Golf Outings and Outdoor Adventures

Back porch at Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone, MD; photo courtesy: Golden Entertainment

Golf Outin

With the weather turning warmer and the appeal of the outdoors resonating with so many, planners are looking for opportunities to get their groups outside, whether for golf, team building, walking tours, bonfires on the beach, exploring parks and historical sites, or an array of other options.

According to Kate Young, marketing events manager at Crossbeam, planning an outdoor event in the New York City area always offers appeal to attendees. In fact, destinations that boast skyline views and offer access to a wide range of options for activities, dining and venues are very desirable, as is the convenience of getting to and getting around within the city.

Another attractive city is Philadelphia, which is home to one of Young’s favorite spots, Cira Green. “But my favorite outdoor event took place at the Philadelphia Zoo - having animal handlers come around with animals was something you couldn't get anywhere else,” Young recalls.

Ronnye Schreiber, CEO of PlanetConnect, says that activities like yoga on the beach or holding a beach party with a bonfire and roasting s'mores is a fun way to get attendees outside and having a good time. One of her favorite venues is Ocean Place Conference Center in Long Branch, NJ. “It’s right on the beach, and we have used them for years. My clients are pleased with the layout, the food.”

“There are many benefits of getting a corporate group outside, especially when visiting a place as picturesque as Rocky Gap Casino Resort,” observes Brian Kurtz, general manager for Rocky Gap in Flintstone, MD. “Many corporate settings require employees to sit at a desk throughout the day, either in an office or when working from home, which limits employee movement and access to fresh air and vitamin D. Too often, employees may get caught up in work and forget to go on a walk, attend an exercise class, or step outside.”

&ngs Outdoor Adventures

“It’s our goal to help groups spend time outdoors at Lake Habeeb and the adjacent Rocky Gap State Park,” Kurtz continues. “Taking in the beautiful scenery of these areas can help to decrease stress levels and replenish energy, which can lead to higher productivity levels at work and overall elevated quality of life. Participating in group activities together also can help to build stronger bonds among colleagues, creating an office culture that extends past the outing and into dayto-day work interactions.”

One great choice for an outdoor group activity is golf. At Rocky Gap Golf Course, guests can enjoy Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus designed course. The front nine is carved from mountainous, tree-lined terrain with dramatic elevation changes, while the back nine is spread across rolling meadows.

“The slower, relaxed pace of the sport allows groups to bond and spend time getting to know each other, and can even promote healthy and friendly competition,” notes Kurtz. “For groups of different experience levels on the course, Rocky Gap offers golf lessons taught by experienced professionals.”

In addition, Rocky Gap offers a wide variety of other outdoor activities groups can enjoy. There is a boathouse on Lake Habeeb where groups can rent paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, pedal pontoon boats and fishing gear. The resort’s spacious grounds offer several fire pits surrounded by oversized chairs for lounging, as well as bocce and cornhole games. Adjacent to the property, Rocky Gap State Park offers an expansive area for hiking, biking and exploring.

Over the last two years, a lot of people have discovered - or rediscovered the wonders of the great outdoors, notes LaToya Wakefield, director of sales for The Otesaga Resort Hotel. “They become more relaxed and at peace when they’re communing with nature. They’re able to be present in the moment, appreciate the world around them, and put everything into perspective.”

“Outdoor activities benefit participants’ physical and mental health, and that in turn - has an impact on how a group works together,” Wakefield continues. “At The Otesaga Resort Hotel, we have an enviable location on the shores of Otsego Lake in the heart of Cooperstown, NY… nicknamed ‘Glimmerglass.’ We offer a location that’s literally and figuratively reflective, and that’s more important now than ever.”

Considered one of the East Coast’s most scenic and challenging golf courses, Leatherstocking Golf Course at The Otesaga offers a premier golfing experience in a picturesque, natural setting that challenges all skill levels. The course features 18 holes of rolling terrain and elevation changes, and finishes along the shoreline of Otsego Lake.

