your surroundings, which includes the outdoors on a wider scale. Also, there is a sharp contrast between playing games cooped up in an office building and constructing new skills and relationships outdoors with room and fresh air.
