Teambuilding Game

Group Size:  10 – 20

Age Range: high school – adult

Intensity:  Mental=2, Physical=3

Time:  20 – 30 minutes (without debrief)

Space: Minimal – Medium -- Lots

Set Up Time: 60 seconds

Props: two shoestrings

Challenge :Each group member must pass through a hole in space.

Setup / Preparation

1.  Safety first (see “Safety” section below).  Make sure you’re group is ready for a challenging activity requiring lifting teammates.  Teach how to lift people safely.

2.  Tie two shoestrings together to form a circle.

3.  Two people hold the circle to create a square that is vertical to the ground.Thesquare’s bottom edge should be approximately 3 to 4 feet off the ground.

4.  Divide the group in half, sending one half to one side of the Hole In Space

and the other half to the other side of the Hole In Space.

5.  Have the group pass each person through the hole in space in such a way

that each small group ends up on the opposite side of the hole.  (refer to the figure)

Rules

1.  No one may touch the shoestrings other than the two people holding the shoestrings.  If someone touches the shoestrings apply an appropriate penalty (only that person goes back, everyone goes back, two go back, etc.)

2.  No other equipment or tools may be used to help in the process (no tables, chairs, etc.)

3.  Jumping through or launching someone through the hole is forbidden. Safety It’s important to teach proper spotting techniques prior to giving the group this challenge.  Do not allow participants to hit their head or spine on the ground.  This is very important. Do not attempt this activity if your group is not strong enough (physically), mature enough and/or calm enough, Consider attempting this challenge over a soft grassy area; if indoors, over carpet with padding under it.

Comments

A high degree of trust is required to complete this challenge.  This challenge is best left for a group that is fairly advanced as far as maturity and their ability to safely care for each other.

Debriefing Suggestions

1.  Who in your life lifts you up and helps you out during difficult and challenging times?

2.  Which did you prefer, to lift people or be lifted?

Variations

1.  To make things more difficult, allow verbal communication only during the planning phase but not during the execution phase.

2.  Make the hole smaller.

++ Geometry Teambuilding Game

Group Size:  6 - 10

Age Range: elementary – adult

Intensity:  Mental=2, Physical=1

Time:  5 – 10 minutes (without debrief)

Space: Minimal – Medium -- Lots

Set Up Time: 60 seconds

Props: Two shoestrings

Challenge:

The group must create assigned geometric shapes.

Setup / Preparation

1.  Tie 2 shoestrings together to form a circle.

2.  All group members hold onto the circle with both hands.

3.  The group is then asked to form an equilateral triangle (all sides equal).

Rules

1.  No one may use verbal communication during this activity.

2.  Everyone must hold onto the shoestring circle with both hands for the entire activity.  Letting go of the shoestring circle, even for a moment is not permitted.

Comments

1.  One variation of this activity requires the participants to close their eyes.
 

Some people ask me if it’s OK to use blindfolds.  I’m not an advocate of

using blindfolds.  If someone feels the need to take a peek, so be it.  I would rather the person feel secure in the knowledge that they can be instantly reassured by opening their eyes.

2.  Younger people (under age 10) will likely have a challenging time making a triangle with no verbal communication and their eyes open.

Debriefing

 I few years back I suggested this activity to a friend who was leading a teambuilding event for a group of 20 college students who were preparing to travel to South America to do a large and challenging service project. My friend said the group was working well together and needed a challenge that would bring out leadership issues when things didn’t go as planned.

My friend presented the group with this interesting twist - - she had the group stand behind a  “start” line and then placed a loop (made out of 100 feet of small diameter rope) fifty feet beyond the start line.  The 100 feet of loop was piled up. The group was then asked to travel out as a group to form a perfect square out of the rope with this stipulation…once the group crossed the start line, they must keep their eyes closed. The group worked well to make a plan and they all agreed on it and then stepped out toward the rope together, with eyes closed.  While they were headed toward the rope, the facilitator moved it to an entirely different location.  The group reached the point where they thought the rope should be, and yet it wasn’t there.  The group became frustrated.  After much effort, they made a second plan to find the rope (all with eyes closed).They eventually found the rope and then had to make the geometric shape. During the debrief, the group discussed how the activity was a good lesson for them in preparation for their trip.  They knew they would encounter challenges that would test the group regardless of how much planning they would do ahead of time. They discussed a plan of action for how they would react to such situations during the trip.

Variations
 

1.  For the second shape, ask the group to form an equilateral triangle. They can talk, but they can’t open their eyes. They must hold on to the Group Loop with both hands throughout.The group can open their eyes once they are in agreement as to whether they have made the shape successfully.

2.  If you have a large group, divide into teams of 12 people each then give each group their own Group Loop

3. Use a 100-foot section of rope with LOTS of people holding on trying to form a geometric shape. This variation is best done after the small groups have had success forming shapes.  Make sure you tie a VERY SECURE knot

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