“We offer golf clinics, which teach everyone - no matter if they’re beginners or seasoned players - something new or different. Everyone leaves with a sense of accomplishment and a new skill, which puts them in a good frame of mind as they get down to the work at hand,” adds Wakefield.

This year, The Otesaga introduced a new outdoor “Shinrin-Yoku” or “forest bathing” session that focuses on practicing mindfulness and developing a deeper connection with nature. Similarly, teams can participate in a tai chi hike, which not only gets them into the resort’s scenic natural surroundings, but also teaches things like correct posture, breathing and core movement - all of which can be helpful for people who spend their days sitting at a desk or typing on a keyboard.

“We’re really focused on wellness these days, just as our guests are,” notes Wakefield.

In Delaware County, PA, there are plenty of things to do outdoors, with all sorts of activities, adventures and opportunities that groups can enjoy, notes Amy Bohr, director of marketing for Visit Delco, PA.

With 650 protected acres of woodland, meadows, and seasonal events and activities, Tyler Arboretum is a delight for nature lovers, birders, botanists, and those who want rediscover the natural world. Evening Wildflower Walks take place here throughout the year on select days, weather permitting, and private, one-hour, seasonal specialized guided tours can be arranged.

Additional outdoor adventures and tours can be enjoyed at Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College and also at Chanticleer Garden, which offers group and guided tours by appointment only. Ridley Creek State Park, the J. Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, and at Newlin Grist Mill are also great places in Delaware County for those who want to explore the outdoors and get closer to nature.

At Linvilla Orchards there is plenty of outdoor fun with “pick your own” opportunities, seasonal hayrides, and the Ship Bottom Beer Garden. Brandywine River Museum of Art offers studio tours, tours of the National Historic Landmark Keurner Farm, and of its wildflower and native plant gardens, too.

Sports enthusiasts can book suites for Union home games at Subaru Park,

The historic skipjack, Wilma Lee - Annapolis Maritime Museum, is available for private charters; photo courtesy: Visit Annapolis; credit: © Jay Fleming

while those who are interested in enjoying a relaxing glass of wine in a serene setting can enjoy tastings and more at Penn’s Woods Winery or at Grace Winery.

For those looking to host corporate events in the outdoors, Bohr notes that Tyler Arboretum is home to a tented terrace along with its Lachford Hall Porch and Patio for group functions. Penn’s Woods Winery features a pavilion for group events, and Subaru Park’s luxury suites provide a great atmosphere.

Additional offerings in terms of outdoor event space can be found at Grace Winery, with its recently reopened barn that is home to the venue’s winery and tasting room. Newlin Grist Mill features both a log cabin and a picnic area, while the Corinthian Yacht Club offers outdoor function space, as does Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester on its seasonal outdoor Patio at The Grandstand.

Hosting a corporate group outside provides an excellent opportunity to showcase a destination, observes Susan Seifried, vice president, public relations and communications for Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Having attendees experience some of the fun things to do while they’re in town for business helps to plant the seed for future visits. It also encourages participants to linger longer once the conference is over.

Being outside in the fresh air often can lead to a more productive meeting, as well, Seifried asserts. “It tends to reduce tension and opens the door to creative problem solving. Want to host some creative team building experiences? Try the outdoors.”

“We always encourage groups to get out on the water and experience the Chesapeake Bay during a relaxing cruise or team building activity,” she adds. “They can join a regularly scheduled public cruise or charter a boat and craft their own unique adventures. Annapolis Sailing Cruises offers team building aboard its twin 74-foot wooden schooners, Woodwind and Woodwind II, one of which was featured in the movie The Wedding Crashers. In addition to offering public cruises, the historic skipjack, Wilma Lee, is available for charter, as are vessels from Watermark’s fleet.”

