Team building & collaboration
Most team building feels forced because it is. Traditional corporate exercises generate polite participation but fail to create the genuine trust or collaboration needed for real-world performance. Authentic teamwork emerges only when people face genuine challenges together, forcing them to communicate clearly under pressure and rely on each other to succeed.
The Wilderness Institute approach
Forty years of turning groups into teams through adventure-based experiences. Our methodology isn’t guesswork—it’s grounded in proven research and decades of real-world results with organizations from Microsoft to USC. Founder Brad Childs’ master’s research demonstrated how outdoor challenge programs fundamentally shift people’s sense of control and capability, while our track record with major corporations proves these changes transfer directly to workplace performance.
We use nature’s classroom and carefully designed physical challenges to create the conditions where authentic teamwork naturally emerges. Our “Challenge by Choice” philosophy ensures every participant engages at their comfort level while still being stretched beyond their perceived limitations. When your team successfully navigates a ropes course element 40 feet off the ground, or problem-solves their way through a wilderness scenario, they discover communication patterns and trust levels that no conference room exercise can replicate.
Key program elements may include
- Challenge ropes course experiences - low and high elements that require genuine collaboration, clear communication, and mutual support to succeed
- Rock climbing wall - team belaying and climbing activities that build trust and demonstrate how individual achievement depends on team support
- Team eco-challenges - problem-solving scenarios using natural obstacles that require diverse skills, creative thinking, and coordinated effort
- Wilderness collaboration skills - activities like orienteering, shelter building, and survival challenges that mirror workplace dynamics under authentic pressure
- Custom challenge scenarios - tailored activities designed around your specific team dynamics, industry challenges, or organizational goals
Key outcomes
- Enhanced communication & trust - breaking down barriers and fostering open dialogue.
- Improved problem-solving - applying innovative thinking to real-world challenges.
- Stronger team cohesion - building empathy and respect, leading to a more unified and productive team culture.
- Increased adaptability - developing resilience and the ability to thrive in unpredictable environments.
Flexible delivery options
- Santa Fe Treehouse Camp immersives - full retreat experiences at our 156-acre wilderness preserve with unique treehouse accommodations
- Mobile programs - we bring our mobile rock climbing wall and portable challenge elements to your location
- Half-day to multi-day formats - from intensive single-session experiences to comprehensive multi-day team development journeys
- Seasonal programming - summer adventures, winter snowshoe challenges, and year-round indoor/outdoor combinations
Ready to build a real team?
Let’s design an experience that matches your team’s specific challenges and goals. Every organization has unique dynamics, and every team faces different obstacles to peak performance. We begin with a consultation to understand your team’s current state, desired outcomes, and any specific challenges you’re facing. From there, we design a customized experience that leverages our proven activities in ways that directly address your needs—whether that’s improving communication between departments, developing leadership capacity, or building trust after organizational change.