Teambuilding Camping Trip Disaster

September 29th, 2009 Posted in Camping

My companies management team recently decided to send a group of us on a a teambuilding exercise. The exercise has resulted in two of my workmates leaving and one is currently facing disciplinary action.

Attendance on the teambuilding weekend was entirely voluntary but many felt that non-attendance would not be good for their careers so everybody signed up for the three day, two night event. The days were to be packed with potentially fun activities including orienteering, archery, abseiling and raft building. But no sooner had we arrived and things began to go downhill.

There had clearly been a breakdown in communications as the details of what we were each required to bring along had not been provided to everybody. Many people had turned up without sleeping bags and some had even omitted to bring any proper outdoor clothes.This resulted in arguments between some of my colleagues and one group decided it was time to go to the pub for a liquid lunch.

The organizers had provided all of the essential camping equipment including optional tents, hammocks and tarpaulins, ideal for the hardier, experienced campers. I chose the log cabin option as this was comfortably fitted out with proper beds.

When my workmates stumbled back from the bar they were very much the worse for drink. An orienteering exercise had been arranged for the afternoon in which we’d get the chance to enjoy the local woodland. The organisers had arranged a six mile treasure hunt taking us through the local woodland, following clues and instructions as we went. The group who had just returned from the pub weren’t keen on the exercise and instead chose to to carry on drinking from a bottle of whiskey that one of them had bought.

When the evening came round it was time for us to cook our dinner over an open camp fire. We were provided with a selection of raw indredients to cook for our supper including chickens, potatos and other vegetables along with dried fruit and juices. The menu was clearly not satisfactory for a few of my colleagues who immediately got on the phone to a local pizza delivery service. This prompted the organisers to call a meeting to remind everybody of what was expected of us while attending their campsite.

Things went from bad to worse, largely fuelled by alcohol. The group who had chosen to go for a liquid lunch had missed the opportunity to choose bunks in the log cabin so they were expected to sleep in the tents. Several people were very unhappy with this arrangement and said that they would be going to a hotel. When one of the organisers pointed out that this was outside the spirit of teambuilding they became quite belligerant and one even threatened the organisers.

The outcome was that several of those who were unhappy with the trip ended up going home. Those of us who remained had a pretty good time, but it was clear that the organizers couldn’t wait to see us leave.

Hopefully this tale will prompt managers to make certain that they communicate with their team to ensure that everyone buys into the teambuilding activity. Its always important to make certain that everybody is fully aware of all that is expected of them.