From paddling in a traditional canoe to kneading sushi into delicious morsels, here are some fun bonding experiences for corporate groups
1. Waka on Avon, New Zealand
Experience the excitement of paddling a hand-crafted waka (canoe) down the Avon River, and learn about the importance of the waka to Maori culture. Waka paddling is one of the oldest teambuilding activities, when the Ngai Tahu tribe would race up and down the Avon River in Christchurch as a method of preserving social interaction and community engagement. In the same way, Waka on Avon’s teambuilding experience combines cultural learning, team collaboration, and a touch of healthy competition that culminates in a race off.
2. Bali Village Life & Traditional Farming, Indonesia
For many generations, Balinese residents have lived off what Mother Earth has provided them with. Tunjuk is one of such local communities, and corporates are given a chance to experience a day in a life of a Balinese villager. On this Asian Trails itinerary, visitors will get to mingle with the locals and play with the children. After a sumptuous lunch, corporates will head to the communal farm to learn about the various stages of rice cultivation, and join in the rice planting.
3. The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Australia
A 15-minute drive away from the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters’ convention centre, stands The Kangaroo Sanctuary, established by Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns in 2011. Today, the 76-hectare sanctuary is home to 55 kangaroos that are unable to fend for themselves; most are released back into the wild.
On the three-hour walk around the sanctuary, Barns will regale the group with kangaroo rescue stories and facts, as participants get to cradle baby joeys, visit Roger’s memorial – a muscular kangaroo that found Internet fame – and watch kangaroos hop curiously by. All tour proceeds and donations are directed to the rescue and care of orphaned joeys and adult kangaroos.
4. Maruku Arts, Australia
This one-hour painting workshop in Yulara Town Square can be added onto a corporate trip heading to Uluru. The workshop kicks off with a local Anangu artist sharing stories about the Anangu culture and way of life in Pitjantjatjara, which will be translated by an assisting interpreter. Participants will also learn about traditional art, symbols, and tools used in the locals’ daily lives. The group will then have 45 minutes to paint something meaningful to them; a canvas, paints and brushes are provided. Corporates will then place all their paintings together, and take turns explaining the stories behind their brushstrokes, which will help gain a better understanding of each other.
5. Sushi Experience, Japan
Eating incredible sushi at an exclusive and hard-to-get-into restaurant is high on the list of any foodie in Japan. Luxurique, a hospitality company for MICE events in Japan elevates and adapts this experience into a teambuilding activity. Guests will be able to learn the skills of sushi making under the direct tutelage of the head chef of a Michelin-star restaurant, such as pressing, forming and kneading. Teams will then compete against each other to make the best-rolled sushi, which can be enjoyed at the end of the event with sake. This experience can be arranged in various locations around Japan, such as Tokyo and Kyoto.
6. Build Your Own Bike Workshop, Singapore
In this one-of-a-kind workshop booked through Seek Sophie, corporates will be able to build a company bicycle that can be used for lunch runs, or donated to charity. During this three-hour workshop run by facilitators from Unspokin, participants will be able to build a belt-driven bicycle (designed in Singapore) worth S$1,200 (US$890) from scratch. The building experience will be segmented into different portions so that the best team of mechanics will win a prize. The end result is a custom bicycle that is hand-built, will last a long time, and is for a great cause.
