Raft Building

What is it? 

The practice of raft building is probably one of the most well known team building activities, as the basis of the activity is put together a working raft and get it floating with everybody on board in the shortest time.

What does it involve?

Raft building usually involves teams being given lengths of wood, various ropes and plastic sealed barrels and then given only vague instructions before aiming to combine all the apparatus to make a working raft. There is often also the additional goal of getting the raft successfully floating on water with everyone aboard, and sometimes there is a physical goal to reach somewhere on the water itself. 

Why do it and what are the benefits?

The most obvious benefit of raft building is the intense teamwork required to complete the activity, but it also improves practical thinking and the ability to combine the skills of the group together to achieve the best possible outcome.  

What equipment do we need?

Raft building will generally be carried out under the organisation of an activity provider, so it's unlikely you will need to supply any equipment other than ensuring the students bring wet weather clothing/swimwear!

Who is it suitable for?

You should always exercise caution with younger children around water, especially if they are to go on it on a raft of their own creation! However, it's likely that the instructor will be experienced in judging if a craft is safe to be ridden, so in general, raft building could be suitable for all ages. 

Costs?

Raft building should be a reasonably cheap activity to book for your students, but it often comes as part of a more expansive watersport package which will have higher costs!

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

You should make sure young children are well supervised around water, especially in a potentially high paced situation such as raft building. 

How do we include?

Those with severe physical disabilities may not be able to participate fully - for example, if someone needs to use a wheelchair, they will not be able to climb upon a raft! However, you can include those with disadvantages in ways such as making them leaders of a group - they can direct the activity of everyone else!

Doing it abroad?

You'll be able to find raft building acitivities (or something similar) wherever there are open bodies of water! You should always check before the trip to make sure.

Main website:

http://www.ultimate-activitycompany.co.uk/raft-building/ has some great information, but always check out individual websites for specific venue and activity details.