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Location Overview
The Team Building options
The Programme Options
Pang Soong Lodge - 50 kms., and just under one hour's travel from the city centre, in thick jungle in the cool temperate zone at 1'000 metres above sea level.
The Pang Soong Trail is a community based tourism project run by the villagers of Ban Pang Mano, in the Mae On district of Chiang Mai Province, with development and promotional support from Track of the Tiger's VWB Initiative.
The villagers are 'Khun Muang', the original farmers of the Chiang Mai area, and have for years grow 'Chaa Mieng', a local variant of tea.
Nowadays, with their offspring showing little liking for fermented tea, and coffee prices relatively high, they are turning to farming 'Arabica' coffee.
Not a hill tribe, they are somewhat unique in that they have been ignored by tourism development and as such they, and the mountainous areas they live in, are amongst the last 'undeveloped' attractions of the north.
The nature trail follows a path edging the river course over some 17 waterfalls ranging in height from 2m to 30m as the trail ascends from 1'000.m.a.s.l. to app.1'500 m.a.s.l.
The nature trail starts in the grounds of the delightful Pang Soong Lodge, a retreat an outdoor education centre operated by Track of the Tiger.
To facilitate access, a path has been cut along the edge of the stream with steps, ladders and handrails where needed to ensure safety.
The vegetation is thick with a variety of flora seldom seen any more anywhere but in very remote jungle areas on the north, where tourists and locals alike rarely set foot.
The Pang Soong Nature Trail is a stunning 3-4 hour round trip (up and down) walk, to be opened to the public in November 2004. There are also other trail options available.
Track of the Tiger, has funded the compilation of a comprehensive nature trail guide for the project. The guide, written with the assistance of the Chiang Mai University Herbarium Consultancy covers the geology, climate, forest cover, flora and fauna
We hope this pilot project, with 'fair trade based' forest guide and trail maintenance fees being paid to the village by all who enter, will prove a model for the development of community based sustainable ecotourism in the north.
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The team building programme options in support of the VWB Initiative are built around two specific programmes:
The team building options.
1. The Mae Lai River Tracing Challenge - a team building, leadership and personal challenge programme.
2. The Baht Builder - a multi-choice team building challenge programme.
Full detail on each programme is accessed through the hyperlinks above.
Several other team building programmes by Track of the Tiger, as described on www.track-of-the-tiger.com can be conducted at the Pang Soong Lodge site.
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TB 101 - A half day programme of river tracing.
Spend half a day on a river tracing challenge programme along the stunning Pang Soong Nature Trail. The programme is conducted by Track of the Tiger facilitators assisted by local 'Khun Muang' villager community forest guides in training. Enjoy an evening BBQ before heading back into the city.
TB 102 - A full day programme, river tracing and the Baht Builder programme.
Spend a full day on a river tracing challenge programme along the stunning Pang Soong Nature Trail. The programme is conducted by Track of the Tiger facilitators assisted by local 'Khun Muang' villager community forest guides in training. The afternoon is spent undertaking the Baht Builder challenge - a highly competitive multi-choice team building programme.
TB 201 - An afternoon and overnight programme at Pang Soong Lodge.
Spend an afternoon on a river tracing challenge programme along the stunning Pang Soong Nature Trail. The programme is conducted by Track of the Tiger facilitators assisted by local 'Khun Muang' villager community forest guides in training. Overnight at Pang Soong Lodge with a BBQ dinner and campfire entertainment.
TB 202 - An afternoon and overnight programme at Pang Soong Lodge.
Spend an afternoon on a river tracing challenge programme along the stunning Pang Soong Nature Trail. The programme is conducted by Track of the Tiger facilitators assisted by local 'Khun Muang' villager community forest guides in training. Overnight at Pang Soong Lodge with a BBQ dinner and campfire entertainment.
The following morning is spent undertaking the Baht Builder challenge - a highly competitive multi-choice team building programme. You get to your hotel in the city for 1230 hrs.
General comment
1. Many companies fail to get the immediate benefit out of their team building programmes because they schedule them in the middle or end of their special events at a convenient time. If scheduled at the beginning of the event they improve communication and teamwork at the event itself.
