| Team building Activities | |

1. Blind Wine Waiter Team Building Task
Overview
Teams of six must successfully find, uncork and pour a bottle of wine into five glasses. Each team manner must carry out no more than one element of the task and at least five of the team must wear blindfolds.
Pre-Work
None required
Equipment and Layout
One bottle of wine per team, one wineglass per team, blindfolds for 5 members of each team, one corkscrew per team.
Running The Activity 1. Introduce this as a light-hearted activity that will improve communication across teams. 2. Divide the group into teams of 6 and ask each team to elect a leader. 3. Hand out blindfolds to all team members other than the leader, instruct all team members other than the leader to put on their blindfold. 4. Ask the team leader to take a seat somewhere close to his/her team and ask him/her to sit on her hands. 5. For each team, position one bottle of wine, one wineglass and one corkscrew in various locations around the room. Take care to ensure that nothing is positioned where it might easily fall or break (eg make sure the wine bottle(s) and glass(es) are placed on the floor against a wall, or in the centre of a table). 6. Tell all participants that their task is to find a bottle of wine, a corkscrew and a wine glass, open the bottle and pour their leader a glass of wine. 7. Tell the participants the rules: - the team leader cannot move from his/her position and cannot use their hands.
- no team member must complete more than one task
- blind team members must use their writing hand only and place the other behind their back throughout the exercise
- task 1 is to find the bottle and bring it to the team leader
- task 2 is to find the glass and bring it to the team leader
- task 3 is to find the corkscrew and bring it to the team leader
- task 4 is to open the bottle of wine
- task 5 is to pour the wine into the glass and offer it to the team leader
- task 6 (for the team leader) is to drink the wine without using their hands

8. Once one team leader has drunk the wine, signifying the successful completion of the challenge, you can announce the winning team (if more than one team is taking part).

9. Award a prize if appropriate.

Additional Notes
None

Reviews and Conclusions
Ask each group to share the strategy they adopted for the exercise

Ask what was missing from their strategies

Ask the team to assess the effectiveness of their communication

Identify times when similar communication occurs in the workplace
Follow-up
Frostbite is another blindfolded challenge with an emphasis on the leader’s ability to communicate effectively

2. Bonding Belt Team Building Task

Type of activity: Energiser Exercise Icebreaker

Participants: 6 - 60
Timimg: 15 - 30 Minutes
Key Themes: Teamwork, Change, Communication, Leadership

Overview

A hilarious illustration of team bonding in which teams of six are literally bonded together by a cling film waistband. They then have to race against the clock across the room with the intention of improving their time with each attempt

Pre-Work

Assess the participants’ receptivity to fun, this exercise requires an open mind and a good sense of humor.

Equipment and Layout

A large space, with a sufficiently clear area to allow the team/s to move between two distinct points. A roll of cling film per team and a timer

Running The Activity

1. Introduce this as a very light hearted activity in which the team/s will have an opportunity to assess and improve upon their performance

2. Tell the teams that they will have to move as one unit between point A and point B in as short a time as possible

3. Tell them that to ensure they stay ‘bonded’ as one unit they will be held together by a cling film belt, tightly wrapped around their waists

4. Give the teams 5 minutes to discuss their strategy, advising them that at the end of this time they should be in position ready to be ‘bonded’

5. When applying the cling film do so at waist height of the mid-sized participant, make the belt sufficiently tight so that it will not fall when the team starts to move. Make the belt several layers thick

6. Reiterate the position of the start and finish lines and set the teams off against the clock

7. Advise the teams of their times giving them a minute to catch their breath and agree their strategy for the next attempt. 8. Repeat several times until the teams achieve their best time

Additional Notes

Be aware that participants will get very hot during this exercise, provide drinks and look out for potentially embarrassing perspiration

Reviews and Conclusions

Ask each team to consider;

How did they cope with the handicap of the belt?

How do they feel about their level of improvement?

How did the playfulness of the activity influence performance?

What is the equivalent of the belt in your organization?.

What practical steps could you take to improve your performance within the real constraints that exist in your business?

