Raise your hand if you remember when you went outside in the morning to play and got home just in time for dinner? You spent the day with friends and classmates laughing and playing hard and weren’t afraid to get dirty – but most of all, you just enjoyed fresh air and being outdoors.

(cue music) Awww…those were the days my friends, we thought they’d never end, those were the days, oh yes, those were the days!

Guess what? It’s time to go outside and play again … adult version now available! Camp El Tesoro hosts retreats for families, youth, students and –  get this – professional organizations and offices. I know what you might be thinking … “A professional development day – outside?? No way, not my office.” I get your hesitancy, I do. But hear me out – here are my TOP 10 Reasons why hosting a retreat at Camp El Tesoro is beneficial for office culture.

Reason #10 – It establishes a common playing field.

When you’re out of the office, everyone has the same “office.” Some people that may be uptight working with upper level management don’t have the visual reminder of someone’s title or big corner office when you’re all in jeans sitting around a campfire. When you get everyone on a common playing field, you’ll get to know and see your coworkers in a whole new light. Check out our office at camp! Warning … you’ll be jealous!

Reason #9 – Getting out of the office makes you think differently.

Fresh air changes how the brain functions. Studies show that nature walks have memory-promoting effects that other walks don’t. We have 223-acres and 1.6 miles of waterfront you can explore. Camp is home to 23 species of native trees, 150 species of birds, 47 species of reptiles, 45 species of mammals, 17 species of amphibians and more than 300 species of wildflowers. Come out and enjoy the sights and sounds of camp.

Reason #8 – You’ll laugh, maybe even belly laugh! And laughter is good for the soul.

Camp Fire First Texas Retreats and Rentals program gives you the opportunity to go back in time when all you had to worry about was getting home in time for dinner. Bordered by the Brazos River and Fall Creek you can do creek walking and look for turtles, fish, and fossils and maybe even have time to splash your friend or co-worker just like you did as a child.

Reason #7 – It’s good to disconnect and unplug.

Bringing your staff, church group, Camp Fire alumni club, scout troop, or even the girlfriends you travel with to camp allows you to put your cares aside and get back to basics. When we aren’t overloaded with constant communication from cell phones, computers, tablets and the like, you can disconnect and actually hear – as well as see – nature.

Reason #6 – You can have time for reflection and make projections more clearly.

There’s nothing like being away from work distractions to clear your head to reflect on your successes during the year, and think about improvements that could be made and set goals for the coming quarter or year. Jennifer Porter’s Harvard Business Review article — Why You Should Make Time for Self-Reflection (Even If You Hate Doing It), states “Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning. This meaning becomes learning, which can then inform future mindsets and actions. For leaders, this ‘meaning making’ is crucial to their ongoing growth and development.” Technology keeps us connected. Maybe too connected. It’s hard to block out the noise and take time to reflect. You might have to schedule this one on your calendar if you want to make it happen.

Reason #5 – You can build self-confidence.

While tree climbing is optional (and highly encouraged), we also offer a different version of tree climbing with our challenge course. Bringing your staff to camp for a day of teambuilding creates a sense of vulnerability that bonds like no other. Getting everyone out of their comfort zone helps you see each other differently.

Want to build your team’s self-confidence or concentrate on building camaraderie with your new work group? Nothing like ascending our 30’ climbing wall and then playing Tarzan flying down our 300’ zip line to build a little self-confidence. Can’t you just hear your entire team cheering you on to “Go for it! You can do it!”

Working with our expert Retreats and Rentals Coordinator, you decide what you want to focus on. Our certified team (yes, the entire staff is certified!) will guide you to develop a schedule for a successful day…all while having fun, laughing, playing hard and enjoying fresh air and being outdoors.

Reason #4 – You can explore and see nature.

Have you ever seen a Blue Heron swoop down and go fishing? Or how about finding animal prints and guessing what animal it is? See if you can find signs of armadillos, raccoons, lizards, toads, foxes, coyotes, field mice, possums, rabbits, nutria, deer, skunks, or bobcats. All have at one time or another been spotted at Camp El Tesoro.

Reason #3 – Who said work can’t be fun?

Bringing your group to camp for a day of fun or even an overnight retreat creates a totally different atmosphere than the office. We have tons of self-led and specialist-led activities. Remember when you were a kid and played 4-square? Have you heard of 9-square in the air? How about foosball? We have HUMAN foosball. What a hoot! And how about archery tag? This is sure to bring the inner kid competitiveness out in you when you try to shoot your co-worker with a foam-tipped arrow. It’s like paint ball with bows and arrows. All of these activities give you and your team a chance to laugh, enjoy the outdoors and have a fun time outdoors – something we all need a little more of.

Reason #2 – It can be “funjacational”!

Fun and educational, what could be better? Many of us “city” kids have never had the opportunity to look for fossils while creek walking. Have you ever seen cedar trees shed their pollen or seen icicles form out of crevices in a canyon? I would not be the least surprised that after you spend a day or overnight with your team at camp, creativity will be at an all-time high when you’re back in the office. In fact, studies show that nature inspires creativity.

And the #1 reason – You’re helping youth! While the experience is beneficial for you and the others around you, you are supporting Camp Fire programs that help children find their spark! Let the fun begin!

Diane Lochtrog Johnson is the Director of Business Relationships at Camp Fire First Texas. She has been with Camp Fire since 2003. However, her affiliation with the organization began when she was a young girl and became a Blue Bird and later a Camp Fire Girl, with her mother as her leader. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Christian University. Diane is President-elect of the National Alumni Board and chair of the Life Long Learning Committee, both at Texas Christian University. Diane is a lifetime member in the Texas PTA.