2. An overnight 'outdoor' team building programme has definite cost advantages as it cuts hotel room expenditure by one night, which outweighs the cost of military dormitory style accommodation and meals at Pang Soong Lodge.
3. Checking in to the hotel at 1200 hrs, and going straight into a meeting function invariably provides cost advantages.
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Duration: Half Day
Programme: Spend half a day on a river tracing challenge programme along the stunning Pang Soong Nature Trail. The programme is conducted by Track of the Tiger facilitators assisted by local 'Khun Muang' villager community forest guides in training. Enjoy an evening BBQ before heading back into the city.
Meal Code: (D) Thai/European BBQ dinner.
Location: One hour north of Chiang Mai.
Itinerary:
1300 hrs. You are collected from your hotel by our English speaking tour guides and transported to the Pang Soong Lodge, some 50 kms., outside of Chiang Mai.
1400 hrs. You are divided into teams (selected before arrival) and briefed on the safety aspect of the river tracing programme, a team building and personal challenge.
1630 hrs. Arrive back at the Pang Soong Lodge, shower and change, then enjoy refreshments before a casual BBQ dinner.
1700 hrs. Debrief session of the afternoon's events.
1730 hrs. BBQ dinner and campfire (Thai and western style menu), Bar service option and challenge awards at client's discretion.
1930 hrs. Board the transport for the one hour trip back to the city and your hotel.
2030 hrs. Arrive back your hotel in Chiang Mai.
End of services by Track of the Tiger.
Note* Pricing on request to: tiger@loxinfo.co.th
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Duration: Full Day
Programme: Spend a full day on a river tracing challenge programme along the stunning Pang Soong Nature Trail. The programme is conducted by Track of the Tiger facilitators assisted by local 'Khun Muang' villager community forest guides in training. The afternoon is spent undertaking the Baht Builder challenge - a highly competitive multi-choice team building programme.
Meal Code: (D) Thai/European BBQ dinner.
Location: One hour north of Chiang Mai.
Itinerary:
0800 hrs. You are collected from your hotel by our English speaking tour guide and transported to the Pang Soong Lodge, some 50 kms., outside of Chiang Mai.
0900 hrs. The group is divided into teams of 8-12 participants (selected before arrival) and briefed on the safety aspect of the river tracing programme, a team building and personal challenge.
1130 hrs. Arrive back at the Lodge where they enjoy refreshments before taking a buffet lunch served in the sala (open sided restaurant) overlooking the natural pool.
1300 hrs. Split into teams to commence the Baht Builder team building challenge.
1530 hrs. Return from the Baht Builder challenge, shower and change (or take a swim in the rock pool) and enjoy the refreshments made available to you.
1600 hrs. Debrief session on the day's events.
1630 hrs. BBQ dinner and campfire (Thai and western style menu), Bar service option and challenge awards at client's discretion.
1930 hrs. Board the transport for the one hour trip back to the city and your hotel.
End of services by Track of the Tiger.
Note* Pricing on request to: tiger@loxinfo.co.th
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Duration: An afternoon and overnight programme at Pang Soong Lodge.
Programme: Spend an afternoon on a river tracing challenge programme along the stunning Pang Soong Nature Trail.
The programme is conducted by Track of the Tiger facilitators assisted by local 'Khun Muang' villager community forest guides in training.
Overnight at Pang Soong Lodge with a BBQ dinner and campfire entertainment.
Meal Code: (D,B) Thai/European BBQ dinner.
Location: One hour north of Chiang Mai.
Itinerary:
1300 hrs. You are collected from your hotel by our English speaking tour guides and transported to the Pang Soong Lodge, some 50 kms., outside of and 700 metres in elevation above Chiang Mai city.
1400 hrs. You are divided into teams (selected before arrival) and briefed on the safety aspect of the river tracing programme.
1700 hrs. Arrive back at the Pang Soong Lodge, enjoy refreshments, take a swim in the rock pool, before showering and changing for dinner - a casual Thai / western BBQ dinner.
1800 hrs. Debrief session of the afternoon's events.