Follow-up
Exercises like My Dream Trip and Life Mapping will help to the team to bond relationally

3. Frost Bite Team Building Task

Type of activity: Energiser Exercise
Participants: 6 - 30
Timimg: 45 - 60 Minutes
Key Themes: Teamwork, Change, Communication, Leadership, Trust, Time Management

Overview
A scenario-based challenge which requires teams of 4/5, (who in this scenario are Arctic explorers who have been caught in bad weather) to elect a leader and then erect a tent to gain shelter. As a result of the severe weather conditions, the team's leader is suffering from frost bite in both hands and is unable physically to help in the erection of the tent. Meanwhile the rest of the team is suffering from snow blindness and as a result cannot see.
Pre-Work
Familiarize yourself with the instructions for erecting the tent, not all tents are the same!
Equipment and Layout
A one or two-man tent for each team; plenty of room – this is best done outdoors. If indoors, you will need a space of approximately 8m2 per team.
Running The Activity 1. Introduce this as a task that requires effective verbal communication and planning.

2. Explain the scenario that the teams are arctic explorers who have been caught in bad weather and need to erect a tent to gain shelter.

3. Then explain that, as a result of the severe weather conditions, the team's leader is suffering from frost bite in both hands and is unable to help physically in the erection of the tent. Meanwhile the rest of the team is suffering from snow blindness and as a result cannot see.

4. State that each team has approximately 45 minutes to build the tent with all but the team leader blindfolded and that the team leader can only assist the rest of the team verbally. Also state that you will be rotating the leadership so that every participant has a chance to lead.

5. Give each participant a blindfold (because the team leaders will take turns to be the team leader) and each team a tent.

6. Position the teams a safe distance apart and ask everyone, except the team leader, to lower their blind folds over their eyes.

7. Once every team is ready tell them to start the erecting their tent.

8. During the exercise be prepared to intervene if a participant might be at risk of injury

9. Remember to rotate the team leader in each group so that every participant has a chance to be the leader.

10. Allow the group to say when they have finished; if everyone is in agreement ask them to remove their blindfolds.

Additional Notes
None
Reviews and Conclusions
Congratulate success

Ask how it felt to lead in this exercise?

Explore what aspect of the exercise put each of the leaders under pressure?

Ask how it felt to be led?

What leadership lessons can be drawn from this exercise?

Ask them what they might do differently if they were to repeat the exercise?
Follow-up
The Belbin Team Styles questionnaire could be used to highlight different strengths and styles within the team.

4. Rings A Bell Team Building Task

Type of activity: Ice Breaker Discussion Starter
Participants: 6 - 100
Timimg: 15 - 45 Minutes
Key Themes: Teamwork, Communication
Overview
A simple and fun activity, ideal as an icebreaker or discussion starter. A good way of ensuring that all mobile phones are switched off at the start of a meeting.
Pre-Work
None required.
Equipment and Layout
Participants can remain seated or standing.
Running The Activity 1. Ask each participant to introduce themselves to the group. As part of their introduction they should demonstrate their mobile phone ring tone. They should then explain the reason for their choice or ring tone (or lack of interest in a ‘personal’ ring tone), and offer some comment as to what this might suggest about their personality or style.

2. The discussion and feedback among the group will be at the discretion of the facilitator, depending on the group composition and whether the activity is used simply as an ice-breaker or as a starter for a discussion.

Additional Notes * You could introduce this by saying that whereas at most conferences, everyone would be asked to ensure that their mobile phone is switched off, this is slightly different in that everyone will be asked to use their mobile phone as part of the exercise.

* The introduction will be important – be clear about what you will be asking, especially if this is early in the programme. Perhaps use a flip chart to be sure.

Reviews and Conclusions * Keep this light, as it’s a very light-hearted exercise.

* Questions to ask include:

- how long have individuals had that particular phone/how often do they upgrade?

- Why did they choose that model?

- Why did they choose that ring tone

- What does the phone/ring tone say about you?

Follow-up
This is a fun ice breaker / discussion starter that leads well into other activities or facilitated discussions. 5. Silence Team Building Task

Type of activity: Ice Breaker
Participants: 5 - 500
Timimg: 5 - 10 Minutes
Key Themes: Communication, Trust

Overview
This icebreaker aims to focus attention and to dissipate nervous tension at the start of a presentation, meeting or training session.
Pre-Work
None required. Equipment and Layout
None
Running The Activity 1. Introduce yourself and say you are about to start your session. Give it a big build.

2. Then stop talking and remain silent for at least 30 seconds, walking around the room or looking at your notes. 3. At the end of 30 seconds, thank participants for their patience and, with a big smile, ask them what they learned in the last 30 seconds.

