Team Building

Team-Building Outings

Charles River Canoe & Kayak offers a variety of team-building options tailored to your needs — from simple paddling trips on the river, to guided outings, to events led by our trained team-building facilitators.

Facilitated Team-Building Events

Our trained facilitators will work with your group — new recruits, a branch office, long-time co-workers, and more — to improve cohesion, cooperation, communication, synergy, and leadership. All outings include pre- and post-event briefings, with time on the water in between for your group to apply those skills and enjoy a welcome break from the office.

For questions or to discuss our program, call us at (617) 965-5110.

Poker Challenge

Communication, leadership, and problem solving are at the core of the Charles River Poker Challenge — along with a healthy dose of fun and adventure. Teams of 2–5 work together to collect 5 randomized poker cards as quickly and efficiently as possible. May the best hand win!

The Challenge

Using well-marked maps, each team will plan a route to all five stations and back to the starting point. Planning, paddling, and game strategy all factor into success — and each team has a chance to earn a “wild card” by completing a mystery challenge. Trophies are awarded for speed, team spirit, and the best poker hand.

Skills Developed

Communication — From steering a boat to navigating a course, every step of the challenge depends on clear, effective communication between teammates.
Leadership — Whether your style is laid-back, consensus-driven, or decisive, the Poker Challenge gives every type of leader a chance to identify, develop, and apply their strengths.
Problem Solving — Success means tackling the small challenges between you and your goal. With a focus on goal-setting and group dynamics, teams build the tools to overcome obstacles together.

Event Day Schedule

Briefing, Introduction & Setup — Facilitators cover the challenge details, run a warm-up activity, and review basic boating skills and equipment.
Launch and Go (2 hours) — Teams launch onto the water and the challenge begins at the facilitator’s signal.
Debrief — Teams reflect on their experience, share strategies and successes, and receive recognition for all participants. Trophies are awarded for best team spirit, fastest group, and best poker hand. (Optional barbecue available!)

Pricing

Setup, staffing, boat rental & facilitator (up to 10 participants)	$1,300
Each additional participant	$21
Each additional facilitator	$260
Guides (per 10 boats)	$151

One facilitator can work with a maximum of 25 participants. Facilitators provide off-water and on-water instruction but do not accompany groups on the water throughout the session. If you’d like guides on the water with your group, guides must be hired according to our guiding ratios.