1830 hrs. BBQ dinner and campfire (Thai and western style menu), Bar service option and challenge awards are available and at the client's discretion.
Note* Evening entertainment around the campfire such as 'country or folk music' by professional musicians can be arranged for a modest fee.
Retire to bed at your leisure.
Meal Code (B)
0700 hrs. A buffet breakfast is served in the sala restaurant.
0800 hrs. Board the transport for the one hour trip back to the city.
0900 hrs. Arrive at your hotel, and commence your meeting sessions before checking in after 1200hrs. (unless an early check in can be facilitated)
End of services by Track of the Tiger.
Note* - Day two of the programme can easily be modified to include a half or full day tour component.
Note* Pricing on request to: tiger@loxinfo.co.th
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Duration: An afternoon and overnight programme at Pang Soong Lodge.
Programme: Spend an afternoon on a river tracing challenge programme along the stunning Pang Soong Nature Trail. The programme is conducted by Track of the Tiger facilitators assisted by local 'Khun Muang' villager community forest guides in training.
Overnight at Pang Soong Lodge with a BBQ dinner and campfire entertainment.
The following morning is spent undertaking the Baht Builder challenge - a highly competitive multi-choice team building programme. You get to your hotel in the city for 1230 hrs.
Meal Code: (D,B) Thai/European BBQ dinner.
Location: One hour north of Chiang Mai.
Itinerary:
1300 hrs. You are collected from your hotel by our English speaking tour guides and transported to the Pang Soong Lodge, some 50 kms.., outside of and 700 metres in elevation above Chiang Mai city.
1400 hrs. You are divided into teams (selected before arrival) and briefed on the safety aspect of the river tracing programme, a team building and personal challenge.
1700 hrs. Arrive back at the Pang Soong Lodge, enjoy refreshments, take a swim in the rock pool, before showering and changing for dinner - a casual Thai / western BBQ dinner.
1800 hrs. Debrief session of the afternoon's events.
1830 hrs. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and campfire (Thai and western style menu), Bar service option and challenge awards at client's discretion.
Note* Evening entertainment around the campfire such as 'country or folk music' by professional musicians can be arranged.
Retire to bed at your leisure.
0700 hrs. A full buffet breakfast is served in the sala restaurant.
0800 hrs. Split into teams to commence the Baht Builder team building challenge.
1030 hrs. Return from the Baht Builder challenge, shower and change (or take a swim in the rock pool) and enjoy the refreshments made available to you.
1130 hrs. Board the transport for the one hour trip back to the city and your hotel.
1230 hrs. Arrive at your hotel in the city, check in and take lunch.
End of services by Track of the Tiger.
Note* - Day two of the programme can easily be modified to include a half or full day tour component.
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Place
The River Tracing will take place in the "Pang Soong Lodge " area, a one hour drive from your hotel. The stream is called "Haui Nam Mae Malai" and it runs for some 30 kms., from its source at 1'600 m.a.s.l. over 17 or more waterfalls, through pristine jungle and the agriculturally rich flood plains to the Chiang Mai valley.
The Objective
The objective is to get the whole team over the entire 'obstacle' course set in and along the stream, safely and in the time allocated. To achieve the objective effectively, teams will have to work together in close support.
The River
The right river for a teambuilding activity.
Previous clients like Degussa Taiwan, and the instructors from IWNC who's staff, frequently engage in the sport of 'river tracing' thought it was the perfect river.
The challenges where exciting enough and at high risk obstacles there where safety paths next to the river, and evacuation procedures in place. Being not a deep river its more like a long obstacle course than a full on river tracing prgramme.
Emergency Rescue.
Each team is required to navigate a portion of the river, rescue a person (dummy), and carry the dummy on a stretcher to the finish point.
Tips: Participants who are not involved carrying the stretcher can 'clear the trail' for those who do. They can also survey the route ahead and warn of obstacles.
Aim: Problem solving, cooperation, team coordination.
Bamboo Ladder.
The team must create a bamboo ladder out of the components provided - it must be good enough to support them as they climb a waterfall.
Aim: Team problem solving, communication, trust, cooperation.
Waterfall Assault 1.
