Activities to Enhance Team Productivity

Team Building

When planning your meeting agenda, be sure to include some time for one or more of our Team Building activities. The Chaminade staff is dedicated to creating unique and fun experiences to enjoy during your offsite meeting. Our approach is to actively listen, discuss and offer solutions to meet your requirements.

Art

  • The Painted Cork - Paint & Sip

    Join Kimberly Godinho, the founder of The Painted Cork Art Studios for a Crafting class. Choose from over 300 painting designs! A professional artist will guide you through each step. Most designs come pre-sketched onto the 14 x 18 canvas. The focus is on enjoying the painting process rather than drawing, and no prior experience is needed! The paintings will be completely dry and ready to take home after the class.

    • Group Size: 20 - 80 people
    • Length of Program: 2 - 3 hours

    An outdoor painting setup with easels and chairs arranged in a semicircle on a deck surrounded by trees, under the shade of a large tree.

  • The Painted Cork - Wine Glass Painting

    Join Kimberly Godinho, the founder of The Painted Cork Art Studios for a Crafting class! In this 2 hour class, each participant decorates a large wine glass using special glass paints. Instructions are provided to make the glass dishwasher safe. They will be completely dry and ready to take home after the class.

    • Group Size: 15 - 70 people
    • Length of Program: 2 hours
  • The Painted Cork - Coffee on Canvas Painting

    Join Kimberly Godinho, the founder of The Painted Cork Art Studios for a Crafting class! A 3-hour class where each guest creates two 11 x 14 paintings, using coffee to explore warm caramel tones as a unique painting medium. Your paintings will be dry and ready to take home after the class.

    • Group Size: 15 - 30 people
    • Length of Program: 3 hours
  • Save the Bees

    This fun and engaging team building event begins with a discussion on why bees are important, how we can support our pollinators, and the positive impact that this experience will have on local honeybee populations. Participants then get to paint beehive panels that will ultimately fit together to become bee boxes and construct bee frames using nails, hammers, and glue. Both of these activities are great as they speak to different people's interests!

    Note: bee frame construction can be omitted due to space constraints/sound concerns

    • Group Size: 20 - 40 people
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    The image shows several bees working on a honeycomb structure, likely inside a beehive, with the intricate hexagonal pattern of the comb visible.

  • Good Life Ceramics

    MOBILE CLAY STUDIO: Good Life Ceramics’ mobile clay studio will come to Chaminade! They arrive with all the needed tools, materials, and prepared clay. Create and connect with your team members for two hours while enjoying the beauty of clay. You’ll finish with a hand-built large mug that can be delivered (within 75 mile radius) or shipped (additional shipping fee will apply).

    • Group Size: 20 - 50 people
    • Length of Program: 2 hours

    The image shows an assortment of 15 handmade ceramic mugs in various colors and designs, arranged on a wooden countertop.

  • Air Plant Terrariums Tabletop or Large Hanging Globe

    Discover the enchanting world of air plants and unleash your creativity in our captivating Air Plant Terrarium or Large Hanging Globe Workshop Class. Immerse yourself in a hands-on experience where you'll learn the art of creating stunning miniature ecosystems that require minimal care.

    • Group Size: 10 person minimum
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    A small glass terrarium with an air plant, moss, and pebbles inside, typically used as a decorative indoor garden.

  • Moss Wall Workshop

    Immerse yourself in the captivating world of natural greenery with our Moss Wall Workshop. In this hands-on class, you'll discover the art of creating stunning and vibrant 5 x 7 moss walls that bring a touch of nature indoors.

    • Group Size: 10 person minimum
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    A framed vertical garden features various green mosses, lichens, and air plants against a white tiled background.

  • Seasonal Green Wreath

    Celebrate the changing seasons with our Seasonal Green Wreath Workshop. Join us for a delightful hands-on class where you'll discover the art of crafting exquisite wreaths using an array of fresh, seasonal greens.

    • Group Size: 10 per person
    • Length of Program: 1 - 1.5 hours

    Someone is crafting a wreath with green foliage on a wooden surface, using a pair of scissors to cut the plants.

