Outdoor Survival Game
Time for the team building activity: 2–3 hours
Setup effort: High
Estimated cost: Medium to high
Business value: Develops resilience, adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving in challenging environments
What is an Outdoor Survival Game?
An Outdoor Survival Game is a team building activity inspired by wilderness survival training. Participants work in teams to complete practical challenges that simulate real survival scenarios.
The activity typically takes place in natural environments such as forests, mountains, or countryside locations. Teams must rely on teamwork, creativity, and resourcefulness to complete tasks.
Rather than simply testing physical endurance, the game focuses on collaboration and decision-making. Participants must assess situations, prioritize tasks, and use limited resources effectively.
Typical survival challenges include building shelters, starting fires, navigating terrain, or locating resources.
The immersive nature of the experience creates a strong sense of adventure while reinforcing teamwork and resilience.
How do you run an Outdoor Survival Game?
Participants are divided into teams of four to six people.
The facilitator introduces a survival scenario and explains the objectives of the activity.
Teams rotate through different survival challenges such as:
Building a temporary shelter using natural materials
Starting a fire using primitive techniques
Navigating using a map and compass
Solving problem-solving challenges related to survival
Each challenge awards points based on teamwork, creativity, and successful completion.
Teams must manage time carefully as they move between stations.
At the end of the activity, the facilitator reviews the results and announces the winning team.
Why it’s great for a team
Survival challenges require participants to collaborate closely under pressure.
Team members must share ideas, distribute tasks, and adapt quickly when obstacles appear.
The unusual environment encourages participants to step outside their normal roles and discover new strengths.
The sense of adventure also creates strong shared memories that reinforce team bonds.
Participants often leave the activity with a greater appreciation for teamwork and resilience.
How to organize it effectively
Choose a natural location suitable for outdoor activities.
Work with experienced survival instructors who can guide participants safely.
Provide necessary equipment while keeping challenges realistic.
Ensure safety procedures are clearly explained before the activity begins.
End the event with a reflection session discussing lessons learned and teamwork strategies.