The team has to climb a small waterfall with group support (spotting) only.
(This activity will be done at several small waterfalls).
Aim: Trust, challenge, cooperation.
Waterfall Assault 2.
The team has to climb up a waterfall whilst being belayed.
Aim: Trust, challenge, team support.
Don't Let Go.
The team has to form a chain and negotiate the challenges the river presents without letting go of each others hands.
Aim: Coordination of action, handling time pressure, caring for the group.
Safety:
Safety begins with knowing your own capabilities; don't be scared of a challenge, but you know your body best.
Please wear the safety equipment provided at all times.
Please listen to the instructions given by the instructor carefully.
There are a few small waterfalls to climb on, we strongly suggest the whole team support each other by 'spotting'*
There are exit paths from to river to the start every 300 metres.
There will be 4 Emergency Technicians on standby with first aid kits.
* The instructor will teach you how to spot and belay.
Clothing:
Participants should be wearing clothes that can get wet.
We strongly suggest wearing long trousers because there might be some leeches around. Participants should wear water sport shoes or trainers.
Flip-flops or Sandals are not allowed and the shoes should cover the foot and toes.
We strongly suggest that participants bring spare clothing, sun cream and mosquito repellent as well.
As it can cool down in the evening we recommend bringing long sleeves with the dry clothes.
Note* Pricing on request to: tiger@loxinfo.co.th
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Introduction.
This programme was designed primarily as a team building tool for companies with multi national, and/or multi cultural work forces.
It's main advantage lies in its flexibility. It is full on team building, but hidden in a game show format that is extremely competitive, yet great fun.
The format allows each team to discuss then select its own 'challenges' from an extensive inventory, presented and described in a 'challenge manual', and depicted through 18 symbols on a gameboard.
Teams start with a budget (paper money) of Baht 1'500.- with which they buy challenges off the game board.
Challenges are in 3 price levels, Baht 500.-, Baht 1'000.-, and Baht 1'500.- The more expensive the challenge, the harder it is, but the greater the financial reward given for completing it correctly, and within the challenge time allocated to it.
To compete effectively, a team needs to employ critical thinking, communication, team work, and have or develop the ability to quickly determine, then capitalise on its group strengths.
The opinion of our largest clients, who put several hundred or more employees on corporate development programmes all over the region annually, is that the 'Baht Builder Challenge' is the best 'participant choice/multi-challenge' option they have experienced. (contacts for references available on request)
The Baht Builder - How it works.
Each team is provided with an instruction manual for 'The Baht Builder' challenge, a cash float (game money), team vests and name tags.
On being given the command GO, each team removes the cellophane wrapper from their instruction manual, and secures the Baht 1'500.- in (fake) game money therein.
The instructions advise the team that this is a business challenge in which they must carefully manage their allocated budget. They start with a cash fund of Baht 1500.-
They will use their remaining funds to 'buy' any one of the 18 challenges listed and described in their instruction manual.
The challenge name and a schematic of the material to be used is depicted on a 75 cm sq. card, mounted on a 'game show' like board - 3 cards high, 6 cards across, and facing the group.
The instructions in the manual invite them to follow the following steps.
Step One - Challenge selection.
The teams determine which of the 18 available challenges they want to buy first.
They must consider:
1. Which challenges suit their collective skills.
2. Which of the challenges that suit their collective skills should they undertake in order to make the most money, in the shortest time, without too high a risk of losing all or part of their cash fund.
Pertinent information.
Of the 18 challenges, 6 are priced at Baht 500.- a further 6 at Baht 1'000.-, and the remaining 6 at Baht 1'500.- The prices are of course based on the degree of difficulty involved in each particular category of challenge.
Each challenge has a predetermined challenge time written on it (ranging from 10 - 30 minutes - again, dictated by degree of difficulty).
There is a bonus dictated by the set time for each challenge. The bonus amount is also written on the placard along with the other detail.
On the downside, failure to complete the chosen challenge within the allocated time means the team earns no monetary reward at all. (no refund of game cost or bonus award for completion)
Having decided on which challenge they want to undertake first, the teams must then hurry to the 'challenge controller' to buy their challenge - assuming that the particular challenge has not already been taken by a 'quicker' team.
