Emily King used her inner survival instincts for a Bear Grylls corporate teambuilding day
Throughout corporations worldwide the suggestion to go ‘teambuilding’ can be met with sighs of dread by some staff.
Companies rightly want more from their away days. They want their staff to be tested by activities they would never normally have the chance to try. They want something unique and active. The Bear Grylls Survival Academy, in the UK, certainly fits that bill.
The academy is organised and run by global-star Bear Grylls’ right-hand men, along with Chillisauce Experiences, a global company specialising in corporate away day experiences.
Luton Hoo Hotel, near London, was the venue for the activity-led day and it began to get muddy straight away. I wasn’t convinced it worked as far as camouflage goes, but it did get the group over its fear of getting dirty for the day and spurred us on to get truly stuck in.
Not only did we get muddy, but we also learnt how to tie knots, create make-shift stretchers, build fires and shelters, throw axes, and eat insects.
James Diment, head of corporate events at Chillisauce Experiences, said: “We’re always developing and looking for new ideas which will not only achieve what our clients want, but which will also be exciting and inspiring for participants.
“This particular teambuilding package that we have partnered with Bear Grylls Survival Academy on, pushes participants to work together in an environment that is completely different from an office.”
There is not much call in my office for tying knots and eating insects, but the experience certainly was character building.
Bear Grylls Survival Academy spokesperson Kirsten Lovemore, said: “Ultimate Teambuilding from the Survival Academy is all about experiential learning, personal development and effective teamwork in real life challenging situations. No imaginary chasms, no oil drums in the car park, just real life adventure.”
The day was well worth the mud spattering, and I brought away new skills that will be crucial if I ever find myself stranded in the wilderness.
This UK activity is just one example of a new bread of activities influenced by reality TV. CMW intends to explore what is hot in teambuilding elsewhere, so do tell us about your best and worst experiences!
