Team Building Day 2009 Kwalata

Prepared by Brett Hurley

The CTHB / TPCP Team Day this year was held at Kwalata Game Ranch, just north of Pretoria, on 16 January. This is an annual event when the whole group gets together to discuss relevant issues, prepare for the year ahead, socialize and just have fun. The day started at 8am with coffee and tea to get the mind and body working. We then quickly moved into discussion time. Some of the main issues discussed were bursaries, work experience, lab cleanliness and field trips. In addition, thoughts were shared on how to ‘lift the bar’ with regards to science excellence in the group. The quality and quantity of science from the group is already remarkably high, but there are always areas that can be improved. At tea-time the students formed break-away discussion sessions. They were asked to make a LOVE, HATE, CHANGE, SAME list – things they love about the group, hate about the group, would like changed in the group and would like to stay the same in the group. The lists were discussed in the bigger group and the feedback was very positive. The lists clearly showed the great group we have, but also gave the students an opportunity to voice any grievances they had, and their ideas for improvement.

After some great constructive discussion it was time for a hefty lunch and then straight into some fun activities. The activities included many unusual but enjoyable challenges to both body and mind. From booting up the most primitive computer with your feet, to working your team through a maze and instructing blind-folded team mates to pick up balls, … or to walk into thorn trees – oops! And after a very full day of discussion and fun – and thankfully no injuries – it was time to jump in the pool (for the few water-lovers) and then enjoy an amazing boma braai, shared with an incredible, diverse and dynamic group of friends and colleagues.

 

Scenes from the Team Building Day at Kwalata