I am looking for ideas to use for a company retreat (40 employees). The goal is to do something fun, bond with people that one wouldn't ordinarily spend time with (from other dept's, for example) and to contribute to company morale in general.

Our best retreat in the past was a day set aside to write our Mission/Values statement. In addition, we've had a couple of retreats where we've had more or less 'a company meeting', plus some fun games. (We want to get away from the 'meeting' format.)

Some ideas that have been thrown out have been 'white water rafting' (but some people physically can't do), a City scavenger hunt (with a get-together at the end), and a half-day cooking class.

Morale is HIGH and virtually everyone is on the same mission/values page; and knowing my audience, 'new age' types of retreats are probably not something we'd pursue.

Can anyone share any creative ideas that we could look into?

Thanks in advance.

-sd

I like the scavenger hunt idea, but if the goal is to reinforce teamwork with the entire group, you might want to find an activity that doesn't necessitate breaking them up into smaller groups (unless you can structure it to where they have to rearrange groups every few hours). The cooking class is a good idea, and a ropes course is always fun. I agree that you should avoid the 'new age' types of retreats. You are going to get a lot of groaning and eye rolling.

Last year I took my group to a ranch in TX. Not sure where you are, but it was fun with lots to do during down time.

lgamhr,

Very fun stuff, retreats. How about a field training exercise (a la USMC...without firearms) followed by a corporate banquet that celebrates where the organization has come from and where it is going. Pre-event sessions will also build an excitement for the retreat. See this:
http://astdboard.boom-tv.com

good luck, sf,

Boom
www.businessbattlefield.com

lgamhr:

We have a very unique program - we take corporate groups on a space flight simulation to work on a number of different skills. We can position it as a fun retreat AND give them something to learn. Our groups usually max out at 32, but we can accommodate 40. Visit us at www.corporate-star.com and you'll see what I mean. We run this throughout the country.

John B.
VP - The Corporate STAR Program
www.corporate-star.com

Any other ideas? I like the battlefield (with firearms please), but others in my team are more pacific. Any recommendations that might include a nice lodge by a lake, with good training facilities (in the lodge, not in the lake), and pre-packaged team-building activities?