Amica Care Team Building Day 2025
On Tuesday 9th September, colleagues from our Support Office and Independent Living Sites were joined by our dedicated Home and Deputy Managers at Gatchell House, where we gathered for our annual Team Building Day. What started as a combination of excitement and anticipation (complemented by a delicious breakfast) turned into a day filled with lots of laughter, an appropriate serving of determination and, overall, a beautiful celebration and representation of the special bonds we share with one another at Amica Care.
This splendid day was planned well in advance by some hardworking members of our team, and it is safe to say that their tireless efforts were well worth it, as it was a wonderful experience for all involved. Everyone relished in the brilliant company, delectable food, fortunately great weather, and the riveting (yet, some exhausting) activities, courtesy of our friends at Avva Experience. As well as presenting and engaging with a real sense of enthusiasm and wit, our fantastic hosts truly embraced the fun, caring and compassionate spirit of our community.
It can be said with confidence that the day began with a slightly busier car park at Gatchell House compared to the usual, as everyone started to arrive in an orderly fashion. Our stunning lounge area was fully equipped with a mouth-watering array of breakfast foods and a variety of hot and cold refreshments, ready to fuel all of our eager attendees, who had slowly begun to fill the comfy seats dotted around the room. A gentle buzz of readiness was evident, as everyone sat back and enjoyed catching up with one another, as well as engaging in curious discussions as to what the day had in store for us all.
Not long after we had all enjoyed a bite to eat and a warm cuppa, it was time to get into our teams for the day, which, it is worth saying, had some entertaining names. Some amusing examples include, 'The Brew Crew', ‘The Keyboard Warriors’, ‘We’re on Mute’, and ‘It’s Friday Somewhere’, four statements that are both relatable and hilarious. After a cheerful introduction and explanation of the fun ahead, we were divided into our five separate teams, initiating a short flurry, as we all rose and started to find our fellow team members throughout the lounge.
Shortly after, keen deliberations commenced at each teams’ table, as everyone discussed potential strategies, game plans, and tricky tactics. Although, this didn’t last for long, as soon after, everyone rose and began to head outside. After receiving our coloured bibs, it was well and truly game time. Proudly displaying our team colours (Red, Pink, Blue, Light Blue and Green), we were all undoubtedly ready for a day full of joy, collaboration, and, of course, a palpable spirit of competitiveness.
First on the agenda was some essential stretching, consisting of hamstring stretches, lunges, squats, and some arm circles. Despite some of the stretches being slightly awkward (and funny) to perform, there is no questioning the importance of loosening up, especially with what we had in store for us! After the final stretch, it was time for the real deal – the start of the official Team Building Day Activities.
Optimism was rife as each team lined up, ready to begin activity number one – The Egg & Spoon Race! Holding a similar theme of nostalgia to the activities that followed, activity number one proved to be a hit, as we all gripped our wooden spoons with valour, and one-by-one made our way toward and around the designated cone, while receiving passionate encouragement from the crowd. Everyone, unquestionably, took to the Egg & Spoon Race with unmatched zealousness, and it is worth mentioning that not one egg was left broken! Very impressive to say the least, and before we knew it, activity number two was on the horizon.
A slight sense of confusion was felt by us all, as for activity number two, each team was given a trusty welly boot. Before long, the bewilderment had faded, as we discovered we would be tasked with launching the welly with all our might, before measuring the distance we had achieved. Seeing a sea of welly boots flying through the sky at Gatchell House was a unique sight to behold, and everyone certainly enjoyed putting their throwing skills to the test. After each team member had their shot and each careful measurement had been recorded, it was time to say goodbye to our boots and head onto activity number three.
Moving on, activity number three was the traditional and much-loved Sack Race, which proved to be every bit as entertaining as anticipated! Everyone took turns valiantly stepping into their sack and bouncing their way toward and around the cone. Cheers and laughter from the crowd were in abundance, as we all, in fairness, did a great job at completing the race, despite the odd stumble and scramble! It was not only an amusing activity, but one that provided a sense of urgency, as getting into the sacks in the first place proved to be quite eventful as well as chaotic. Nevertheless, once in the sacks, we all most definitely did ourselves proud, and once the race had come to an end, activity number four was lingering ahead.
