Vacation in the Keys

Disaster strikes a group of friends on a charter trip to the Florida Keys when their 43-foot sport-fishing boat suddenly explodes. In the blink of an eye, everyone and everything is thrown overboard. Stranded and disoriented, the group treads water in shock as their boat quickly disappears below the surface of the water. The good news is that everyone is able to swim to shore, all except for one passenger. Realizing rescue efforts could take up to a week, the group must work together to survive.

HRDQ Team Adventure Series training simulations are a popular choice for team development training. They're an effective way to introduce the concept of synergy and help team members quickly develop vital group-process skills such as consensus decision making, problem solving, communication, and conflict resolution in a nonthreatening learning environment.

Each adventure simulation in HRDQ's Team Adventure Series starts with a suspense-filled scenario that challenges teams to work together to escape danger with only limited resources – and each other. While most people can rest assured knowing they'll never encounter these survival situations, they do experience similar feelings of stress and conflict, which accompany everyday organizational life.

Vacation in the Keys helps groups understand the value of consensus decision-making and learn to achieve team synergy. Following the introduction of the survival scenario listed above, participants are challenged to rank 15 salvaged items – first as individuals and then a second time as a team. Participants compare their team scores to their best individual scores and expert rationale to determine if they achieved synergy.

By the end of this game, participants will

• Uncover how to develop group problem solving skills using a five-step process.
• Understand the critical interpersonal skills.
• Learn how groups make decisions.
• Discover the advantages of consensus decision making.
• Learn the three elements of synergy.

Illustrate the concept of team synergy using Vacation in the Keys. This fun, energizing activity provides teams with a nonthreatening opportunity to work together.

Use this survival game to:

• Help teams practice consensus decision making.
• Improve active listening, probing, and confronting behaviors.
• Train team leaders in team facilitation skills.
• Introduce an organizational change.
• Interject a fun activity into an otherwise serious agenda.

Facilitator Guide - Order one guide per trainer

The Facilitator Guide includes background information, administrative guidelines, a step-by-step workshop outline, and sample participant materials. Facilitator materials will be available as a digital download link in your order confirmation.

Participant Guide 5-Pack - Order one pack for up to five participants

The Participant Guide includes the adventure scenario, pressure-sensitive scoring, background information, team worksheets, and action planning.

The HRDQ Development Team creates soft-skills learning solutions that help to improve the performance of individuals, teams, and organizations. At HRDQ, we believe an experiential approach is the best catalyst for adult learning. Our unique Experiential Learning Model has been the core of what we do for more than 40 years. We combine the best of organizational learning theory and proven facilitation methods with an appreciation for adult learning styles. Our philosophy initiates and inspires lasting change.

Additional Information

• Article | How Team Survival Simulations Come Into Play
• Info Kit | Download the Team Adventure Series Info Kit