Raft-building challenge

Teams of eight to ten are given the same kit: plastic barrels, timber poles, rope and paddles, plus a budget of points to "buy" extra materials. They have 75 minutes to design and build a raft that will carry the whole team across the bay and back.

Our facilitators brief the teams on safety and knots, then step back. The build phase is where planning, roles and communication show up: who designs, who builds, who keeps time. Lifeguards and a safety boat are on the water for the race, and every participant wears a life jacket.

The race is a short relay to a buoy and back, with points also awarded for design and team flag. We finish with a short debrief on what worked, then towels, drinks and lunch on the beach.