Next came, ‘Walk the Plank’, a challenge that required strategy, balance, and appropriately, lots of teamwork. Each group was tasked with using two wooden planks to navigate our way around the designated cone, without anyone touching the ground. Before long, and after a well-deserved practice round, each team had their own distinctive pattern, as the importance of communication and cohesion in this particular activity became clear. Without a doubt, each team shone during this activity, showcasing exceptional organisation and cooperation, and proving that success is easily achievable when we embrace each other, and all work together toward the same goal.
Now for activity number five, the Beanbag Toss! Whilst looking deceptively simple from the get-go (you grab your beanbag and throw it in a hoop of your choice, each hoop offering a different point score), it very quickly revealed itself to be an activity that not also tested our precision, but also our patience. This is primarily due to the mischievous bounce that each beanbag adopted, usually when it had been thrown perfectly into a hoop, the bounce consequently denying a high score. Although there were a few groans of frustration throughout, these were equally met with bursts of joyous laughter, as many near-misses amounted, while the occasional top-quality shot drew loud applause from us watching. Light-hearted yet requiring a significant amount of skill, the Beanbag Toss was one to remember and set us up for the grand finale.
We ended the day with the ultimate test of strength, spirit and unity. It was time for the Tug of War! Hands gripped the rope with courage and determination was etched on each and every one of our faces, as each team battled against one another. The sheer effort on display was truly breathtaking, creating an atmosphere of exhilarating intensity, as well as, of course, lots of giggles being heard during each match-up. By the time the final had commenced, it is safe to say that we were all exhausted, breathless and (at least in the days that followed) aching slightly more than usual! Nonetheless, as we gathered together to hear the results, we were united not only in fatigue, but laughter, happiness and agreement that it had been an experience to remember.
Once everyone had gained their breath and taken a minute to recover from the gruelling yet thoroughly enjoyable Tug of War finale, we gathered together to find out which team was victorious. The Keyboard Athletes were proud winners and were presented with a glorious trophy, followed by Its Friday Somewhere in second place, and We’re on Mute took home the bronze medal. A huge congratulations goes to our winning team, who, despite each team performing with incredible displays of technique and bravery, came out (narrowly) on top and deserved their impressive victory. Everyone posed for their individual team photos, before we all came together alongside our superb hosts for one big group photo, perfectly summing up the shared feeling of jubilation and togetherness that Team Building Day is all about.
By this point, it was time for a well-deserved lunch, and we were all ravenous after such an energetic start to the day! Following lunch, we all sat in our teams and took part in a brain-teasing quiz, followed by an activity based on our Team Building Day questions, which helped us all get to know each other a bit better. As expected, the room was teeming with smiles and laughter as interesting facts about each of us were revealed to the team. While we sat back together and enjoyed some cosy conversations, one thing became clear. Although there could only be one official winning team on the day, the truth is that each and every one of us walked away a winner. The fact that we are all a part of such a supportive, loving and inspiring community at Amica Care is the real prize.
Days like this remind us why team building is so important, even in a community like ours where cooperation, compassion and teamwork are present at all times. Beyond the laughter, games and delicious food, days like this strengthen the bonds that make us more than just colleagues – they make us a team. The unity, cooperation and encouragement we experienced during the activities are the very qualities we live by every day, allowing our dedicated teams to work in harmony across our cherished community. It’s not just about winning races, throwing welly boots or tugging on ropes, it’s about fostering our unparalleled trust in one another, communicating effectively and celebrating each other’s unique strengths and personalities.
We would like to give a massive thank you to everyone who took part and helped to organise our Team Building Day, as well as a special mention to the gentlemen from Avva Experience, who were sensational hosts. The day was well and truly unforgettable, loaded with energy, positivity, and the friendly humour that helps to make our family at Amica Care so special. We already can’t wait for our next Team Building Day, and if this year’s event is anything to go by, it will be outstanding!
