Last weekend, the iSource team traded screens for scenery and convened in the picturesque mountain village of Vila Dihovo, nestled at the foot of Mount Baba. Surrounded by stone houses, blooming greenery, and fresh mountain air, our team building event was more than just a retreat—it was an immersive experience that balanced learning, collaboration, and fun in the great outdoors.
🔥 Learning Survival Skills from a Pro
Our weekend kicked off with an engaging introduction from our instructor, Gerrit Onstein from Outrack.nl . A seasoned survival expert, Gerrit’s energetic presence and hands-on approach set the tone for the days ahead. From fire-starting techniques using natural tinder and ferro rods to understanding navigation with compass, GPS and maps, each session challenged us to think differently, communicate better, and push our comfort zones.
Under his guidance, we practised:
- Creating fire from scratch
- Basic usage of Compass, Maps, Talkie-walkie and GPS device
- Team coordination in problem-solving scenarios
🍽 Bonding Over Delicious Traditional Meals
Between workshops, we gathered in Vila Dihovo’s warm and rustic dining space, where hearty Macedonian dishes brought us together around long wooden tables. These shared meals were full of laughter, storytelling, and the kind of candid conversations that only happen when screens are left behind.
🤝 Strengthening the iSource Spirit
Through creative group activities—like the “human knot” challenge, building a small Da Vinci bridge and team-based navigation exercises—we didn’t just laugh and compete, we grew closer. Even during light-hearted struggles, we relied on each other’s problem-solving and positivity.
🏡 A Place That Feels Like Home
The charm of Vila Dihovo, with its stone architecture and welcoming hosts, gave us the perfect setting to unwind and reflect. Whether sharing coffee and mountain tea under the covered patio or enjoying the calm of the surrounding village, every moment contributed to a sense of community.
🌟 What We Took Back
We returned from this retreat with:
- Sharpened survival and collaboration skills
- A deeper appreciation for each other’s strengths
- A stronger bond as colleagues and friends
Most importantly, we brought back renewed energy and the reminder that great teams aren’t just built in offices—they’re forged through shared experience, mutual respect, and the occasional spark of fire in the wild.
Here’s to more adventures ahead! 🚀
— The iSource Team