Additional Notes
During the silence, you will notice that people become restless and uncomfortable as they begin to suspect that you have forgotten what to say/do. Notice this, but keep the silence going for as long as you can.
Reviews and Conclusions
The answer to your question – what did your audience learn in those 30 seconds of silence – is, of course, nothing. You should go on to point out that if any of us wants to be understood, we have to say something and communicate with each other. Silence is not an option if we want to be understood.
This exercise will work if participants see that you (the presenter) is the one taking the risks, and that you won’t take them too far out of their comfort zone. They will feel relieved that you have broken your silence, just as they will feel relieved that you have not picked on them. They will also be able to relax along with their fellow participants with whom they have just shared the same anxiety.

6. Team building energiser: Team Jump

We would like to share an idea for a team building energizer that can be run inside or outside and would work especially well with larger teams. It’s called ‘Team Jump’.

This activity is not as easy as it sounds, especially with larger groups
Overview:

This team building activity is a great way to re-energize the team and have a great photo memory of your day’s training.
Running the Activity:

Tell the team that in 5 minutes you want to take a photo of the whole team jumping all at the same time and in the photo no one’s feet can be touching the ground. If feet are touching the ground the photo has to be re-taken.
This activity involves the team communicating, planning and practicising effectively so just stand back, watch and be ready to take the photo when called upon.
The larger the group the harder it is.
Notes:
- Try and get the team to jump in front of an iconic or impressive background.
- Use a digital camera because it will be very quick to check if the team has been successful or if you need to re-take the photo.
- Make sure you check that no one involved is pregnant or has a bad back etc. If people do they can be the photographers and facilitators to help the task run smoothly.

7. Team Building Game : Helium Stick
Impact
In this team building game, to accomplish the task the team learns to use the values of team communication, coordination and teamwork.
Groupings
The ideal number of participants in each group would be eight to twelve but can also work in number of team members between six and fourteen.
Materials Needed * A long and thin lightweight stick, preferably aluminum tube * Facilitation guide

a lightweight stick used in this game by step-easy.com
Activity
In this team building game, the each team has to lower their lightweight stick towards the ground in the least possible time. Detailed instructions about the game are as follows: 1. The participants are first grouped into team with 6-8 members. 2. Each group is lined up into 2 rows with members in the rows to facing each other. 3. Facilitator will then ask the member of each group to point out the index fingers as the lightweight stick, fondly called a “Helium Stick”, and is placed into their index fingers. This will be starting position of each group. 4. The teams have to lower the helium stick to the ground together. As soon as the groups are settled in the setup, the facilitator then gives the signal to start. 5. Each team has to make sure that every member’s fingers must make contact with the lightweight stick otherwise they have to start from the starting position again. 6. The first group to successfully lower their helium stick to the ground will win the game.
Notes
* The stick is actually not a real helium stick and will never go up to the air as what teams will see at first. * The stick will appear to go “up” because of the collective force placed by the members on the stick. * This can be a difficult task for some groups and the facilitator has to offer suggestions or ask each group to brainstorm what to do to accomplish the task.
Processing Questions
These are the questions asked by facilitator as a way of processing the game. The facilitator has the option to select which questions to ask depending on the time he has to spare and the number of participants: 1. What was their reaction on their first attempt? 2. What are the challenges that the group encountered during the game? 3. Where there any suggestions to address the challenges? 4. Where these suggestions taken into consideration? 5. How did you do the challenge and how were you able to come up with the solution? 6. What are the roles that each member does? 7. What do you think is the strength and weakness of each group? 8. What values did the participant learn individually from the activity? 9. Can you identify situations in real life where it is similar to the helium stick game?
In this team building game, not only will they be challenged in solving the team building activity, this is a creative way of promoting critical and important values that a team must have – communication, teamwork and coordination.

8. Team Building Game: Land Mines
Impact
Communication is a very important for teams to work and this is emphasized in this team building game.
Groupings
Groups with 8-10 members are the ideal number for this game, but will also work for large groups with members ranging in 16-24.
Materials Needed * Markers or lines to indicate the boundaries of the “mine field” * Objects that will represent “mines”; can also be masking tape marked “X” on the ground * Blindfolds (optional) * Facilitation Notes

