North Star Adventures is happy to announce our Adventure Team Building Program.
Our programs are outcome based and created with your organization’s specific goals in mind. Through proper sequencing and planning we will deliver a curriculum that will enhance your team’s ability to communicate and work together more effectively. We create a safe space in which team members can build trust both on the physical and emotional level.
Common experiences outside the work environment, on their own, foster deeper relationships. Paired with a properly sequenced adventure activity those relationships can bring your team to the next level in terms of effectiveness and trust.
Group members will need to collaborate and make team decisions. Adventure activities allow employees to relate to each over things they have in common rather than their differences. Programs are designed so each group member will have the opportunity to shine in a leadership role. This leads to increased self-confidence and awareness. Lastly, adventure activities are fun! The tension of the workplace disappears and group members can relax and get to know each other in a more relaxed environment.
We offer a variety of adventure programs. They vary in length from a single day to multi-day retreats.
Day long programs may be the traditional challenge course style retreat or a day long paddling, hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoe adventure.
Multi-day retreats can be designed as comfortable or rugged as you desire. From a base at a retreat center we can venture into the woods and waters for paddling or hiking. We can travel as a self-contained unit from site to site via kayak, foot, snowshoes or skis.
Why are we unique? To start with we have over 25 years of experience with groups of all ages and abilities. We focus on group development and have the knowledge and ability to create a truly unique program, and we are educators with a lifetime of experience helping people grow and discover their authentic self. We pair adventure activities with goal setting, reflection, and creating a plan designed to help you move forward in your leadership and team development.
North Star Adventures founder Nancy Zane has been inspiring individuals, students, and teams through adventure for over 25 years. She has worked with sports teams, corporate groups, women’s groups, school personnel, and families to create experiences that foster personal growth, teamwork, and open communication. She taught adventure education at Unity College and directed an environmental leadership program.
Adventures for Summer, Fall or Spring:
Sea Kayaking – Exploring the ocean by sea kayak is a magical experience. The smell of the ocean, sounds of the ocean waves crashing on the rocks, seals barking, and the sounds of birds communicating all contribute to a wild and remote experience. This experience will leave you in awe of your surroundings and your teammates. Your journey will be custom designed to meet the needs of your team. We have both single and tandem kayaks.
Canoeing – Experience Wild Maine. The options for canoeing in Maine are endless. From remote lakes with sand beaches and clear refreshing waters to more local waterways there is something for everyone. Working with your partner in a tandem canoe will allow you the opportunity to work on communication in a supportive environment. Sometimes the waves are big and sometimes it is smooth sailing. The skills learned by paddling through rough water are transferable to the work environment and will strengthen your ability to work together in calm and rough seas.
Multi-Sport Paddling and Hiking – This experience will allow you to have one day on the water (ocean or lake) and one day in the woods (or a half day of each). Camden Hills, in the mid-coast, is a perfect destination for your multi-sport destination. Lake Megunticook, and Camden Harbor are both beautiful paddling destinations. The options for hiking in the Camden Hills are spectacular. Some of my favorite “bang for your buck” hikes are in this location with views of the mountains and the ocean.
Day Hiking– Challenge yourself and your group in the Maine woods. Like canoeing, the options are endless. Do you want the Camden State park experience? Or, would you like a more remote experience in the Caribou Speckled Wilderness of Western Maine? I will meet with your team to develop a journey that best meets your needs.
Backpacking – Do you want a more challenging experience? Backpacking will challenge you physically, mentally and spiritually. The mountains are a special place to get in touch with your authentic self and challenge those voices that keep you from reaching your potential. We create a safe environment where you can be yourself and face your challenges in a non-judgmental and supportive environment.
Map & Compass – Why Map & Compass as a teambuilding activity? Well, for one thing it’s really fun! It is an ancient tool (first used in 206BC for divination) that has not lost it’s relevance. It is the most basic of all navigation tools that does not require batteries or satellites. Learning how to use this tool will open up a world of exploration. Working alone and in groups you will have the opportunity to explore the Maine woods without the fear of getting lost. Offered as a full day program. Can be combined with other activities on a multi-day adventure.
Portable Challenge course activities – Our portable challenge course programs are outcome based and created with your organization’s specific goals in mind. Through proper sequencing and planning we will deliver a curriculum that will enhance your team’s ability to communicate and work together more effectively. We create a safe space in which team members can build trust both on the physical and emotional level.
Winter Adventures:
Winter is the most peaceful of all seasons. The hustle and bustle of summer is gone and we are left with the stark beauty of the winter wonderland. Wildlife is hibernating, and trails are less crowded. The winter air is invigorating, you come alive, your senses fill with the energy of a crisp winter day. Winter adventure can be intimidating. The cold and finding the right gear can be daunting. Let us introduce your team to this spectacular season. We will teach you the skills to succeed individually and how to support each other in their success.
Our winter adventures may include snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Overnight options include staying in bunkhouses, cabins or Inns. They can be as rustic or comfortable as you would like.
Cross Country Skiing- Designed for both beginners and experienced skiers. The options for a cross country ski adventure are endless. From groomed trails and full service “huts” to breaking trail in the backcountry we can design a program that will meet your needs and allow you to experience the silence and beauty of the winter environment.
Snowshoeing – Is the easiest (in terms of gear) way to get out and enjoy the winter. It opens up the winter world. It can be very physically challenging depending on terrain and snow conditions. Snowshoeing trips can be designed to meet your level of physical challenge. The mid-coast region offers a variety of terrain from flat and rolling to longer more difficult terrain in the Camden Hills.
Price List:
Overnight camping adventures: $155.00 per person per day (310.00 per person for an overnight trip)
Overnight trips Include:
Meals made from locally sourced ingredients*
Tents and cooking equipment.
Paddling gear including canoes or kayaks,, paddles, life jackets
Paddling instruction
Backpacks (for backpacking trips)
Opening and closing group activities
Pre-trip consult
Camping fees
Day Trips: $105.00 per person
Day trips include:
Lunch made from locally sourced ingredients**
Paddling gear for paddling trips
Compasses & Maps for Map & compass
* We provide four meals for overnight trips: lunch and dinner on day one and breakfast and lunch on day two. Plenty of snacks and hot drinks will be available as well.
** For day trips if your group chooses to bring their own lunch we can reduce the fee by 20.00.
Extra fees:
Accommodations: Our fees include accommodations for camping. If you choose we can put together non-camping options. Price will vary depending on the accommodation you chose.
Location: Our experiences are generally offered in the mid-coast region but, we can travel anywhere in the state. Mileage may be added if the travel is over 100 miles past our base at a rate of .55 per mile.
Gear & Equipment: Sleeping bags, pads, skis and snowshoes are not included in any of the packages.
Transportation: We can arrange group transportation for an extra fee or your group can arrange their own carpool
Contact us today for a free consult and lets design a truly exceptional experience for your team.
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Hands together in teamwork makes for leadership
