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Teams come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and types – from youth sports teams to Fortune 500 companies. 

At YMCA of the North, we offer a comprehensive curriculum of team-building formats. These include physical activities and discussion-based engagement grounded in social-emotional learning.

We also offer a lot of flexibility around duration and activity, offering a wide range of experiences that can last from a few hours to a few days.

Team Building is great for ...
 

  • Work Teams
  • Social Groups
  • Sports Teams
  • Friends and Families
  • And More

Program Options

Mobile Team Building

Portable activities are the lifeblood of team-building experiences.  Facilitators utilize portable props to lead activities that can be done in any setting: on the beach, mid-hike, indoors during bad weather, and beyond.

Groups will be invited to set goals, communicate, cooperate, and problem-solve to complete each activity.

Facilitators help participants reflect on the challenges and successes of each activity before helping the group apply their observations to “real world” scenarios.

When traveling to one of our locations isn’t feasible, we can bring mobile team building to you.

Low Challenge Courses

Often referred to as a low ropes course, low challenge course elements are physical structures on camp property used in conjunction with portable team building activities.

Like mobile team building, the low-challenge course experience can be tailored to social-emotional engagement and intentional group development with a focus on problem-solving, communication, cooperation, and reflection.

High Challenge Courses

An experience on one of our high-challenge course elements is designed to invite participants to try something new and, when desired, allow participants to step outside of their comfort zone.

There are numerous different types of high-challenge course elements available at the different camp locations. These can range from one participant climbing at a time, partners climbing together, or an entire group participating simultaneously.

Our challenge course elements also range in exertion – some elements require a bit more physicality while others are less physically demanding but might require more mental preparation.

In all high-challenge course experiences, participants are invited to participate and never forced. There are multiple ways for participants who choose not to climb to be still involved while keeping their feet on the ground.

Some high elements do require a minimum number of participants per group to operate.

Desired Outcomes

Social-Emotional Learning

Like learning to ride a bike, these programs present opportunities to practice, experiment, and get immediate feedback.

Through reflection and discussion, individuals and groups learn what works and does not.

Team building experiences designed for social-emotional engagement are facilitated using the experiential learning cycle where groups can engage in open and honest discussion and transfer lessons to real-life applications.

Social-emotional skills often utilized in team building programs often include social awareness, decision making, problem-solving, active listening, and expressing oneself.

Intentional Group Development

All teams and groups have room to improve their operations, interactions, and efficiencies.

Intentional group development begins with a conversation to learn about the group; this includes current group dynamics, necessary group processes to complete functions or mission of the group, and desired goals or takeaways from a team-building experience.

The program design for the team-building experience is then created to fit the group's needs and chosen outcomes.

Teams often focus on effective communication, efficient cooperation, goal setting, defining/delegating roles, and building trust.

Just for Fun

Team bonding, having fun, and engaging in “play” are important.

A team-building experience can be added to a birthday party, graduation party, family reunion, and more.

Locations

Please contact your preferred location below to learn more and schedule an event.

Camp Icaghowan

Explore our 40-acre island on Lake Wapogasset while enjoying a wide range of outdoor activities – just one hour east of the Twin Cities.

Accommodations
Camp Ihduhapi

Situated on 165 acres of vibrant maple forest along the shores of Lake Independence, its close proximity to the Twin Cities makes Ihduhapi the perfect place to gather.

Accommodations
Camp St. Croix

Explore our 400 acres of woods, prairies, and trails along the scenic St. Croix River – just 20 minutes from the Twin Cities.

Accommodations
Camp Warren

Our 480 acres are just a short trip from skiing at Giant’s Ridge, and your group is sure to find plenty of fun ways to relax and enjoy nature right here at camp.

Accommodations
Day Camp Christmas Tree

For over 50 years, Day Camp Christmas Tree in Mound has helped all kinds of people experience fun outdoor activities that promote discovery, friendship, and community.

Day Camp Streefland

Located at beautiful Lake Kingsley in Lakeville, participants learn new skills and build self-esteem through activities guided by the YMCA’s core values.

Gathering Pines

YMCA Gathering Pines is situated on 225 acres of woods, prairies, and pastureland with five lakes just south of the Twin Cities.

Accommodations

Frequently Asked Questions

Duration and Cost add remove

Our programs can last as little as two hours. Program costs vary with the number of participants, meals, and length of stay.

Our staff members are carefully selected for their ability to relate to specific groups. All of our staff members undergo training and recertification on an annual basis, with frequent in-services to cover special programs and populations.

Two young ladies at a climbing course

Making Adventure Accessible

The YMCA offers need-based financial assistance to help people access the programs that are important to them.

Here to Help

Have a question or need assistance?

Our customer service team is always happy to help.