On your marks, get set, hit the target! Once a year, we switch off our computers, leave the daily grind behind for a while and try something new together. This year, our gts team event was once again on the agenda. This time, we headed to Aachen, to the grounds of Gut Entenpfuhl, for some archery.
First the technique, then the goals.
Before we were allowed to set about tackling our first targets, we first had to complete a safety training session. How do you hold the bow properly? How do you draw the string? And how do you actually manage to make the arrow land exactly where you want it to?
After an introduction to the correct technique and a few practice shots, it soon became clear that archery looks easier than it is. But our competitive spirit kicked in just as quickly.
And before an arrow was even allowed to fly, there was one important rule: only when the official command ‘Fire!’ was given were we allowed to draw our bows and let loose.
However, the command ‘Safety!’ was just as important. Only then were we allowed to step forward and collect our arrows again. This required particular care: we had to pull the arrows out of the target as carefully as possible and, above all, always look behind us.
Off to the 3D obstacle course.
After training, we headed to the 3D course. Instead of traditional targets, we shot at various three-dimensional targets there.
And, of course, by now at the very latest, what had started as a bit of casual fun for some had turned into a bit of a competition. Who’s the most accurate? And whose arrow is more likely to vanish somewhere in the countryside than hit the target?
A lovely day away from the daily grind of the office.
In the end, of course, it was less about who could score the most goals. What mattered far more was the time we spent together away from our everyday working lives.
And perhaps there’s even something to be learnt from archery that can be applied to everyday life: keeping your cool, paying attention to the correct technique, and not always focusing solely on hitting the bullseye.
We certainly had loads of fun and are already looking forward to seeing what’s in store for us at the next team event.
