Team building is very much part of human resources
development and there is nothing quite like a little adventure and
excitement out in the wilderness for building up unity and bringing out
leadership qualities.
At Pang Soong Retreat, in Mae On sub-district, Chiang
Mai, you can combine excitement with relaxation, in the most beautiful
surroundings.
To get there, start from Don Chan intersection and drive
along the Chiang Mai-San Kamphaeng new route. Go through the entrance of San
Kamphaeng hot spring and straight to Huay Kaew Tambon Administration
Organization, and turn left. You will pass the entrance to Jae Son National
Park. When you arrive at Pang Kae village, turn left and then continue
straight on to Pang Soon Retreat. It is about 50 kilometers from Chiang Mai,
or one hour traveling time.
On the day of our visit, the staff at Pang Soong Retreat
had already prepared a full range of activities for some visiting Taiwanese,
who were divided into five teams and equipped with safety equipment,
including life jackets and helmets. Everyone was briefed on the safety
regulations, and assured that what they were about to do was both safe and
fun, and good exercise into the bargain.
The groups moved off and waded through part of the creek,
with the stronger ones helping those who needed a helping hand. Then they
arrived at a waterfall, where everyone had to climb a cliff about 8 meters
in height, with a safety rope wound around their waist. It was easier than
it at first looked, and everyone’s confidence received a great boost.
Next stage involved carrying a dummy, representing an
injured person, that was laid on a stretcher and had to be transported along
part of the creek without getting wet, and of course without being dropped.
This taught the team members cooperation and coordination, and the dummy
arrived safe and sound.
Team
members wait for their leader.
The final stage had team members building a bamboo ladder
from prepared materials and then placing it against the waterfall cliff,
finally shinning up the ladder and standing on top in triumph.
Sriphan Beary (AKA Add) is owner and general manager of
Track of the Tiger Co Ltd, which organizes the courses. Add said this is a
new facility for adventure tourism and for team building activities. The
company has operated in other areas for some years and has long experience
of building this kind of activity, but Pang Soong Retreat has only recently
opened.
A
female participant climbs the ladder at the waterfall.
Although the team building aspect is of value in any
context, this particular course is particularly useful in training leaders
and teams of trekking expeditions, said Add, as it presents very practical
scenarios and teaches participants how to overcome exactly the kind of
obstacles they might encounter during a trek.
About to open is a study facility, with lodges and tents,
allowing participants to spend time in nature and ecology studies. The first
group to undertake this will arrive in December from Bangladesh. They will
stay for four nights and spend their time both trekking and studying nature,
plants, animals, and insects.
For more information contact Sriphan Beary at Track of the Tiger Co Ltd,
tel 0 5330 8775 or visit website: www.track-of-the-tiger.com.
Warming
up.
Wearing
safety equipment.
Ready to
go!
Walking
in the jungle.
Cooperation
while playing games.
Staff
explain the safety rules for next stage, carrying a dummy on a bamboo litter
through the creek.
Some
careful cliff climbing.
The last
stage has team members building a ladder for climbing the waterfall cliff.
More
like a belated Halloween appearance, yet not as scary.
The
bride on the right had seen better days, but reminded everyone that even
Bette Davis had a lot of fun when she got older.
HSH
Prince Bhisadej Rajani has flowers for pianist Edward Winter and the
departing Brook Kitavadhana who can be heard at The Raffles, Bangkok from
now on.
Beautiful
interaction and even comedy was shown by pianist and singer.