The Kitchener Lady Rangers spent Sunday at McMaster University in the McMaster Altitude Team Building Program.
ALTITUDE (Achieving Leadership Through Integrating Teamwork, Unity, Dedication and Empowerment) is a program designed to offer leadership, experiential education, and team building experiences to students, youth, adults, sports teams, business organizations and more. The goal is to educate participants about group dynamics, the role and expectations of a leader and how members of a team/group can function most effectively - empowering individuals and groups through the use of adventure programming, team building and leadership development initiatives.
Every individual’s experience at ALTITUDE is framed by the concept of “Challenge by Choice”, where participants choose their own level of contribution, challenge and involvement in an empowering environment of group support and achievement.
The day started with a short but simple team build where communication was key. The groups were tasked with guiding a blindfolded teammate as they walked along a log course. The importance of communication was evident, but the clarity of that communication made all the difference.
Lack of space was the focus of the “net” adventure. Your ability to put 17 of 17 into the net using arms from both “above and below” showcased some of your organizational abilities. From filling around the outside to “stacking” on one another, you made the most out of all the space you had. Like the ice, space is sometimes tough to come by and you must make the most of what you have.
Learning to “lean on” each other proved to be a bit more challenging. The logs were long, and the gap was wide with the “lean in” not coming naturally to most.
Bob, Bobette and Daryll provided some challenges. Although “speed” maybe good at times, “controlled” speed was the winner of the first challenge. As things get “bigger” (as in Bobette and Daryll) you have to learn to change the tactic. There was not a one size fits all in this challenge, which is why we will have ten or more breakout options this season😊
Life is a balance, and it does take concentration and use of resources to make sure things are distributed evenly. A little thought can go a long way but this challenge felt a bit like “insanity”. Attention to detail and “rules, rules, rules” are a must. Don’t lose this lesson this season.
Then came the ropes. Only FIFTY feet to get to the top of the tower. Sure, doesn’t seem like much (heck the rink is 200 feet long – no biggie!). Most experienced some nerves and shakes and all were challenged. For the many who had some concerns with height, it was amazing to see you make it to the top! Your encouragement, support and kind words exemplified everyone’s leadership through teamwork, unity, dedication, and empowerment.
The ladies ended their day attending a High-Performance Workout with McMaster’s Athlete’s Edge Coaches. Re-enforcing proper warmup, the ladies completed some plyometric movements and moved into the “state of the art” weight room where they completed several sets of strength exercises. As discussed, while the weight may be different, the goal remains the same for all. We are looking to build strength, not size, into whatever body type you have to help pass stronger, shoot harder and win those on ice battles. Proper execution of the exercises and technique remain of key importance. Just be careful not to break a “nail” 😊
It was a real pleasure to see everyone away from the ice. Your engagement, effort, and support you showed for each other certainly helped with the physical and mental challenges you all faced. Support for each other, both on and off the ice, is what will make us successful as a “team” this season.
My thanks to all the ladies for your participation and to Ms. Ruby and all the Altitude Staff for the great experience.