PHILOSOPHY AND FAQ'S
how we do it
We collaborate with businesses, educators, and community organizations to co-create experiences that empower leaders and their teams.
“Teams looking to tackle tough issues and find new ways to work together need this type of facilitation. We really felt motivated and optimistic after the session. The atmosphere was great!” Mike Matejka, Director of Engineering & Development Services City of Cranbrook
“ʔaq’am’s experience with Shonna as the facilitator for a government to government training session was excellent. She provided a well though out presentation that captured our needs.” Mike Frank, CAO ʔaq’am
“Blue Lake is a great place for a corporate retreat or staff event. However, as owners, our favorite part is that it never feels like a corporate retreat or staff event. It just feels like camping, partying, and relaxing with our favorite people. Most work-related events feel like work – for us and our crews. BLC is where we go to play, recharge, soak, and connect with each other. The fact that it's at a gorgeous and refreshingly brisk private lake with ample room for frivolity and peace is pretty on point as well. Because of BLC, our crew looks forward to legendary Spikeball tournaments, our own version of the Dundies, inappropriate sing-alongs around the firepit, paddleboard circles, and late-night talks about life. There is a reason we book every year.” Jesse Roberts, Owner Fire Hall Kitchen & Tap, Encore Brewing Co.
“Shonna has been instrumental in guiding me through a number of situations personally and professionally where her coaching assisted me in finding the right answer for myself in those situations, because of that I have been able to solve further situations quicker by using methods I learned from Shonna.” Jonah Gowans, Legislative Assistant to Kootenay East MLA Leadership
“I sincerely appreciate Shonna's authentic, participatory, and flexible approach to group facilitation, including a commitment to an in-depth exploration of the key issues.” Lynnette Wray, Cranbrook City Councillor
How
We will work with the Team Leader to design a custom program to meet your desired outcomes. If your team comes to camp we may use our Challenge Course that consists of 15+ different High and Low Ropes Elements. At camp, or elsewhere we may choose to keep your group grounded and pull from our traveling Ultimate Teambuilding Kit, take you out on the lake for a paddle, or go for a hike in the forest. Each team is different, our qualified facilitators will ensure we tailor the program to meet your group’s specific needs. To learn more about what a Challenge Course is, and Challenge Course Safety click here.
Philosophy
Our Leadership Coach (and our Director of Programs) Shonna Murphy holds her official designation, recognized by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as a Certified Leadership Coach| CLC, and has completed 100+ hours of immersive, experiential coach training through Essential Impact.
Shonna can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your team, and develop strategies to build on those strengths and address any challenges. She can also work with you to develop a vision for your team and create a plan to achieve your goals. As a leadership coach she also help to develop your own leadership skills, enabling you to better communicate with your team and provide the support they need to succeed. By working with a coach before and after your retreat, you can learn how to effectively delegate tasks, set clear expectations, and provide constructive feedback that encourages growth and development. With the support of a leadership coach, you can create a positive and empowering work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration. The result will be a motivated team that can work together towards a common goal, and you'll be able to overcome any obstacles that may arise along the way. Ultimately, investing in a leadership coach can be a game-changer for your team, helping you to achieve new levels of success and create a more fulfilling work experience for everyone involved.
Our Ropes Course Facilitators are trained and certified by Adventureworks! One of 36 companies accredited by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). They have a minimum of an 80-hour certification (Challenge Course Facilitator Level 2) and create innovative programs, solve problems in ropes course environments, and are prepared for emergency situations that are unlikely to occur. Specifically, our instructors have developed advanced leadership and facilitation skills and can act on the Ropes Course similarly to a lifeguard at a pool. They focus on prevention and providing an unforgettable experience for each client.
We operate by three main philosophies; Challenge by Choice and I-OPt (Inviting Optimal Participation).
Challenge by Choice programs sequence activities to create an atmosphere of support, trust, and encouragement for taking risks. Participants agree to value group members, allow individuals to step back and try again later, focus on effort rather than performance, and respect people's choices and ideas (Scboel, Prouty, & Radcliffe, 1988)
I-OPt programs provide all participants with multiple options and levels of challenge within a single, inclusive activity design. Instructors ensure all group members can contribute to each activity's central task by deliberately balancing participant characteristics with the challenge environment (Haras, 2003).
Our facilitators are trained with tips and tricks on how to make the challenge appropriate for each person. We hope that participants will communicate their comfort zone, and take one more step beyond it.
A Coach Approach: We hold people Capable. This in essence means working from the assumption that the person we are coaching is capable of solving the issue by themselves…they don’t need our advice, direction or help to solve the problem. We are there to provide a sounding board and a safety net. (Rob Gray, Professional Certified Coach and Director at Essential Impact.)
Benefits of booking your team’s retreat with Columbia Outdoor School
There are many team-bonding experiences out there. Our difference, we develop literal team-building experiences. Our certified leadership coaches and facilitators offer a holistic approach to team development, combining outdoor activities, leadership coaching, and tailored programming for a transformative and impactful experience.
Improved Team Dynamics
Enhanced Communication Skills
Leadership Development
Increased Problem-Solving Skills
Boosted Morale and Motivation
Stress Reduction
Enhanced Trust and Collaboration
Personal Growth
Positive Organizational Culture
Increased Productivity
Customized Programming
Long-Term Impact