  • Macrame Key Chains & Feathers

    Unleash your creativity and explore the art of macramé in our Macramé Key Chains or Feathers Workshop. Join us for an engaging class where you'll learn the techniques to create stunning and intricate macramé designs. ‍

    • Group Size: 10 person minimum
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    The image shows braided keychains with metal clips in a basket on the left, and macramé feather decorations in various neutral tones on the right.

  • Macrame Wall Hangings

    Unleash your creativity and explore the art of macramé in our Macramé Wall Hangings Workshop. Join us for an engaging class where you'll learn the techniques to create stunning and intricate macramé designs.

    • Group Size: 10 person minimum
    • Length of Program: 1.5 - 2 hours

    The image shows a close-up of a macramé wall hanging, with intricate knots, attached to a wooden dowel on a white wall.

  • Diy Wood Signs

    Tap into your creative spirit and immerse yourself in the captivating world of DIY Wood Signs during our engaging workshop. Join us as we explore the art of woodworking and design, allowing you to craft personalized and meaningful signs for your home or as heartfelt gifts.

    • Group Size: 10 person minimum
    • Length of Program: 1 - 1.5 hours

    The image shows a blank wooden sign hanging from a horizontal branch using two metal chains. The sign has a natural, rustic appearance.

Nature

  • Foraging Hike

    Find out what you can eat in the woods! Hike on the lovely grounds of Chaminade Resort where you’ll be guided by an expert to learn and sample edible & medicinal plants/mushrooms. This deeply immersive walk invites you to remember the ancient ways of foraging while being in relationship with the ecosystem. Sample the abundance of plants, mushrooms, roots, flowers, nuts and seeds (depending on the season) as you stroll along the forested pathways. Along the way you'll discuss proper harvesting and preparation techniques as well as how to carry your knowledge forward to discover what’s edible in your own neighborhoods & parks!

    • Group Size: 15 - 80 guests
    • Length of Program: 1.5 - 2.5 hours

    Three people are hiking through a forested area, with the woman in the front looking upward and two people behind her.

  • Guided Hike

    With over 3 miles of hiking trail meandering through pristine eucalyptus groves and grassy fields, you will surely feel miles away from ordinary. A variety of terrain and intensity levels on our trails will suit every guest and make your group feel refreshed.

    • Group Size: 10 - 30 guests
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    A young woman is smiling while hiking in a forest, carrying a backpack. Others with backpacks and walking sticks are in the background.

  • Forest Bathing

    The ancient Japanese practice of “Forest Bathing” invites us into a deeper dialogue with the wild world to experience our sense of belonging. Your guide will lead you through a variety of sensory meditations, inviting you into a deeper connection with the “more-than-human” world. This is an opportunity to disconnect from your devices, slow down and be held by mother nature. Please come prepared with whatever you need to sit/lie on the earth in comfort for approx. 30 mins. This experience has been proven to reduce anxiety/overwhelm while increasing creativity, well-being and awe.

    • Group Size: 15 - 80 guests
    • Length of Program: 1.5 hours

    The image shows a view looking up at tall trees in a forest with sunlight filtering through the leaves and branches on a clear day.

  • Field Sketching: Wildflowers with Sami Chang

    California wildflowers are here! Join science illustrator Sami Chang for a guided field sketching experience in Chaminade meadows where you will observe some of our County’s most amazing native wildflowers. Learn about flower anatomy and practice field sketching techniques while learning to identify some of our local grassland flowers. Basic materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their favorite nature journaling and field sketching tools, such as a journal, watercolor palette, pencils, pens, hand lenses, etc.

    • Location: Redwood Deck, Sunset Patio, Courtyard Veranda OR Valley View Terrace
    • Group Size: 10 - 40 guests
    • Length of Program: 2 hours
  • Hands on Drumming Rhythm Session ™

    Introduce your team to the techniques and traditions of west African Djembes, Middle Eastern Frame Drums, Caribbean Maracas and North American Tambourines (jingle rings). The activities will actively engage your group members in reinforcing the real-world skills needed to synchronize their work rhythms, and to bring immediate and enduring benefits to your organization, including reducing stress levels during challenging times, improving teamwork, communication and relationship skills, energizing, focusing and motivating people, aligning the participants with the organization’s values and goals and stimulating creativity.

