We were saddened to hear about the closure of Kingswood, an organisation that has been delivering outdoor experiences across the UK for 40 years. The Kingswood outdoor team building closure is a stark reminder of the financial challenges facing organisations in this space. Rising operational costs, coupled with increasing financial pressures on businesses and individuals, have made it harder for outdoor centres to keep their activities accessible and affordable. The difficult decision to close is a testament to how challenging this market has become.
The Value of Outdoor Team Building Experiences
Despite these challenges, the value of outdoor team building experiences has never been more critical. In an era where hybrid working and digital communication dominate, opportunities to connect in person and develop meaningful relationships are increasingly rare but deeply needed. Here’s why these experiences are so important:
Building Resilient Teams: Outdoor activities challenge teams to adapt, problem-solve, and support one another. These experiences foster resilience, teaching teams how to overcome obstacles together and thrive under pressure.
Enhancing Communication: Team building in the outdoors encourages clear and effective communication. Whether navigating a challenge course or solving a group puzzle, participants learn to listen, articulate their ideas, and collaborate.
Boosting Morale and Mental Health: Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress and increase overall well-being. Team building outdoors provides a chance to step away from the office, recharge, and return with renewed energy and focus.
Strengthening Relationships: Shared experiences in the outdoors create bonds that go beyond the workplace. These moments foster trust, camaraderie, and a stronger sense of connection among team members.
A Challenging but Vital Mission
The closure of Kingswood highlights the fragility of this sector but also underscores its importance. At Call of the Wild, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering impactful outdoor team building programmes. We believe these opportunities are essential for fostering strong, resilient, and connected teams.
However, we recognise that ensuring the longevity of outdoor team building offerings requires collective effort. This includes:
Advocating for Corporate Investment: Encouraging businesses to prioritise team development and allocate budgets for meaningful experiences outside the office.
Innovating to Deliver Value: Exploring creative solutions to provide high-quality experiences that are both affordable and effective.
Educating Leaders: Highlighting the tangible benefits of outdoor team building, from increased productivity to improved employee satisfaction, to inspire greater participation.
A Tribute to Kingswood’s Legacy
While Kingswood’s closure is a loss for the sector, its legacy will continue to inspire. To every staff member who worked to create transformative outdoor experiences, we thank you. Your passion and dedication have enriched lives and set a high standard for the industry.
At Call of the Wild, we pledge to honour that legacy by continuing to champion the power of the outdoors. Together, we can ensure that more teams experience the growth, connection, and adventure that only outdoor team building can provide.