Outdoor group activities offer a fantastic opportunity for corporate professionals to break away from the confines of the office and foster team cohesion, collaboration, and morale. Organising an outdoor picnic and games session can be a refreshing change of pace and an effective way to rejuvenate your team.
In this article, we’ll explore how to plan and execute a successful picnic and games event for outdoor group activities, ensuring maximum enjoyment and bonding among participants.
Why Choose an Outdoor Picnic?
An outdoor corporate picnic offers a relaxed setting for team members to connect on a personal level. It’s a chance to step away from the office environment, indulge in delicious food, and engage in enjoyable activities.
Here’s why picnics are a great choice for outdoor group activities:
- Quality Time: Teams can bond in a comfortable and enjoyable environment, fostering stronger relationships.
- Inclusive: Suitable for large groups, including families and children, making it a versatile option.
- Entertainment: Games, prizes, and engaging hosts add to the fun atmosphere, keeping everyone entertained.
- Mood Boost: Fresh air and sunshine naturally uplift spirits, creating a positive atmosphere for team bonding.
- Reflection: Outdoor settings provide opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth.
- Personal Touch: Customisable to suit various budgets and preferences, ensuring a unique experience for your team.
- Inspiring Environment: The great outdoors inspires teamwork and self-awareness, making it ideal for group team building activities.
Organising a Corporate Picnic
The annual corporate summer picnic or excursion is already a tradition in many companies, and it is a great opportunity to get creative and innovative to provide your employees and their families with a fantastic experience. We have put together a few simple tips for organising a memorable corporate picnic and outdoor group activities!
1. Choose the Right Venue
The first step in organising an outdoor picnic and games event is selecting the perfect venue. Look for spacious outdoor locations such as parks, gardens, or recreational areas that can accommodate your group size comfortably. Consider factors like accessibility, amenities (such as restroom facilities and picnic tables), and the availability of shade to ensure the comfort of your participants.
2. Plan the Picnic Menu
A well-planned picnic menu can elevate the outdoor experience for your team. Opt for a variety of easy-to-eat, picnic-friendly foods such as sandwiches, salads, fruit platters, and snacks. Consider dietary restrictions and preferences when planning the menu, and don’t forget to include refreshing beverages to keep everyone hydrated throughout the event.
3. Organise Team Building Activities and Fun Games
Incorporate a mix of fun games and team building activities to keep participants engaged and entertained. Pick from Jenga, Cornhole, Hula Hoop Contest or even add some silliness with Minute-to-win-It type of games.
Our recommendation is to plan genuine team building activities with the actual picnic and further activities to follow. This way you will make great use of your team finally getting together as well as ticking a massive box off your team building strategy list. Nothing beats teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills followed by a casual setting with delicious food and drinks as a reward.
4. Prepare Necessary Equipment and Supplies
Make a checklist of all the equipment and supplies you’ll need for the outdoor picnic and games event. This may include picnic blankets, coolers, disposable plates and utensils, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and any game materials or props. Ensure that everything is packed and ready to go before the event day to avoid any last-minute rush and missing things.
5. Create a Schedule and Itinerary
Outline a schedule and itinerary for the outdoor event, including the timing for arrival, picnic setup, games and activities, breaks, and departure. Communicate the schedule to participants in advance so that everyone knows what to expect and can plan accordingly. Be flexible and allow for spontaneity, but also ensure that the event runs smoothly and on time.
6. Encourage Participation and Team Spirit
Promote participation and team spirit throughout the outdoor picnic and games event. Encourage friendly competition, cheer on teammates, and celebrate achievements and milestones. Foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their level of athleticism or experience.
7. Capture Memorable Moments
Don’t forget to capture memorable moments from the outdoor event through photos and videos. Assign someone to be the designated photographer or videographer, or encourage participants to take turns documenting the experience. Share the photos and videos with the team afterwards as a keepsake of the fun and camaraderie shared during the event.
8. Reflect and Debrief
After the picnic day, take some time to reflect and debrief with the team. Discuss what went well, areas for improvement, and any insights or learnings gained from the experience. Use this feedback to inform future outdoor events and continue to strengthen team dynamics and collaboration.
9. Don’t Bring Up Business
If you need to address an issue, bring it up at your next team meeting or organise a special session. This picnic is all about celebrating, appreciating, and having a good time. Yes, it’s OK for the boss to make a speech, but make sure the message is kind and personable. Save the “let’s hit our objectives” motivational speech for another day. Bond with your team and have a fun time with outdoor group activities.
Conclusion
Organising a picnic and games event for outdoor group activities is a fantastic way to promote teamwork, boost morale, and foster camaraderie among corporate professionals. By following these tips and guidelines, you can plan and execute a successful outdoor event that leaves a lasting impression on your team and strengthens your organisation’s culture of collaboration and unity.
Urban Quest specialises in providing team building experiences that are seamlessly tied into your picnic and other outdoor group activities by way of tailoring start and finish to accommodate your choice of a park!
Contact us to learn how we can assist you in elevating your picnic with team building activities for corporate groups of all sizes in Melbourne.