land mines by adventureassoc.com
Activity
In this team building game, every member of the group has to cross a “mine field” in the least possible time. To do the land mines game, the step by step instruction is as follows: 1. The facilitator groups the participant with each team having 8-10 members each. 2. One member of each team will close his/her eyes and will try to cross the mine field without hitting or stepping into a “land mine”. If blindfolds will be available, blindfold the member instead of just closing his/her eyes. 3. Another member of each team will try to navigate the blindfolded teammate through the “mine field” so that he/she won’t hit any of the “land mines”. 4. When the blindfolded person reaches the end of the field, another member will be blindfolded while another member will serve as a new navigator. 5. If the blindfolded person steps on the “land mines” or touches any while navigating trough the “mine field” they then start from the starting line again. 6. The first group to completely navigate its entire members across the “mine field” in the least possible time will win the game.
Notes
* This activity is made more challenging when two or more teams simultaneously use the land mine activity. They will be distracted by other team’s navigators giving instructions to their team mates. * At first glance, this could be a challenging task but later on when they get the technique, they’ll breeze through the “mine field”. * Another way to keep this task challenging is to keep the “land mines” closer so that the participants have more chances of stepping on it.
Processing Questions
After the game, the facilitator asks the following questions. This is to make them understand the game and as a way of evaluating whether or not they did learned something from the activity. 1. If given a scale of 0 to 10 with 10 as the highest, how do they describe their trust to their navigator? 2. How was it like to be blindfolded? 3. How was it like to be a navigator? 4. How did your navigator assure you to give them their trust? 5. Do you have any other way that your navigator could have done? 6. How does this activity relate to actual situation in life?
Just like any other team building game, this is a unique way for participants to appreciate how important communication is in a team. Even though you don’t know which way to go, as long as you have a healthy communication with your team, then there is no problem that can’t be solved.

9. Team Building Game – Caterpillar Traverse
Rationale
The activity emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, synergy and goal achievement.
Size of Group
Groups should have a maximum of 10 members.
Materials
* 40-50 feet duct tape

Participants listening to instructions by michaelcardus
Procedures:
* Place two boundary lines around 10 feet apart from each other. * Between the boundary lines, form three squares in a zigzag form. The squares should be less than 1 feet apart from each other and one square should be less than 1 feet apart from the boundary lines. * The group should assemble themselves behind one of the boundary lines. * Have the group fall in one vertical line. Connect the ankles of each member by placing a duct tape. Be sure that you do not tape skin because it is painful. * The groups should travel as a unit from Point A to Point B with their ankles taped passing by the zigzag squares.

A team doing the caterpillar traverse by IATFconnect
Guide Questions for Processing 1. Point A serves as your organization’s current situation. What areas in your current situation are you willing to leave behind? 2. Just like the squares that you need to pass through before reaching Point B, what obstacles do you need to go through to reach your desired destination? 3. What is your organization’s Point B? Where do you want the team to go?

10. Team Building Game – Pipeline
Rationale
The activity will challenge the team’s level of communication and teamwork.
Size of Group
For better participation, groups should be limited to 8 to 10 members only.
Materials
* balls * lengths of half pipe * containers or boxes * obstacles

The pipeline activity by michaelcardus
Procedures
* Each member should be given one half pipe each. * Each team should transport all the balls from the container in the starting line to the container in the finish line using the half pipe. * If a ball drops on the floor, the team should go back to the starting line. * The facilitator can also put in obstacles or implement a certain route to make the activity more challenging. The longer the obstacle course is, the better. * The team with the most number of balls transported in a given period of time gets a prize.

Another shot of the pipeline activity by michaelcardus
Guide Questions for Processing 1. Did you succeed? Why or why not? 2. What do you consider as the obstacles in your organization? 3. How do you make decisions? How do you solve problems? 4. As an individual, how do you deal with pressure? As an organization? 5. How did the activity impact the way you feel about your organization?

11. Team Building Game 5 – Keypunch
Rationale
The activity focuses on the importance of continuous pursuit for improvement. Organizations should always have that attitude of enhancing the way they do things.
Size of Group
Groups should have a maximum of 10 members.
Materials
* 20-30 numbered discs or papers

The keypunch activity by ncparks
Procedures
* Randomly place the numbered discs or papers in one area. The discs should not be arranged logically. * Draw a starting line around 10 yards from the area of the discs. The group should assemble before the starting line. * The team members should touch the numbered discs as fast as they can. The arrangement should be in order of the number. Only one member is allowed to get inside the keypunch area at a time. * Give the team 30 minutes to finish one attempt. Gradually decrease the time or set a time to beat. * You can also try other variations for the activity.
Guide Questions for Processing * What was the initial reaction of the group? * How well did the group cope with this challenge? * What skills did it take to be successful as a group? * What creative solutions were suggested and how were they received? * Did everyone listen to each others ideas? * What would an outside observer have seen as the strengths and weaknesses of the group? * What roles did people play? * What did each group member learn about him/her self as an individual? * What key factor led to an improvement in time? * How motivated were participants to continually improve the time after initial success at the task?

