Georgia (2007) – Bosses choose to hire workers for their talents. Social groups gather because they are like-minded. But there is no magic formula to get everyone to function as a team.

However, Unicoi and Amicalola Falls State Park Lodges offer programs specifically designed to build communication, listening, support, risk assessment and leadership skills to rally groups into a unit that works together effectively.

Activities focus on building trust, increasing productivity and emphasizing the importance of being a team player to meet common goals.

Team building programs can be specifically tailored to meet each group’s goal. From the adventure of a ropes course to a complete challenge program combined with comprehensive meeting accommodations, these properties offer distinctive programs and meeting facilities.

In addition, Amicalola and Unicoi are outfitted with all the required technical equipment for a successful meeting, including wireless Internet service and audio visual equipment.

Both Lodges’ programming staff offer similarly themed activities ranging from beginner levels to competitive games and mental/physical strength tests.

To improve communication, groups may try to form a shape using a rope while blindfolded (Blind Polygon), untangle crossed hands without letting go in a circle (Human Knot) or move a container containing a pretend toxic substance to a safe area without spilling any liquid (Nuclear Waste Transfer).

To work on problem solving skills, groups can work together to fill a slowly leaking barrel with water using only plastic containers and manpower (Punctured Drum), try to get everyone to cross an imaginary gorge safely using “Gravity Pods” (Stepping Stones) or build a bridge safely across a “Lost Swamp” (The Meuse).

For building trust, group members can rely on each other during trust falls, levitation and swaying around a circle leaning into teammates hands (Willow in the Wind).

In addition, Amicalola offers a series of low and high rope activities presented in a planned sequence with the purpose of enhancing personal and corporate growth.

The course is divided into low (activities that are close to the ground) and high elements (activities that require participants to be belayed and are 30 feet above ground).

Low elements include teamwork building activities: All Aboard, where the group attempts to fit as many people as possible on a small platform; Nitro Crossing, with the team crossing an imaginary “river” swinging on a rope; Islands, in which the group has to get to three elevated platforms only using a board that does not reach between them; Beam Me Up, where the objective is to get each member of the group up and over a suspended beam; and many other challenging tasks.

While the low rope elements work on team-oriented tasks, the high elements are geared towards individual goal accomplishments and require a safety anchor (belay).

High rope activities include Catwalk, where an individual climbs across a telephone pole suspended horizontally 30 feet off the ground; Multiline Traverse, which involves the competitor crossing a cable at the same height using ropes for support and the similar Two Line Bridge where two parallel cables provide hand and foot support; Pamper Platform, with participants jumping from a 30 foot platform to reach a trapeze bar; and the high flying Zip Wire, where individuals ride swiftly down a cable from a 50 foot high platform.

Inspiration and environment go hand-in-hand at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, a 56-room mountain retreat within earshot of a spectacular waterfall.

Amicalola Falls offers an ideal meeting facility for up to 200, along with all the unique amenities of an Appalachian location – miles of hiking trails, trout streams, and one of the seven wonders of Georgia.

The lodge features 3,074 square-feet of meeting space that includes four spacious conference rooms and banquet capabilities.

For pre-function gatherings, receptions and other group activities, guests enjoy the conference lobby with its stone fireplace and covered verandah overlooking the mountain valley over 1,000 feet below.

For information on programming, call (800) 573-9656. For more information about the lodge or to make group reservations, please contact the Regional Group Sales office at (770) 975-4291 or email vslack@naturallybusiness.com.

Also offering planners a beautiful north Georgia setting is Unicoi State Park & Lodge, nestled in the midst of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Just two miles northeast of the Alpine Village of Helen, Unicoi offers groups the perfect rustic retreat. The lodge features spacious meeting rooms, which accommodate up to 475 people.

For information on programming, call (800) 573-9659 ext. 305. For more information or to make group reservations, please contact the Regional Group Sales office at (770) 975-4291 or email vslack@naturallybusiness.com.

Georgia State Park Lodges offer secluded, natural settings to business executives and group planners looking for a welcome change of pace from the urban environment without sacrificing any of the conveniences.

The lodges combine business with pleasure as each features functional meeting space, tasty cuisine, and comfortable accommodations along with exceptional outdoor recreational activities.

A variety of programming at each site is available and may include environmental education, outdoor adventure activities, and cultural and living history demonstrations.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources operates the seven state lodge parks across Georgia. Natural environments, comfortable lodging, delicious cuisine and affordable rates await guests year-round.

The parks offer such diverse recreational activities as water sports, golf, fishing, hiking and nature trails. For information on any of these outdoor getaways, please visit www.naturallybusiness.com or www.gastateparks.org.
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