    • Location: Redwood Deck
    • Group Size: 10 - 50 people
    • Length of Program: 1 - 1.5 hours

Culinary

  • Artisan Pizza Making Class

    Discover the art of crafting perfect artisan pizzas in this interactive, hands-on class. Master the essential dough techniques and explore the secrets of creating authentic, mouth-watering pizzas from scratch. Using top-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes, you'll learn to prepare and bake pizzas that boast unparalleled flavors and textures. Join us and transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

    • Group Size: 20 - 50 people
    • Length of Program: 1 - 2 hours

    A person shaping a circular piece of dough with floured hands on a white surface.

  • Fresh Pasta Making Class

    Learn to make fresh egg pasta with ease. This is a hands-on pasta making class where you will learn basic dough technique. Old world recipes will find new life in your hands as you work with top quality ingredients to create unparalleled flavors and fresh, authentic pastas.

    • Group Size: 20 - 50 people
    • Length of Program: 1.5 hours

    The image shows an egg, a bowl with a cracked egg, and some uncooked pasta noodles on a wooden surface.

  • Sushi Making Class

    Discover how to create classic Japanese sushi, salmon and cucumber maki (rolled sushi), tempura and prawn temaki (hand roll), salmon and tuna nigiri (hand-pressed) and Western-style California and Alaska uramaki (inside out rolls). Techniques covered include cooking sushi rice, cutting fish & vegetables, cooking seafood and meat, making sushi and serving.

    • Group Size: 20 - 75 people
    • Length of Program: 1.5 - 2 hours

    The image shows sushi rolls with rice, seaweed, shrimp, and avocado slices, served on a wooden board with a small amount of wasabi.

  • Southwest Salsa Making Challenge

    Turn your guests into southwestern Chefs, and let their creative juices flow! We will coordinate your group into teams and send them off on a cooking adventure to create the best prize-worthy salsa.

    • Group Size: 20 - 50 people
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    A bowl of fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, and cilantro is next to a whole tomato on a dark surface.

  • Bonfire & S'mores Galore

    Capture the true essence of evenings in Santa Cruz while enjoying a night under the stars with your own private bonfire & smores experience.

    • Group Size: 20 - 75 people
    • Length of Program: 1 - 2 hours

    The image shows several s'mores with graham crackers, roasted marshmallows, and melted chocolate on a wooden surface. Some crumbs are visible.

  • Mixology

    Experience an interactive mixology class with Master Mixologist. Creating fun, engaging, educational and interactive participation of guests. With introduction to basic ingredients and methods of crafting cocktails, participate will lean the how to curate their own cocktails at the comfort of their convenience. Gin, vodka or rum based cocktails.

    • Group Size: 12 - 16 people
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    The image shows three different cocktails: a red drink with an orange slice, a clear drink with mint and cucumber, and a yellow drink in a flute glass.

  • Wine Tasting Experience

    Enjoy a selection of local wines from Beauregard, a local winery from the Santa Cruz Mountains. A fabulous Pre or Post dinner addition or just a way to “wine” down with the team!

    • Group Size: 10 - 40 people
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    A group of people is raising glasses of red wine in a celebratory toast, suggesting a festive or social gathering.

  • Honey Tasting & Beekeeping

    ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES EXPERIENCE - Northern Roots Bee Co.

    Participants learn how the specialized roles of a honeybee colony - nature’s best and oldest example of a high-performing team - mirror organizational roles within functional teams and companies. Participants come to understand the intricate organizational hive structure, which is one with observable teams, patterns, designated jobs roles, efficiencies, and incredible productivity. They challenge themselves to incorporate the hive’s lessons into their personal and professional lives. At the same time, they come to understand the environmental and economic impact of honeybees and how their organization can be part of the solution.

    • Group Size: 15 participants minimum
    • Length of Program: 45 mins

    HONEY TASTING - Northern Roots Bee Co.