12. Team Building Game – Great Egg Drop
Rationale
The activity will enhance a team’s communication, decision-making, initiative and teamwork dynamics.
Size of Group
There should be a maximum of 5 members per group.
Materials
* straws * masking tape * egg

A sample of the egg package by mikeatqazam
Procedures
* Using the materials available, each group should build or make a package that will protect the egg and make it survive a drop of approximately 8 feet. * After the group has made their egg package, each group should also make an advertisement (such as a slogan or yell) to describe their egg package. * Afterwards, test the groups’ packages by dropping the eggs at a height of 8 to 10 feet. * Then, check if the eggs have been broken or not.

Great height for the egg drop game by wilderdom
Guide Questions for Processing 1. How did you decide on your strategy? 2. Who came out as a leader? 3. Did you brainstorm? 4. Did anybody just stay on the side or become social loafer? Was everybody involved in the decision-making?

13. Team Building Game – Trust Fall
Rationale
The activity measures a group’s sense of responsibility, teamwork and initiative.
Size of Group
The activity is ideal for groups of 15 to 20 members.

Materials * a raised platform with an elevation of 1-2 meters

The volunteer prepares to fall by genvessel

Procedure * One volunteer should stand at the platform. The rest of the members should form two vertical lines facing each other on the ground. * The volunteer should stand with his or her back to her team and with his or her arms crossed. * The rest of the members should provide a stable landing area through their arms. * When the catchers are ready, the volunteer should freely allow himself or herself to fall in the direction of the catchers. * The catchers should adjust themselves to make sure that the volunteer gets to the landing area safely. * Members of the team can also take turns as the volunteer.

Safe in the landing area by rock see
Guide Questions for Processing
a. for the volunteer * How did it feel to rely on somebody else for your safety? * Did you have any doubts or hesitations?
b. for the catchers * In what instances are we expected to look out for our co-members safety? * What did you do to protect your co-member?
c. for the entire group * In what instances do you need to rely on each other? * What hinders you from fully trusting the organization and the people who are part of it?

14. Team Building Game – Mouse Trap Trust
Rationale
This activity focuses on the value of communication and trust.
Size of Group
This activity is ideal for an audience of 30-40. Participants will work in pairs.
Materials:
* 1 wooden/traditional mouse trap per pair * 1 blindfold per pair
Procedures:
A. Set Up / Preparation
1. This is an advanced activity to be led by a skilled facilitator with groups that are ready for the challenge.
2. Prior to leading this activity you must accurately assess your group’s ability tosafely participate in this activity. Do not attempt this activity if your or your group isn’t ready.
3. Make sure your group understands that participation in this activity is purely voluntary. If you don’t want to participate then don’t do it. Find some other way to add value to the experience (observe and give feedback, etc.).
4. When you’re group is clear on the rules of engagement tell them there will be four stages to this activity:
The Four Stages (Steps)
Step #1 Leader demonstrates how to set a mousetrap. Partner up, each pair gets 1 mousetrap, practice setting the trap. The planning takes about 15 minutes.
Step #2 Partners each get a chance to set a trap with their eyes closed or with their blindfolds. Plan on this taking about 4-5 minutes.
Step #3 Show the group how to safely un-set a trap by placing your hand directly on top of the trap and then taking yourhand off the trap. This step can be a shocker for some. They might find it hard to believe what you’re doing. Plan on this taking about 5 minutes to have pairs try.
Step #4 Person A closes eyes then person B sets trap and places it on a hard surface. Person A is coached by person B to un-set trap. Switch roles.
Note: Do not rush this activity. Pacing is very important. Take this activity very seriously. Jokes are not allowed this time. Practice each of the four steps one at a time.
Safety Warning
A high degree of trust is required to successfully accomplish this challenge. This challenge is best left for a group that is advanced as far as maturity and their ability to safely care for one another. People can get hurt in this activity but it is unlikely they will get seriously hurt (that’s one reason we use a mouse trap instead of a rat trap!). Guide Questions for Processing 1. Which did you prefer, to coach or be coached? Why? 2. If this mouse trap represents a fear in your life, what did you like about how you handled it? What would you change? 3. What did you observe in the interactions between partnerships around you?

