As experienced event organizers, we have recently had the pleasure of putting together a cardboard boat team building day for the team at Traceone. Seeking to strengthen bonds and encourage teamwork among their employees, they challenged us to create an activity that was both playful and productive. After carefully considering their brief, we knew the cardboard boat challenge would be the perfect fit.

Location, Location, Location

The first order of business was finding the perfect location. For an activity like this, we wanted an expansive outdoor space with access to a body of water - after all, the true test would be whether these handmade vessels could actually float. Luckily, we were able to secure a spot in one of Milan's most beautiful green spaces, providing a scenic, tranquil backdrop for the day's events.
As the employees arrived, the energy was palpable. Rather than the dreaded team building dread, there was a real sense of excitement in the air. People were eager to get started, buzzing with ideas and ready to put their skills to the test. And that's exactly what we wanted to see.

Building the Boats

The real fun began when we divided the group into smaller teams and set them the challenge: using only cardboard and tape, they had to construct a boat capable of carrying two crew members across the water. Cue the brain power, the creative thinking, and the good-natured competition.
Watching the different teams work together to strategize, problem-solve, and get hands-on with the construction was fascinating. Some groups took a meticulous, engineering-focused approach, carefully measuring and testing as they went. Others embraced a more freewheeling, improvisational style, letting their creativity run wild. And there was plenty of laughter, camaraderie, and friendly ribbing along the way.

The Great Race

Once the boats were complete, it was time for the moment of truth - the big race across the water. With two brave volunteers from each team hopping aboard their cardboard crafts, the atmosphere was electric. Would these inventions actually stay afloat, or would they quickly become soaked, soggy messes?
As the teams cheered on their shipmates, the race unfolded with plenty of nail-biting moments. Some boats glided across the water with ease, while others encountered a few bumps (and plenty of splashes) along the way. But in the end, everyone who participated emerged victorious, having conquered a challenge that demanded collaboration, quick thinking, and a willingness to get a little wet.

More than Just Fun and Games

Of course, this wasn't just about having a good time (although that was certainly a major component!). The cardboard boat regatta was designed to deliver real, practical benefits for the Traceone team. By working together to overcome an unusual obstacle, employees had the chance to demonstrate their diverse skills, build trust and rapport, and develop a stronger sense of shared purpose.
So if you're searching for a team building activity that's equal parts fun and functional, we highly recommend giving the cardboard boat regatta a try. It's a surefire way to get your staff engaged, working together, and having a whale of a time in the process. Want to learn more or get a quote? Just drop us a line!