Looking to form closer friendships within your color guard team? Try a team building activity!
Team building helps improve communication, encourages teamwork, and helps your team build relationships with each other. Here are some ideas to help you out.
Rehearsal icebreakers
At the start of the season, things may be a little awkward within the new team. It’s hard for some people to go out of their comfort zone and get to know each other.
A good remedy for this is trying some icebreakers!
Icebreakers are little activities that “break the ice.” You can take a minute with your team and staff to play “would you rather,” “never have I ever,” or just go in a circle giving introductions of each member. I’ve done all of these with my teams for the past few years, and they definitely help ease new team tensions.
Rehearsal game breaks
Taking a break during rehearsal and playing a game will help bring up energy and positivity. It gives your team a minute to have a laugh before getting back to work.
Even the basic games like “duck, duck, goose” and “sharks and minnows” can be fun. I’ve played both of these in rehearsals, along with some funny guard-related games!
For example, one of my coaches likes having annual bomb toss competitions. The whole team lines up in a row and we see who can bomb toss their flag the farthest, and the winner gets candy.
Team dinner
This lovely breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner can be organized with staff or just the team. Especially around shows, this is a fun way to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company.
My winter guard team and staff has a tradition of going to Olive Garden before we go to watch WGI World Class Finals. It’s super fun and creates a lot of great memories for all of us.
Team hangout / Sleepover
Hosting a team outing, hangout or sleepover really helps everyone become closer. Pool parties, bowling, movie nights and escape rooms are some fun activities that can bring your team together.
Personally, I love having team sleepovers, because I’m able to talk to members I don’t know as well and spend a lot of time connecting with my team.
Help me grow my team building idea list! Leave me a comment with team building ideas that you do with your color guard team.