15. Team Building Game: Water Carrier
Rationale
Through this game or activity, participants will learn trust, teamwork and sensitivity to their fellow member’s welfare or feelings.
Size of Group
This activity is ideal for an audience of 30-50. Divide all the participants into groups of 5-8.
Materials
* 1 tall glass or disposable cup per team (should be entirely filled with water) * water
Instructions
* Fill each team’s glass with water. Make sure water reaches the brim. * Each team should choose one’s representative, preferably the member with the smallest weight. Other members of the team should form a circle with the team’s representative at the center. * Ask the representative to hold the glass of water. * While the representative holds the glass of water, the members of the team should flip their representative 360 degrees with minimal, if any, spillage of the water. Only the team representative is allowed to hold the glass. Other members of the team can hold the representative, but not the glass. The team representative is not allowed to cover the glass with his or her hand. * Take note of the team with the least spillage. * After all the teams are done doing the first flip, they should repeat the exercise. However, this time, the team’s representative (or the water carrier) should be the one with the biggest weight among all the team members. Same procedures and rules apply. * Take note of the team with the least spillage.

A group practicing how to flip their representative by michaelcardus
Guide Questions for Processing
a. For the team representatives (the water carrier) * How did you feel while you were being flipped by your co-members? * In a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 as the highest, how would you rate your trust to your co-members? * In your opinion, why was there much spillage?/In your opinion, why was there just a little spillage?/In your opinion, why was there no spillage at all? * How did you protect yourself from the water in glass? * How does the activity reflect your trust to your co-members in the organization?

b. For the team members * How did you feel while you were flipping your co-member? * In what way have you been sensitive to your team representative? * If the water got spilled, only your team representative would get wet. But, would it matter to you? * Looking back, do you think there are things you could have done to make it easier for your water carrier?
c. For all participants * It is easy to carry the burden of those who are weak and light in the organization. But, when the ones we need to carry are those who are usually our organization’s strength, are we ready and willing? * How did the activity impact the way you feel about your organization?

16. Team Building Game– Blind Walk
Rationale
The activity will measure the participant’s trust and sense of responsibility.
Size of Group
Participants will work in pairs.
Materials
* blindfolds * whistle * chalk or paper marker
Procedures
Introduction /Anticipatory Set 1. Have participants come meet on the carpet and assign everyone a partner. 2. Tell the participants that they have learned a lot about why their senses are important to them, now you want them to experience what it might be like to be without one of their senses. Explain that everyone is going to have a chance to see what it feels like to be blind. 3. Inform the participants that they will be going on a blind walk. Tell them that you are going to pass out blind folds, one to each set of partners, after you are through giving the directions 4. Now, tell the participants that one partner will be the guide while the other partner wears the blindfold. It is very important that the guides keep their partners safe. They must tell them when steps are coming and they absolutely cannot allow them to bump into anything. 5. Explain to the guides that their job is to lead their blind partners outside to the playground, where they will choose three things for their partners to try to identify using their other senses besides their sight. Ask the participants to quickly review what these other senses will be. 6. Tell the participants that you will blow a whistle after 10 minutes and then the partners should switch jobs so that everyone has the chance to be blind. 7. Explain that when the participants are blindfolded, you want them to pay close attention to what is going on around them. What kinds of sounds do they hear when they are outside. What do different areas of the playground feel like under their feet. 8. Ask the partners to decide who will want to be blind first. Distribute the blind folds to the appropriate partner.

The guide and the blind walker by dondibellydancer
Sequence of Instruction 1. Tell the participants to help each other put on their blindfolds. Then ask the guides to lead their partners carefully to the line. Before leading the participants outside, explain that if they can still see under their blindfold, they should close their eyes, because you really want them to have a chance to see how it feels to be blind. 2. Allow the participants to lead their partners around on the playground for about 10 minutes. Suggest to them that they take their partners to all different areas, on the grass, on the blacktop, and on the play equipment. 3. Remind the participants that the guides need to find three things for their blind partner to identify. 4. After 10 minutes, blow the whistle and ask everyone to switch their blindfolds. 5. Allow the participants to roam around for 10 more minutes, and then blow the whistle again, signaling all of the guides to lead their partners into line. Tell the participants to leave their blindfolds on until they get back to the classroom.