    In this unique honey sensory experience, participants will delight in the complex and nuanced flavors of varietal honeys. Participants will learn about how bees make honey, why terroir and nectar sources influence a honey’s color and flavor, how honey is harvested from a beehive, and how to source quality honey. We’ll express gratitude to the hard-working beehive, as a single bee will produce just 5 drops of honey in her lifetime! The expert beekeeper will introduce many unique flavors such as cinnamon, butterscotch, and coffee, hiding beneath the initial ‘sweetness’ of the honey. Participants will have an opportunity to refine their palate as they learn to identify the individual flavors that burst forth in each delicious spoonful. This experience will leave participants inspired to be more creative in their own kitchen and a more educated consumer of high-quality honey.

    • Group Size: 15 participants minimum
    • Length of Program: 45 mins

    *Includes three honey varietals and fresh honeycomb

    ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES EXPERIENCE & HONEY TASTING

    Both programs combined into one deliciously educational experience.

    • Group Size: 15 participants minimum
    • Length of Program: 1.5 hours

    *Includes three honey varietals and fresh honeycomb

    This image shows a honey dipper with honey dripping from it, placed on top of an open honey jar against a plain background.

Movement

  • Scavenger Hunt

    A great way to get outside and let off steam in between meetings! Your team will receive a list of photo scenes to reenact around the resort grounds and team members must stay together as they take fun, creative, and often silly pictures in front of iconic Chaminade locations.

    • Group Size: 10 - 75 people
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    A colorful hand-drawn scavenger hunt map lies on grass, featuring a lake, trees, a red “X,” and an arrow compass pointing north.

  • Boat Building Competition

    Creativity, communication, and reckless abandon are the ingredients for success in our popular Boat Building competition. As teams attempt to build a seaworthy craft from an assortment of materials, they will discover that working together for a common goal can be fun and rewarding! First comes the design, then the construction, and finally the race in an all-out, paddle for your life charge to the finish line.

    • Group Size: 20 - 75 people
    • Length of Program: 1 - 2 hours (1.5 hours optimal)

    A group of people are standing in a circle with their hands joined together in the center, suggesting teamwork or unity.

  • Disc Golf

    It’s the fun of Frisbee combined with the strategic complexity of golf! Your group will learn the basic techniques and rules, then play a round designed to maximize participation and fun. Our local disc golf pro will consult with you about your group’s desired activity level and event objectives, then work with you to create the ideal disc golf experience on the Chaminade 9-hole disc golf course.

    • Group Size: 6 - 54 people
    • Length of Program: 3 hours

    A person is throwing a red disc towards a disc golf basket outdoors, with trees visible in the background.

  • Ropes Course

    The Ropes Course creates a remarkable natural metaphor for flexibility and growth. Under the redwoods, you’ll work together to think strategically, set goals, and execute under pressure. The course consists of both low and high elements, and our staff will work with you to modulate the event based on your team objectives and comfort with heights. This experience is located at the beautiful Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz, California.

    • Group Size: 10 - 80 people
    • Length of Program: 3 - 4 hours
    • Contact: Debbie & Cabot at Synergy Learning Systems

    info@synergylearningsystems.com

    Three people wearing helmets and outdoor gear look upwards, smiling, possibly engaged in an outdoor adventure or climbing activity in a forest area.

  • Geocaching

    The worldwide sport of geocaching with a team building twist. In Geoteaming, your group will use GPS receivers, 2–way radios, and digital cameras to locate hidden containers worth valuable “revenue” for your expedition. You'll also need to decipher visual and written clues to chart the path ahead and keep moving your team forward. Designed courses available in California at the beautiful Chaminade Resort in Santa Cruz.

    • Group Size: 20 - 200 people
    • Length of Program: 3 - 4 hours
    • Contact: Debbie & Cabot at Synergy Learning Systems

    info@synergylearningsystems.com

    Four people are standing in a grassy area, closely examining a GPS device, likely for navigation or geocaching activities in the outdoors.

  • Eggxperiment

    Negotiation skills, problem solving, budgeting, cooperation, and tons of fun! Teams gather to make the ultimate egg protection device, without breaking the bank. Will yours make the drop?

    • Group Size: 20 - 70 people
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    A group of people are standing outdoors, embracing each other in a group hug, smiling and appearing to enjoy their moment together.

