Saturday July 4, 2009

Bonding in the jungle

By THO XIN YI

A DAY gazing at the stars in a jungle, sleeping in tents, while still being able to get a breathtaking view of the Kuala Lumpur city does not seem like a bad idea for a team- building exercise.

For Cope Adventure, a teambuilding service provider, they pride in offering a different experience to their clients.

Modern facilities: The Khyam tent is equipped with air-conditioner, fans, lighting and electrical plug points.

Offering a strategic location that is 300m above sea level at Look Out Point in Ampang, it is only 20 minutes drive from KLCC.

“Most companies seldom venture into jungles. But compared with beaches, teambuilding in the jungle offers a different taste altogether,” Cope Adventure trainer Ajeet Kaur said.

The fresh air and lush greenery are of course the added bonus.

“All barriers are broken from the company owner to the tea lady — that’s what the jungle does.

“When someone slips, you’ll see another lending a hand. The team bonds in a unique way in the jungle,” Ajeet said.

Survivor activities like torch-lighting and hut-building are played in the forest while the participants learn more about nature in the process.

Amazing Race is another strenuous yet stimulating game designed to build a team.

Play and learn: Tarzan Swing and Multi Vine are some of the ropes courses available at the teambuilding exercise.

Similar to the popular TV show, this activitity requires the participants to rush from station to station and accomplish complicated tasks.

“It’s challenging but you never see a team give up,” Ajeet said.

Paintball is also available, which according to Ajeet, is always the highlight of any teambuilding session.

The exciting game, played on the field that is slightly sloped, is all about strategising and analysing.

Of course, plenty of low ropes courses — challenging outdoor games played on the ground or a few feet above the ground — are incorporated in the teambuilding sessions.

The courses come with interesting names like Giant Finger, Re-Birth, Wild Woozy and Magic Carpet, and these activities are designed to bring out certain values from the team.

“For instance, trust is the most important element in Greater Heights, where the team uses strategy and physical strength to get the team members across a high wall,” Ajeet said.

The fun does not end with the sunset, as there would be an Amazing Campfire Night to look forward to, a night where every individual would be able to display their hidden talent.

Ajeet, who has five years’ experience as a trainer, said each teambuilding session was tailor-made to suit a company’s vision and mission.

Each session, usually held over the weekend covering two to three days.

For accommodation, there are six rustic chalets and 10 Khyam tents equipped with air-conditioners, fans, lighting and electrical plug points.

For details, call 012-308 3315 or 012-268 8224 or visit http://http:www.copeadventure.com/.