When the classroom moves outside....
Back in the day, school trips were never as exciting as those that children now seem to have the opportunity to experience. The adventure activities for school kids were limited – the zoo had plenty of visitors and the local cathedral too. COVID sadly meant we saw less primary and secondary kids come through the door, but this all appears to be changing again, as the benefits of quality outdoor activities for children seem to be back on the timetable.
Over all the years that we have been hosting team building for schools and for all the age groups we have taught, late Primary and early Secondary has to be the most rewarding. The kids are at that awkward stage in their life when they don’t know if they are children, young adults, or somewhere in between. Some are showing signs of greater independence while others still haven’t figured that part out yet. This is the perfect age for Team Building and the outdoors provides the perfect recipe for them to experiment how they feel. Whether it be in the classroom, gymnasium, or as part of a field trip, team building is a great way for students to grow at their own pace.
The benefits of different social situations
Team building is excellent at allowing students to work together in social situations just as they would in the classroom, their daily lives, or in a workplace where they are looking to belong. It is not often that young people are challenged with a task requiring them to work with others. More often than not, they don’t know how to work in these situations and this is where the element of learning creeps in. Team building challenges within an outdoor experience setting, allows students to problem solve and execute working with their peers. It shows them how to be accountable, such a great lesson for young people to learn.
Facilitating a learning experience
Many facilitators including ourselves like to start groups off with something called icebreakers. They are just as it sounds, activities that break the silence and awkwardness often experienced when groups first come together. Even if a group has known each other for some time (within a classroom setting for example), team building exercises purposely take students outside of their comfort zone and can sometimes bring down some of the personal anxiety associated with being in an unfamiliar environment. Icebreakers allow students to laugh and relax. It brings them together to show them that though they may be challenged today, it is going to be a fun learning experience.
Progress through the day
As the groups progress through the day it is great to tailor the activities specifically to achieve some goals with the group. Team building allows students to develop stronger relationships and trust each other in unfamiliar situations. Certain activities can be designed to improve communication and limit conflict in a group. Nae Limits offer a wide choice of water and land activities that achieve these objectives – white water rafting, gorge walking and adventure tubing to name a few.
Team building at Nae Limits most often lasts for half a day. The challenge takes place in an outdoor environment and afterwards there is a time for reflection and discussion. This is a time where students truly show how much they’ve learned and how far they’ve grown. We have seen many achievements from our young people over the years and our return bookings are testament to this.
“Nae Limits, thank you for taking us River Tubing and Canyoning. We all had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed it!” 2K Pupils – Mary Erskine & Stewart Melville
“All of the pupils on our trip loved their time at Nae Limits. The group were pushed out of their comfort zone but at all times felt safe under experienced guides. They left with great memories and a sense of achievement – thank you to everyone at Nae Limits for a brilliant day!” Darren Campbell- Teacher of Physical Education. Falkirk High School
For more information on our schools programme please email info@naelimits.co.uk and we will be delighted to help you.
OR Check out our Schools page for some of the best options we provide
