In the heart of western Kenya, the Better Me team embarked on a journey of self-discovery and team building from September 18th to 19th. What started as a delightful dinner quickly evolved into an unforgettable experience that left us with lasting memories and valuable insights.
Day 1: Unleashing the Spirit of Playfulness
Monday, September 18th marked the beginning of our team-building adventure. We kicked off the evening with a team dinner, where laughter and camaraderie filled the air. But the real fun began when we decided to put our acting skills to the test with a game of charades. Team members divided into groups, and the competition was fierce. It was a fantastic way to break the ice and see our colleagues in a whole new light.
Day 2: Welcoming the Sunrise and Embracing Individual Grounding
On Tuesday, September 19th, we set our alarms for the early hours and ventured out in the hopes of witnessing a breathtaking sunrise. Mother Nature had other plans, as the sky remained overcast. However, as the sun finally broke through the clouds, it was as if it had been waiting for us.
Our day began with a profound grounding exercise. Each team member found a quiet space, armed with a pen and paper. The task was simple yet powerful: observe the surroundings and find something beautiful, then reflect on how you felt in that moment. This exercise emphasized the importance of individual grounding, enabling us to approach the day with heightened awareness and alertness. When every individual is grounded, the entire team becomes more stable.
Unlocking Diverse Perspectives in the Twin Session
The next session, known as the twin session, paired team members together. Armed with a blindfold, crayons, and thought-provoking questions, each pair embarked on a creative journey. Alternating between answering questions and contributing to a shared piece of art, we marveled at the diversity of our approaches. This session beautifully highlighted the value of being open to different perspectives within our team and demonstrated that even with contrasting approaches, we could achieve a common purpose by finding common ground.
Teamwork in Action: The Quad Session
In the quad session, we divided into two teams for some exhilarating and competitive games. These challenges required us to put teamwork strategies into action, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and giving our best efforts to achieve a common goal. It was a reminder that when we work together seamlessly, we can accomplish incredible feats.
Conquering Fears: The Pool Session
Facing fear head-on was a pivotal moment in our journey. We gathered for the pool session, where we confronted our common fear by navigating high ropes and ziplining. This experience taught us that sometimes, in both work and life, we must do things even when we’re scared. It was a powerful reminder that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones.
Deeper Connections and Understanding
Afterwards, we gathered indoors for a game designed to help us understand each other on a deeper level. We answered questions that delved into how we process emotions and approach various situations. This exercise allowed us to connect on a more profound level, strengthening the bonds within our team.
Spreading Joy: A Surprise Visit
As the day came to a close, we had a delightful late lunch. But our adventure wasn’t over just yet. We discovered that Kelvin’s daughter was celebrating her birthday just 12 minutes away from our team-building venue. As a team, we decided to pay her a surprise visit, spreading happiness and sharing in the joy of the occasion. It was a heartwarming way to end our journey.
Conclusion: Bound by Shared Experiences
As we made our way back home, the car ride was filled with conversations about the fears we faced on the high ropes and ziplines. It was a testament to our newfound courage and the lasting bonds we had formed during this extraordinary adventure.
Our Better Me Kenyan team-building session was more than just a getaway; it was a journey of self-discovery, team cohesion, and personal growth. We embraced fear, opened our hearts to diverse perspectives, and left with a stronger sense of unity. In the end, it was a reminder that the best way to grow as individuals and as a team is to step out of our comfort zones and face our fears together. We returned home full of energy, positive vibes, and a deeper appreciation for the power of teamwork and shared experiences.
Thomas Ogalo, Project Coordinator, Better Me
