Team Bonding at Stanley Park!

At VRES, we usually work as a team to plan events, run programs, and come up with new ideas. This means that we need to know each other well and understand what is needed to work successfully in a team and maximize productivity. As we welcome new staff and volunteers for the summer, we wanted to create an opportunity for team members to get to know one another in a relaxed and welcoming environment outside of the workplace. The bonding event gave both new and returning team members a chance to connect, build friendships, and feel more comfortable collaborating. This gathering was also an opportunity for the Vancouver team to spend time with members of the Ontario team (Kevin, Moxi, and Carey!), who flew in to visit and connect with staff and volunteers in person. 

The day began with a bike ride along the Stanley Park seawall, where team members explored the route on both tandem and solo bikes before heading out for ramen together afterwards. With sunny weather and beautiful views, it was the perfect way to spend a Sunday in British Columbia. As one of Vancouver's most iconic outdoor spaces, Stanley Park offered a scenic setting for team members to spend time together while enjoying the city's natural beauty.

One new team member shared, “Riding a tandem bike felt shaky at first because the balance is so different from a solo bike, but it ended up being even more fun because you could talk with your partner throughout the ride and experience the literal ups and downs together.” This was an opportunity for team members to practice communicating with each other and building trust. 

For many participants, the event provided an opportunity to connect with colleagues outside of their usual roles and responsibilities. Conversations ranged from summer plans and hobbies to experiences volunteering and working with VRES. By the end of the day, team members had built connections that may not have developed during regular meetings or work sessions.

The activities created an opportunity for collaboration and conversation in a more informal and unstructured environment, which we believe leads to a more genuine connection that shows in the workplace dynamics. A relaxed environment such as this ensures that people will feel more comfortable, especially when they are new to the VRES.

At VRES, where collaboration and community are central to the work being done, opportunities to connect outside of the office can strengthen the way teams support one another. Creating opportunities like this helps build teams where people feel comfortable sharing ideas, building friendships, and learning from one another’s perspectives. 

As we continue to grow, moments like these can remain an important part of building a community-centred culture grounded not only in shared goals but also in genuine connection. While much of today's communication happens through emails, messages, and virtual meetings, in-person interactions offer a different kind of connection. 

Join us at the VRES for a wonderful summer experience here! : https://www.vancouvereducation.org/summer-jobs