Activities

Despite the advances in technology and the changes in society over the past millennium, people still remain the most valuable resource on the planet.

The Cody Outdoor Center has developed a range of team development and challenge programs designed to develop the individuals and groups that visit our beautiful lakeside location. Designed to build successful teams by enhancing people both personally and socially, our programs reflect a balance of focused activities, outdoor recreation and mental challenges.

All of our activities are customized to reflect the needs and character of the groups with whom we work. We look forward to speaking with you and developing your unique group team-building experience!

The Cody Outdoor Center Development and Challenge Program values:
PEOPLE- The most valuable resource of any organization is often the least developed.
EXPERIMENTATION- By creating learning experiences that involve participants physically and mentally the results are more powerful and longer lasting.
SYNERGY- People achieve better and more sustainable results collectively rather than individually.
SOCIETIES- Everyone and everything is connected by a network of systems, in which no one operates in isolation.
TIME-The development of effective and valuable teams takes time, with the process being a journey, not merely a single experience.

Program Benefits for Groups
-Increased leadership skills
-Improved communication between team members
-Greater respect for and valuing of diversity
-Enhanced group goal setting and attainment
-Encourage group planning and problem solving
-Recognition of the value of peer support

Description
For the spring, summer and fall we use our team challenge courses as the vehicle for individual and group development. The two low ropes courses are set on our wooded site and provide a safe and relaxing environment, allowing for concentration and activity focus. During the winter months we use our indoor initiatives challenge program to provide the same learning experiences, but within our fully heated gym. Our programs run over half, full or multi-day periods, but any length program involves exposure to challenge activities only after comprehensive preparation involving safety, ice breaking, task-focused games and creating an environment for people to learn through experience.

Challenge by Choice
The advantage of a team challenge course is that everyone can participate, regardless of physical ability or athletic experience. There are no failures on the program. Cody utilizes a “challenge by choice” approach where each participant measures success by his or her own standards and goals. If someone is afraid of heights, simply climbing the two feet into a suspended cargo net can be a major source of accomplishment and pride. If a person chooses not to attempt an event, facilitators respect this decision and offer other ways for the person to participate and contribute to the group effort, including spotting, time keeping and giving verbal support.

Safety
Ropes and team challenge course elements provide very low actual risk, but the perceived risk provides powerful experiences that can be used to foster personal, organizational and professional growth. Our staff regard the safety of participants as the highest priority and thoroughly instruct group members to guidelines and safe practices, which they monitor and reinforce throughout the day.

Sample Activities
EYES MOUTH AND HANDS
This involves the team reclaiming a lost item. The challenge arises because the only person who can move to the object is blindfolded. The rest of the group cannot move or speak (apart from one person who can only see them and not the blindfolded person). This activity requires the group to overcome frustrations, develop alternative forms of communication and develop strategies to succeed.

PERSONAL BEST
We use this as a great way to discover and share the true diversity and worth of the individuals that make up your group. Individuals share their proudest achievements with another group member, who then reports what they have learnt to the rest of the group. By allowing people to share what matters, and by creating a situation where everyone’s accomplishment is recognized, the group learns more about each other and what they have already achieved.

ALL ABOARD
This simple task uses just a wooden platform two feet square and 6 inches off the floor. There is a lot of room for one person, and it’s comfortable for two. The whole team needs to be supported on the platform. They will need to plan, co-operate and support each other to accomplish the task.

SPIDER'S WEB
This web of ropes has openings of varying sizes, through which each team member must pass or be passed. This activity requires planning and foresight for success. It commonly generates discussion on issues such as individual diversity and stereotyping, overcoming physical contact taboos and maintaining positive attitude in the face of adversity.