The SalvationArmyStarLake Camp
Adventure-Based Physical Education Project
Trust-Building and Problem-Solving Initiatives
(Prerequisite to Low Ropes Elements)
The facilitator exercises a great deal of discretion in selecting TrustBuildingand Problem Solving Initiatives depending upon the site and available props, and the abilities and needs of the participants. These activities provide experiences and develop group communication and cooperation skills which are necessary for successful completion of both Low and High Ropes elements.
TrustBuilding and Problem Solving Initiatives may include activities such as those listed below. Appendix D offers over forty additional Classroom Initiatives which may be used in the camp setting; they are simply described in greater detail there should the classroom teacher desire to use them at the home school.
Mystery Path: Problem-Solving Initiative
Participants must work together to “break the code” and follow a mystery path laid out on a 4 x 4 or 5 x 5 grid. Every member must follow the predetermined path which utilizes no single square more than once.
Lessons: trial and error; listening to the suggestions of others; setting goals; observation
Stepping Stones: Problem-Solving Initiative
Participants attempt to cross over an area using “stones” without touching the ground. The stones might be square of cardboard, Frisbees, plastic bases, etc.; the number of stones allowed and the area to be traversed will vary according to group ability.
Lessons: clear communication; planning; coordinating group effort; creative thinking; sharing resources
Trolley Skis: Problem-Solving Initiative
Using two long boards with rope loops attached, participants try to walk as a group on the trolley skis from one point to another.
Lessons: coordination; working together; communicating clearly; getting a system down; quality control
Blind Maze: Problem-Solving Initiative
Blindfolded participants are led into a rope maze (formed around trees, chairs, etc.) and must find their way out by asking for help.
Lessons: asking for help; helping others; perseverance; listening to instructions; thinking creatively
Obstacle Course: Trust-Building Activity
Partners help each other through a series of obstacles while one partner is blindfolded and the other cannot physically touch or be close to the blindfolded person.
Lessons: trusting others; being trustworthy; clear communication; empathy; giving and receiving directions
Blind House: Problem-Solving Initiative
Three groups are each given a task.The first group is the Directors and must get the second group to lay down ropes in the shape of a house. The second group is the Builders and, while blindfolded, must lay down the ropes in the shape of a house. The third group is the Messengers; the Directors and Builders can only communicate to each other via the Messengers. Only the Directors know what shape the ropes must form.
Lessons: giving and receiving direction; communication breakdowns; leadership; relaying information
Human Ladder: Trust-Building Initiative
A group of participants create a ladder out of thick dowel rods to transport a climber from one area to the next.
Lessons: trusting others; being trustworthy; staying serious; thinking creatively
Human Mixmaster: Problem-Solving Initiative
Everyone stands in a circle. The object of the game is simple; simultaneously all players must walk directly across the diameter of the circle and reform into a circle. The circle should be exactly the same as before, but with players facing the opposite direction.
After players have done this once or twice, they keep their hands at their sides and try not bump into anyone as they walk. Strategies will start to emerge. Some people will walk slowly while others will walk quickly to get across. If a player does accidentally bump into someone else, he/she must say "beep!" Finally, everyone must execute the move across the circle with eyes closed.
Lessons: cooperation, making and executing a plan; trusting others; staying serious; thinking creatively
Knots:Problem-Solving Initiative
The group stands in a circle, shoulders touching. Participants raise their right hands over their heads and grab the right hand of the person directly across the circle from them. Now with their left hands they should grab the hands off any other person in the circle. Without letting go, the group must unravel so that they are again standing in a circle. (Another method is to have a ring of people join hands with those on either side of them, and then have one person begin weaving in and out of circle, taking all other participants with him. He can go over and under other player's arms. Try to untie, starting with same first player).
Lessons: observation; clear communication; coordinating group effort; planning and executing
MassPass: Problem-Solving Initiative
Participants try to pass as many objects into a bucket as possible in a limited amount of time, with several restrictions.
Lessons: trial and error; coordinating movements; not blaming others; continuous improvement
Kim’s Game: Problem-Solving Initiative
A quick way to do this in a group setting with few materials is to show an overhead picture with a number of easily recognized silhouettes (objects such as chairs, stars, fork, etc). Ask participants to individually list what they view in a short time span (illuminate the icons for five seconds only), and then allow them to compile a group list. The group list will always be larger than an individual list. With a smaller group, thirty to forty common objects can be placed on a table and covered with a sheet. After viewing the objects for eight to ten seconds, the participants return to their seats to compile individual, and later group, lists. It is helpful if several objects share similar traits (several items containing wood, etc.).
