Texel Foundation, June 2023
Katy Beechey
What were you looking for from a team building session and why did you choose the Farm?
All staff members at The Texel Group are given 1 day’s paid leave to volunteer each year. This can be taken independently, in a small team group or colleagues can join an event led by Texel Foundation.
For our group sessions, we’re aiming to provide the opportunity for staff to have a genuine change of scene, try something different, make a meaningful contribution and also spend time with colleagues, some of whom they may have limited interactions with. We achieved all of this and more at SCF!
Our Chairman discovered the farm during one of his lunch-time walks and it has become his new favourite place, which he frequently visits for lunch. It’s such an oasis of green and whilst only 30 minutes’ walk from our office, it felt like a world away!
How was your experience on the day and what activities did you do?
We were a group of 10 colleagues, who split into 3 teams to carry out the following tasks: prepping veg beds and planting out pumpkin plants, sanding and painting a fence and transporting manure across the site! It was great to get stuck in and do some manual tasks, as well as being able to see the fruits of our labour by the end.
Steven led our volunteering session and took the time and care to give us a fantastic tour of the farm before we began our tasks. We also stayed for lunch and enjoyed delicious toasties, salads, home-made iced-tea and ice lollies – perfect for the scorching day we visited!
How do you think the Challenge Day benefitted your team?
I received rave reviews from all those who took part. Everyone enjoyed being outdoors and productive. It also gave us an opportunity to have more leisurely non-work-related conversations with one another and share insights into different working practices, which we were able to reflect on, away from the office. It also left us feeling more connected to our office neighbourhood and wanting to prolong that feeling. We’re already planning our next volunteering visit and lunch!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Really great formula – thank you so much!
What will your day look like?
Download our information pack or ask us about your challenge now