8 outdoor activities that promote teamwork and communication in kids 

As kids grow up, it’s important to nurture their communication and teamwork skills. These skills will be crucial in their personal and professional lives and can be developed through outdoor activities. Whether you’re planning for an end of year 6 residential trip or want to inspire your students with bushcraft, here are eight outdoor activities that promote teamwork and communication:

Shelter Building – Divide the group into teams and challenge them to make the best shelter they can with the resources provided. This requires good communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

Fire Building – Teach the kids how to build a safe fire and explain the benefits of teamwork for safe fire-making. Have them create and light their own fires, again encouraging cooperation and communication.

Orienteering – Create a treasure hunt or orienteering challenge with map and compass. Kids will develop communication and teamwork skills as they work together to navigate through the course.

Stream Crossing – If you’re near water, have the group cross a stream using teamwork and communication skills to ensure everyone gets across safely.

Nature Scavenger Hunt – Divide the kids into small groups and assign them to hunt for natural treasures. By working together, they will learn to coordinate and communicate more effectively.

Creating a tribe identity with chant or routine – This task involves creativity and working together as a group to create a final piece, which can be performed to encourage confidence.

Night Walks – Take the group on a walk through the wilderness in the dark (always with adult supervision) and encourage them to work together to identify any potential hazards and share their observations.

Campfire Show and Tell – Encourage team bonding by using the campfire as an opportunity for kids to share stories or songs that they have prepared. This builds social and communication skills as well as confidence.

These outdoor activities offer excellent opportunities for developing communication and teamwork skills while enjoying the great outdoors.