Home to more than 500-miles of shoreline, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County offer nearly endless ways to get out on the water, enjoy the sunshine, and explore nature. Schooner Woodwind and Woodwind II owner Captain Jennifer Kaye notes, "Sailing on the Chesapeake is the perfect platform for small meetings. You are literally, all on the same boat, experiencing the same thing while talking business or just getting to know everyone. When we ask people to steer, you can see how excited they are to try something new."

All Watermark yachts offer full-service bars, climate-controlled interiors, and open upper-decks. They partner with professional caterers who can customize a variety of dining experiences, including formal gourmet dinners, Chesapeake Bay crab feasts, and home-style barbecues.

Sandy Point State Park joins more than 137 county parks and natural resource areas encompassing 54-miles of paved trails in Anne Arundel, making it easy for groups to choose the outing

that’s right for them, whether they’re in the mood to hike or bike, or launch a kayak or canoe.

Golfing is available at the public golf course, The Preserve at Eisenhower, a remake of the Eisenhower Golf course that first opened in 1969. Here, project architect Andrew Green combined the history of the original course with an emphasis on sustainability and a focus on environmental stewardship.

Honey’s Harvest Farm provides fun and healthy farm experiences and nutrient dense food and medicine. They share the wisdom and insights of permaculture and nature’s organic ways. Honey’s Harvest offers private wellness retreats that can be customized for up to 18 guests depending on on-site lodging needs. Outdoor spaces provide a positive way to strengthen relationships between co-workers and improve morale by getting out in nature, says Courtney Babcock, director of sales for the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau. “Outdoor venues also have an implied safety component offering space to distance and fresh air.”

Golf is among the top outdoor options, Babcock observes. “Besides being an engaging, brain-stimulating activity, golf also takes place in beautiful, natural environments and this alone has several benefits. Breathing fresh air, being in the sun, admiring gorgeous views, and enjoying a change of scenery all have a refreshing effect on the mind and body and will leave participants revitalized. Finally, fun golf games promote a healthy, competitive spirit. It is an excellent opportunity for remote workers to spend quality time together while perfecting their golf skills.”

Chester County offers a host of golf courses for play, tournaments and special events. Ron Jaworski’s Downingtown Country Club, for example, features multiple spaces for groups ranging from 15 to 300 with comprehensive packages personalized to match needs and budget. Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester is another where groups can “play nine and dine” for team building, and the Penn Oaks Golf Academy offers individual or group golf lessons. A large pavilion provides a taste of the outdoors under cover for events all year long.

United Sports has 11 outdoor fields and can host activities such as soccer, flag football, kickball, cornhole, and

Boardroom Business Meets Boardwalk Bliss.

In Ocean City, Maryland, the sun, sand and sea don’t just set the stage for a dreamy beach getaway. They refresh the vibe and rejuvenate the group during busy conferences, tradeshows, and meetings. With a thriving arts and culture community, excellent eats, 17 championship golf courses and Assateague National Seashore just down the road, attendees can work hard, and then play however they like. Plan your next event at ococean.com/explore-oc/meetingsand-conventions

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Venue

SIZE MATTERS: Are you incorporating team building into the event? If you are, you might want to check with your team building facilitator before booking a space to make sure it fits the activity.

PICK UP ON THE VIBES: The ambiance of a venue definitely can influence the mood and some venues are just not meant for the type of gathering you might be planning. This is why it’s important to actually see the venue in person before making any decisions. Make sure that when you visit it feels like the right place for your group.

LOCATION IS KEY: Finding a place with a convenient location (at least for most) will help keep your attendance number high.

FIND OUT WHAT’S INCLUDED: When working within a budget, finding a venue that includes it all might be your best bet. However, you’ll need to put in the time and research - make a list of the different location ideas that interest you and what each of them offers so you can do a comparison.

DON’T FORGET DETAILS: Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big impact. Is there accessible parking or will guests need to be bussed in? Does the venue have good reviews? Make sure to do some searching around to find feedback about the service and quality of the venues.

