Hi-Tech Treasure Hunt:
Team Building With Geocache Hunts

By Tara Powers, MS and/or Sal Silvester

The Hi-tech Treasure Hunt incorporates geocaching with core team and leadership workshop topics. 5.12 Solutions is one of the first Colorado-based training companies to integrate the booming sport of geocaching, where people locate hidden caches using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, with team building. We developed this program because it creates a unique dynamic that brings out the best in team building and leadership competencies as they apply to the workplace.

Simply put, each team is equipped with a GPS device, compass, and map, and they must work together on a geocache hunt to find hidden caches. Upon arrival, teams complete challenge activities. The Hi-tech Treasure Hunt is designed for people of all fitness levels. Most importantly, it provides groups with a unique experience, enabling them to explore the team dynamics that result in enhanced communication, collaboration, leadership, and conflict resolution skills needed in the workplace. The program truly integrates the best of corporate training with outdoor experiential education.

Benefits to the Team:

• Enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Build interpersonal and relationship skills
• Transform conflict into teamwork
• Enhance communication skills
• Develop a personal action plan for implementing insights in the workplace

The Hi-tech Treasure Hunt is a unique program and provides a superior “team” experience when compared to traditional outdoor experiential programs such as a ropes course:

• Clients do not feel “uncomfortable, awkward, and isolated because of group process,” which can be typical in a ropes course environment.
• The group is truly working as a team, rather than primarily working in pairs and/or challenging themselves individually.
• The Hi-tech Treasure Hunt gives teams the opportunity to explore the dynamics that make teams successful. Participants actually have to communicate and collaborate together during this event.
• As teams navigate the course they find team challenges along the way in which they compete.

Sample Agenda: (Half Day)

1:00 – 1:30
Welcome and Introduction

• Introduce objectives, ground rules, etc.
• Conduct team energizer
• Hopes and concerns

1:30 – 2:00
GPS Overview

2:00 – 2:15
Teams Move to First Cache Point

• Instructions are provided in envelope to teams
• Teams navigate to cache point 1

2:15 – 2:30
First Cache Point Team Activity

2:30 – 2:45
Teams move to Second Cache Point

• The two team members who used the GPS device on the first movement are blindfolded

2:45 – 3:00
Second Cache Point Team Activity

3:00 – 3:15
Teams move to Third Cache Point

• The two team members who used the GPS device on the second movement are blindfolded and the remaining team members are not allowed to speak

3:15 – 3:30
Third Cache Point Team Activity

3:30 – 3:45
Teams Move Back to Start Point

3:45 – 4:15
Conduct Debrief

4:15 – 4:45
Conduct Innovation Activity

4:45 – 5:00
Workshop Close

• Personal Action Planning
• Individual sounding
• Participant evaluations and final energizer

NOTE: Optional Pre-workshop and Post-workshop Learning Options include eLearning/online coursework and the inclusion of the DiSC and other assessment instruments; if utilized, these assessments will be billed at current cost.

Time Frame:

One half to one day.

 

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