If it has been taken, they must then choose another challenge.
Step Two - Workstation allocation.
There are a number of wooden coupons (dictated by the group size), numbered 1-18, hanging on pegs on the game board.
Having bought their first challenge, the team must then choose one of the coupons to dictate which 'work station' they must use.
There is a schematic drawing of the site in each team's instruction manual. It shows the site overall, highlights the briefing area we are currently in, and indicates the location of each of the 'work stations' (one per team)
It also shows the location of toilets, of the refreshment and first aid stations etc.
Step Three - The first challenge.
The team, carrying their challenge equipment, must set off to their workstation with their first challenge.
The 'challenge time' starts when each team member reaches the allocated work station. The 'challenge controller' has a stop watch running for each team.
The coupon must travel with the team and be presented to the 'facilitator' overseeing that particular workstation.
The work station 'facilitator' will only stop the 'challenge time' and hand the coupon back once the challenge has been completed to his or her satisfaction.
On returning the coupon after the first challenge, the group reviews its finances to determine which challenge (of those available) it should undertake next.
Step Four - The subsequent challenges.
The group selects the next challenge.
The sequence continues throughout the allocated 'team building challenge period', with the group building up as much of a fund as they can.
Refreshment breaks, toilet stops etc. are at the group's own discretion.
Who wins.
The team with the most amount of money at the end of the programme is declared the winner.
The client company normally provides a range of prizes, and we can provide 'certificates' to all participants if so requested.
Halfway debrief. (optional)
One of Track of the Tiger's 2 'senior facilitators' will give each of the groups a 10 minute interim briefing during the 2nd hour of the Baht Builder Challenge. This will be done as they finish one challenge, and before selecting another.
In practice, he gives the team a time out coupon valued at 10 minutes. That can be handed into the 'challenge controller' when next selecting a challenge
During the interim briefing the facilitator will analyse with them:
· What they are doing well, or are not doing well.
· How they see the strengths and weaknesses of their particular teams
· What if anything they could improve on in terms of their ability to function well as a team.
· How the analysis of their competencies should influence their choice of their remaining challenges.
Post challenge debrief.
The same facilitators will provide another 10 minute post challenge debrief for each team after the event, using the same format and will analyse with them:
· What they did well, or did not do well.
· How they see the strengths and weaknesses of their particular teams.
· What changes they made to the way they approached the challenge as a result of the interim briefing
· What if anything they could improve on in terms of their ability to function well as a team.
· How they could transfer the lessons learned here into their own workplace.
Examples of challenges.
1. Bridge building - The team target is to build a bamboo bridge and use it to cross and obstacle. - Time 30mins. Cost. Baht 1500.- Reward Baht 2500.- Bonus 2500.-
2. Walking A - frame - The team target is to build an A-frame and walk a pre-set course with it. - Time 30mins. Cost. Baht 1500.- Award Baht
2000.- Bonus 2000.-
3. In Hot Water - The team target is to make fire and boil the water. - Time 20mins. Cost Baht 1500.- Award Baht 2000.- Bonus Baht 1000.-
4. Blind Square - The team target is to make the perfect square from rope whilst they are blindfolded. - Time 15mins. Cost Baht 1500.- Award
Baht 2'000.- Bonus Baht 1500.-
5. Tyre Puzzle - The team target is to move numerically ordered tyres across three poles, putting them on the 3rd pole in the same order they
were in on the first. Time 15mins. Cost Baht 1500.- Award Baht 2000.- Bonus Baht 1000.-
6. Weight Order - The team target is to arrange bottles in a row according to their weight. Each bottle contains a different amount of water,
and the team are of course are blindfolded. - Time 15mins. Cost Baht 1500.- Award Baht 2000.- Bonus Baht 1000.-
The Challenge ends.
The challenge will end at a pre-set time. All work stops when the final whistle blows. Scores are tabulated and the winners will be announced shortly thereafter. Points are carried over to the next challenge.
Prizes provided by the company may be presented at a later dinner function.
Note* Pricing on request to: tiger@loxinfo.co.th
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