A variation of the blind walk by o-c-t
Guide Questions for Processing 1. Group the participants at the carpet once again and collect the blindfolds. Begin a discussion about their blind walk. How did it feel to not be able to see? What kinds of sounds did they notice outside. Could they tell what part of the playground they were on by the way the ground felt under their feet? Were they able to correctly identify the objects their guides gave them? What senses did they use to identify the objects? 2. Have you been a good guide? In what way? 3. For those who were blindfolded, did you completely entrust your walk to your guide?

17. Team Building Game – Group Juggle
Rationale
The activity fosters focus, concentration, sensitivity, communication and interaction among participants.
Size of Group
The activity is ideal for 9 to 15 participants.
Materials
* 15 – 30 soft balls

Procedures 1. Ask your group to form a circle. You will also form part of the circle with the throwables within easy reach. 2. Explain: “I’m going to start by tossing this ball to someone else in the circle. If you receive it, toss it to someone else in the circle not immediately on either side of you. That person will toss it to another person who has not yet received it and again not immediately on either side of him or her. Throwing continues until the last person tosses the ball back to me. Remember who you tossed to because we will try to recreate the pattern in the next phase. Any questions?” 3. Toss the ball to someone across from you. The cycle continues until the ball comes back to you. Repeat one more time so that everyone is clear who they toss the ball to and from whom they receive it. The ball must follow the same pattern both times. 4. Explain: “Now we are going to try to repeat the process, but we are going to see how many balls we can keep up in the air at any one time. Any questions?” Once any questions have been answered, toss the ball to the first person. As soon as they toss the ball, grab another one from your stash and toss it. Repeat until a) there is exactly the number of balls going as there are participants (an almost Herculean task) or b) the process begins to break down. Notice how many balls the group has going, and retrieve them as they come back to you. 5. Inform the group as to how many balls they had in the air when they were doing their best. Ask the group to consider how they might improve their performance. Typical modifications allow for participants to move their position, make agreements as to how they will throw to each other (e.g., “I’ll toss mine to you high” or “I’ll roll mine across the floor”), agree to pause the process when one ball goes awry, etc. 6. Begin the process again. Typically the group will improve the number. When finished, ask the group to reflect upon their success (or lack thereof).

Teachers doing the group juggle by greenvillek12
Facilitator Notes: 1. Lots of energy; if you select different colored balls, there is an exciting visual effect. 2. This activity works well early in a program. You can ask each participant to call out the name of the person they are throwing to if they still need to learn others’ names. 3. Consider adding in some different throwables. Rubber chickens work well, as do fleece balls.
Guide Questions for Processing 1. How do you stay focused? 2. Looking back at the group’s performance in the activity, in what areas could you still improve?

18. Team Building Game – Zoom
Rationale
The activity focuses on problem-solving, communication and critical-thinking.
Size of Group
The activity is ideal for 20 to 30 participants.
Materials
* Zoom books by Istvan Banyai
Procedures
* To create the game from the book, separate the picture pages of the book into one page sheets and laminate or place in clear plastic sleeves to protect them and prolong usage. * Hand out one picture per person (make sure a continuous sequence is used). * Explain that participants may only look at their own pictures and must keep their pictures hidden from others. * Encourage participants to study their picture, since it contains important information to help solve a problem. * The challenge is for the group to sequence the pictures in the correct order without looking at one another’s pictures. * Participants will generally mill around talking to others to see whether their pictures have anything in common. Sometimes leadership efforts will emerge to try to understand the overall story. * When the group believes they have all the pictures in order (usually after ~15 minutes), the pictures can be turned over for everyone to see.

Participants talking about their pictures by amrufm
Guide Questions for Processing * Why was it hard to get the story together?
(everyone had a piece, but no-one had the big picture) * What type of communication was used in attempting to solve the problem? * What communication methods might have worked better? e.g., Imagine if, at the outset, the group had taken the time to let each person describe his/her picture to the rest of the group. What would have happened then? Would the solution have been found faster? What prevented such strategies from being considered? * Did you try to “second position” (i.e., see one’s communications from the perspective of others)? * What kind of leadership was used to tackle the problem? * Who were the leaders? Why? * What style of leadership might have worked best? * If you were to tackle a similar activity again, what do you think this group could do differently? * What real life activities are similar to this activity?