Wellness

  • Hatha or Vinyasa Yoga

    Prepare yourself for a soul-soothing, blissful experience with our experienced instructors. Set your class on our Redwood Deck at sunset overlooking our Forest Valley or our Courtyard Terrace as the sun rises beyond the bay. All levels welcome.

    • Group Size: 6 - 30 guests; Groups over 20 - additional charge for each guest
    • Length of Program: 1 hour

    A group of people is practicing yoga indoors, sitting on exercise mats, with their legs crossed and hands in a prayer position.

Community

  • Board Meeting (Skateboard Building)

    During the Board Meeting™, your team will work together to design and build skateboards for underprivileged kids. The Board Meeting™ is packed with powerful metaphors that are reflective of your company’s goals and values. Collaborating with you customers leads to a synergistic result and an unforgettable connection.

    • Group Size: 10 - 80 guests
    • Length of Program: 2 - 4 hours
    • Contact: Kim Clary at Odyssey Teams kim@odysseyteams.com

    The image shows a skateboard positioned on an asphalt road, with sunlight casting shadows on the board and ground.

  • Life Cycles (Bike Building)

    The Life Cycles program reinforces business and organizational skills through a practical philanthropic activity—building bikes. Your team experiences firsthand the influence of their actions, integrity, attention and intention on their work . . . and discovers just how much they get in return from the simple act of giving. A series of experiential activities culminates in building bicycles that will then be donated to “customers”, underserved children who will be receiving their first bike. It is truly an event unlike any other!

    People joining their hands together in a gesture of teamwork and unity.

  • Offsite: Native Plant Restoration & Stewardship in Tyrrell Park

    It’s time to get your hands dirty! Work together as you learn about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program.

    • Location: Tyrrell Park (Seabright)
    • Group Size: 10 - 20 guests
    • Length of Time: 2 hours
    • Suggested Donation: $1,000 - $1,500
    • Contact: Ross Johnston (ross@santacruzmuseum.org)

    Optional Add Ons:

    • Boxed Lunches from Chaminade Resort ($40++ per person)
    • Use of outdoor amphitheater at a cost
    • Educational Presentation by Museum Staff

    The image shows a small green plant sprouting from the soil against a blurred green background.

  • Offsite: Beach Cleanup at Seabright Beach

    Help steward the ocean by removing trash and debris from our beaches, fostering a healthy and thriving ocean. Santa Cruz is connected to the Monterey Bay Ocean Sanctuary. Guided by the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, we’ll record data on the types and amount of debris collected. Then we use this information to help influence policy and increase awareness of how humans impact our environment.

    • Location: Seabright Beach
    • Group Size: 10 - 80 guests
    • Length of Time: 2 hours
    • Suggested Donation: $1,000 - $1,500
    • Contact: Ross Johnston (ross@santacruzmuseum.org)

    Optional Add Ons

    • Boxed Lunches from Chaminade Resort ($40++ per person)
    • Use of outdoor amphitheater at a cost
    • Educational Presentation by Museum Staff

    A littered plastic bottle on the sandy beach with blurred people and more trash in the background, indicating environmental pollution.

  • Offsite: Second Harvest Food Bank (watsonville)

    Second Harvest can provide a variety of customized group volunteer activities. They can customize a volunteer opportunity that’s right for your group.

    CONTACT: Connect with Second Harvest Food Bank Directly to set up your volunteer time https://www.thefoodbank.org/group-volunteer-request-form/

    Several hands are stacked on top of each other, symbolizing unity, teamwork, or collaboration.

Local History

  • Offsite: Indigenous Culture of The Central Coast

    People have lived along the Central Coast of California for over 10,000 years. Today, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band continues to steward this landscape as their ancestors have for millennia. Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for an interactive program built in partnership with the Amah Mutsun, exploring the history, culture, and traditional ecological knowledge of this area’s original inhabitants.

    Contact: Marisa Gomez marisa@santacruzmuseum.org

    • Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
    • Group Size: 10 - 20 guests
    • Length of Time: 2 hours

    A person in a blue jacket extends an arm while standing in a field with tall grass and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.