We all know what it is like when things go wrong. When we are up against it and everything we are doing seems to be hitting the wall. We feel stressed. We worry. We can’t sleep? Sometimes we can’t even eat!
So why is it, that when we take groups Raft Building and their Rafts sink they are in no way put off by the experience? Why do they not get caught up in the feeling of failure? What makes them continue with the activity? In fact, why do they even try and swim their Rafts across the lake instead of turning back?
The answer may be simple – is it because they are enjoying what they are doing!
They have already connected with each other through the team building games and challenges we have led them through. They have learned that not being able to do something is NOT failure. They have learned that working together is fun and should be enjoyed even when the best plans just aren’t working out.
It really is amazing how a safe environment, free from judgement, can help people enjoy new experiences. By providing activities that are pitched at the right level we help people challenge themselves physically, practically and mentally.
But there is more to it than the careful selection of activities! It’s all about developing trust and not just between us and the group members. Trust among the group members is crucial. They must know that they can rely on each other and that they are all in the same boat (pardon the pun).