For over 20 years, TeamBonding has offered a unique combination of experience and expertise that clients can count on when it comes to delivering exciting, memorable events, whether in-person or online.

www.teambonding.com

Leatherstocking Golf Course 18th Hole, The Otesaga

spike ball. The stadium turf field is near to its full-service restaurant and can seat up to 80 people, while private rooms are adjacent to the fields, as is tented space available for events.

Treetop event spaces are a special way to take a group outdoors and create a memorable experience at Treehouse World, which also offers adventure activities like zip-lining or axe throwing. Finally, wind down on the river at Northbrook Canoe Company’s Canoe and Dine where one can expect an exciting and delicious adventure. Groups can pair up for a relaxing hour-long canoe trip and return to a catered dinner in Northbrook’s picnic grove. Live music and a bonfire under the stars add to this charming experience.

In the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, fresh air rejuvenates and promotes a healthy work/life balance for corporate groups, explains Brian Bossuyt, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Take inspiring hikes together, bike trails that connect everyone with nature and each other, and, if you are seeking added adventure, take to treetop ropes courses or zip lines.”

Outdoor activities also get everyone out of their comfort zones a bit, which can help motivate teams to adopt new ways of thinking, Bossuyt observes. Team building can be incorporated into the experience, in turn helping to improve company culture. “The Pocono Mountains features outdoor activities throughout all four seasons which provides variety for attendees on return visits.”

Many properties in the Poconos offer hiking trails, biking, canoeing, kayaking and golf directly on-site. Treetop courses, zip lining, off-roading adventures are available at a few properties in the Poconos, as well. In addition, there are state and national parks, downtown districts and agritourism experiences to enjoy throughout the region, too.

“The Poconos is home to golf courses that are accustomed to entertaining groups and tournaments with a great deal of history intertwined with course layouts that golfers of all abilities will

love,” asserts Bossuyt. “Pocono Raceway is a must-visit when in the Pocono Mountains. Get behind the wheel of a real stock car on the Tricky Triangle or ride shotgun. Rent a UTV and go offroading. Then sample what comes from Pocono Organics, a farm that is making headlines for its agricultural and culinary products.”

“Pocono Whitewater takes you for an adventure on the river for some whitewater rafting or paddling, and then go pedaling on a bike trail. Or take aim at the largest paintball park in the country in Skirmish Paintball,” he adds.

“Friendly competition in the fresh air is a great way to encourage positive emotions and reduce stress within your team,” observes David Goldstein, COO (creator of opportunities) for TeamBonding. “Especially after COVID, being outside offers peace of mind, not only to individuals, but as a team. The bonding that happens when people are away from the familiarity of their daily routine can drastically increase employee morale.”

“We have quite the selection of outdoor activities, including: High Tech Scavenger Hunts, which are equipped with iPads using augmented reality; the Build A Boat event, where teams sink or swim; the Art Heist Experience, a true crime walking theater event; and one of my favorites based on my time as a camp counselor at Bobby Clarke's camp, our Summer Camp Throwback. New this summer is Game of Drones and - coming soon – Team Disc Golf,” says Goldstein.

Goldstein says that among the top benefits of taking a team event outdoors are: lower stress levels; restoration of mental energy; improved outlook; enhanced focus and creativity; improved overall health; boosting of team morale; and building a positive company culture.

All great reasons to get groups outside and for enjoying outdoor adventures. With so many opportunities and options available throughout the region, groups will have a great time soaking up the benefits of a day spent reconnecting with nature – and each other.

LET’S MEET Again

Gather your team for an inspiring lakeside retreat in the heart of Upstate New York. Experience the di昀erence of our charming accommodations, versatile meeting spaces, and gracious hospitality. Spend your downtime playing 18 championship holes on Leatherstocking Golf Course. Discover the elegance and sophistication of The Otesaga. OTESAGA.COM | 800.348.6222

The Otesaga is taking COVID-19 very seriously and following strict guidelines for the health and safety of our guests. For details visit Otesaga.com/otesaga-care.