Lessons: observation; clear communication; coordinating group effort; sharing resources
One-on OneTrustFalls: Trust-Building Initiative
Working in pairs, one partner turns his/her back, and crosses arms over their chest. Second person, in Ready Stance (one foot back, hands at chest level, palms out) behind them asks, "Ready?" First Person replies, "Ready," and Second Person says, "Fall." First Person says, “Falling,” and falls back slightly and is caught, and then placed back upright on his/her feet. Appropriate distance is measured by rear person placing hands upon front person's shoulders (one arm's length distance). Be sure to demonstrate the procedure and set-up several times before participants try it. It is crucial that the first person remain stiff. Before attempting with group, emphasize the importance of:
1) Beginning with a short distance fall (a simple “leaning back”) and only step-by-step building towards greater distance falls. 2) Catching the faller with confidence, and some “give.” The catcher must cushion the faller, not suddenly stop, or jerk, the faller’s body.
3) Paying attention and taking the fall seriously! One missed catch, and confidence erodes quickly.
Lessons: trusting others; being trustworthy; giving up control; believing in the group; taking things seriously
CircleTrustFalls (Wind in the Willows): Trust-Building Initiative
All participants stand in tight circle, hands up in "ready stance" (one foot back, hands at chest level, palms out). One participant stands in middle, eyes closed, arms crossed over chest. He/she falls forward, backward, or sideways and is caught and stood back up by participants in the circle. Players should support the faller high on his/her body (shoulders) and be sure to stand him/her up, not push them over. It is important that the player in middle remain stiff. Before attempting with group, emphasize the importance of 1) Beginning with a close circle (a simple “leaning back”) and only step-by-step building towards a larger circle, and greater distance falls. 2) Supporting the faller with confidence, and some “give.” The catcher must cushion the faller, not suddenly stop, or jerk, the faller’s body. 3) Paying attention and taking the fall seriously! One missed catch, and confidence erodes quickly.
Lessons: trusting others; being trustworthy; giving up control; believing in the group; taking things seriously
People Mover: Trust-Building Initiative
All participants except spotter and volunteer lay on floor, ear to ear in a row, bodies alternating directions. They should be as close to each other as possible. All participants then put hands straight up in the air, palms up. Volunteer then sits on first set of hands, and spotter helps him/her to lay back on other sets of hands. Volunteer stays stiff, and holds arms out crucifix–style for balance. Participants then proceed to pass volunteer down the line. It works very well, but only if all people on floor all help to carry the load. Spotter helps person off the end of the line. Good preparation for any low ropes elements that require lifting others.
Lessons: trusting others; being trustworthy; giving up control; believing in the group; taking things seriously
All Aboard: Problem-Solving Initiative
The object is to have as many people as possible occupy the space of one object, such as a T–shirt or large square of cardboard, at one time. This can be done cooperatively, with only one group, or as a competition, using several teams. Participants should build pyramids, hold other people, put players on their shoulders, etc., the winning team being the one that has the most people on the object. To avoid accidents, be sure that objects such as milk crates are not used on smooth surfaces. Incorporate a time limit if teams are used. (You can also use a taped square on the floor, 2' x 2').
Lessons: clear communication; planning; coordinating group effort; creative thinking
Other Initiatives:
* Ball Toss: participants must get a ball around circle without using their hands
* Broken Squares: teams try and work together to get a square that has been cut apart back together
* Circle the Circle: without letting go of their hands participants try to get hula hoops around the circle
* Egg Drop: teams build a protective cushion around an egg so they can drop it from a height without breaking it
* Moonball: like volleyball, participants try and keep a ball in the air as long as possible
* Over Under Through: like spider’s web, participants get each other either over, under or through a rope
* Pipeline: using pipes, participants get marbles to travel from point A to point B without falling out of pipes
* Sticky Fingers: group can only use one finger and move a can from one area to another
* Turn over a Leaf: participants stand on one side of a tarp and flip the tarp over without letting any part of their bodies ever touch the ground
For a listing of Classroom Initiatives (activities and games which can be performed offsite by classroom teachers) see Appendix D.
Trust Building/Problem Solving Initiatives
Section 6, p. 1 of 6