Lets Talk Teams! Developing Identity and Cohesion.

Adopt techniques from the Army to develop team identity and cohesion at summer camp.

I served in the U.S. Army for 8 years. The Army doesn’t do everything well, but one area they excel at is creating a strong group identity and team cohesion. When we stepped off the bus and arrived at basic training we were divided into platoons. My platoon was “The Punishers”. I was no longer Corinne, an individual, I was a Punisher. We created a Punisher chant and mantra, we carried around a Punisher flag, and we did everything with our own group. We were constantly competing against the other three platoons to be the strongest, fastest, and smartest. Competitions were had to see which platoon were the best marksmen, who ran the obstacle courses the fastest, who got the higher average score on the combat lifesaver test, which group had the highest P.T. scores? When a platoon would win one of these competitions, they would receive a ribbon to tie to their flag carrying around to display for the remainder of the program. Us Punishers thrived on the competition, we built each other up helping each other study, run, and jump. We won 8 of the 10 ribbons that cycle.

The greatest thing I learned through my basic training experience was not how to repel from towers, shoot a target at 300m, or endure the wonders of CS gas (if you know you know), it was how to build a strong cohesive team and a strong group identity. I have used some of these lessons in my summer camps to INCREDIBLE success. Let's dive into the best elements to develop group cohesion and identity below!

#1 - Develop group IDENTITY through unique names, icons, and mantras

Give or have your campers create their own group name. Groups can then support their group identity with unique songs, mantras, chants, icons, and colors. For example, for many years in my camp my youngest group is the Chameleons. Their color is green. At the beginning of the camp season, the group designs their own chameleon flag to carry around. Each camper is given a green bandana, buff, or lanyard to identify them as a chameleon. When we refer to a camper, we call them by group name for example “Hey chameleons! Group up. Or hey you’re a chameleon, where are your chameleon friends?” This doesn’t mean you don’t build individual connections and relationships, but when you name a camper with an identifier you are giving them an identity. This is so powerful because you are declaring they are a member of this team. It is incredible how fast teams are built and how strong those friendships become through simply creating a group identity.

#2 - Foster that Competitive Spirit

You don’t have to have group flags and challenge ribbons to foster that competitive spirit (although it is a solid method). You simply need to have a common goal and a common enemy. Utilize relay races, obstacle courses, minute to win it games, and sports challenges to bring out the competition. Every year in my camp we run an Olympics style competition in which every group competes against each other. They compete in primarily skill games shooting basketball hoops, making disc golf baskets, seeing how far they can throw a football, tug of war, dodgeball, and of course a gaga ball competition to name a few. It is a camper favorite and the highlight of the summer. Want to see a competition that lowers your behavioral reports? Each week implement a character value such as respect, sportsmanship, kindness, leadership, etc. And award the team that best exemplifies that specific characteristic at the end of the week. I have experienced some awesome results with this method. Some people shy away from competition in camp, I highly encourage it. I will add a caveat that when utilizing competition to develop team cohesion and identity it is also important to create a culture of good sportsmanship and to teach campers how to both win and lose gracefully.

#3 - “Campfire Chats”

At the end of the day, it's about “People, Not Projects”. We can get so caught up in games and activities that we can forget to program in time to foster and grow relationships. My favorite way to develop relationships with my campers is through “Campfire Chats.” Whether you have a physical campfire to gather around or not, simply finding a quiet location unique to your group to talk and reflect is key. During these times play get to know you games, ask would you rather questions, ask about your campers weekends. It can help counselors to have some pre-set questions for each day. Use daily campfire chats to really get to know your campers and allow your campers the time to get to know and develop relationships with one another. This is particularly important in that first week or two of camp. After all, rules without relationship equals rebellion so it is important to develop those relationships and respect early.

Give it a Try!

Implement this method of team building and see the magic for yourself. Here is a simple checklist to implement all three steps on day one.

• Assign or have campers create group name, icon, chant, and color

• Have all groups compete against one another in a race, obstacle course, or challenge and reward the winner

• Have dedicated campfire chat time where each group has an area to themselves. Give counselors a pre-built list of get to know you questions to foster discussion amongst the team