TEAM BUILDING
Working respectfully, fairly, & cooperatively as a team
will allow time & energy for more fun!
will allow time & energy for more fun!
Teamwork on the trail:
Teamwork at the campsite:
Teamwork for safety:
Teamwork for fun:
As you decide on some team building games to create mutual support within your group consider these tips from Project Adventure- 1. Form a group with similar mental/physical ability and the desire for the same "intensity" of the game. Or Balance the group by pairing less skilled or younger members with more skilled or older ones. 2. Safety first! Learn how to spot, fall, warm-up and play safely first! 3. You can do more than you think you can, but keep in mind the mental/physical limitations of some; be prepared to adjust apparatus or modify rules when needed. Individualize the process of the game so that everyone has a chance to reach the goal/objective of the game. 4. Applaud effort and attempt more than accomplishment. 5. Set goals and understand game rules together; debrief after the game about what worked well and not so well. 6. Trust is imperative! Making fun of someone, laughing at someone, pointing out one's faults or weaknesses is NOT okay! 7. Be flexible. See some members not participating in the game. Suddenly switch the rules and have everybody switch roles. Running out of time? Decide if the team wants to freeze frame the game or change the goal. 8. Let everyone have input, but one leader for each game. The leader should listen and guide the game, not take control and bark commands. 9. The focus of the game should be teamwork, not competition. 10. Have a sense of humor! |
IDEAS FOR TEAM-BUILDING GAMES-
(Do in order so that trust is built first, and then harder tasks come later.) * Some of these games adapted from Project Adventure book author Karl Rohnke. * Two Person Mirror- (can be done virtually)
As one person moves, the partner duplicates or shadows every move. It can be expanded to the whole group participating. Unexpected moves should be avoided as this does not build trust for non-verbally communicating well later during your outdoor adventure. Try this using face-time or Skype (video conferencing) on your phone/computer. * Two Person Trust Fall or Willow In the Wind-
This activity adds verbal communication which is important when spotting (such as for belaying in rock climbing) in your outdoor adventure. The faller keeps her body & knees straight and secures her arms across her chest as to not throw out elbows and arms that could hurt her catchers. 2 (one in front and one in back) catchers will alternate catching forward and then backward or with "willow in the wind" there is a circle of catchers for falling in any direction. * Sherpa Walk-
Like follow-the-leader blindfolded and holding hands in groups no larger than 15 people. Use clean and personalized blindfolds (like one's own bandanas) as a blindfold. The leader (not blindfolded) should not purposefully make anyone appear foolish as that diminishes trust and isn't funny in the long run. The leader can narrate an outlandish tale as she leads her blindfolded group through the alligator swamp, or the snowed out landscape of the Himalayas etc. To add a level of difficulty, members cannot speak, but instead must communicate through sounds (whistles, clicks, clapping...), which they have created & learned in advance. Have a spotter or guide that is not blindfolded watching the blindfolded members for safety. * What Goes Where? - (can be done virtually)
The object of the exercise is to see if a group member can communicate to the remainder of the group (pencil and paper in hand) the geometrical illustrations that have been given to them based on verbal instructions only. As a variation, have the instructions given 4 different ways: first with back to group members who are drawing, then facing group members and gestures are allowed, next with only gestures and no talking, and finally with any verbal or non verbal instructions as well as the ability to answer questions. Give this game a try by clicking the video below! * Blindfold Square-
This is a team problem solving game that requires blindfolds and rope or yarn. A blindfolded group holds a rope and faces each other in a circle. They then try to create a square, triangle, rectangle etc. The group decides when they think they are correct and remove blindfolds to check. Rules: The rope may not leave a persons hands for more than 5 seconds at a time. If no rope is available, hold hands. * Group Juggling-
Ask the group to create a circle facing each other and start throwing one soft playground ball or object to each person in the circle one time until everyone has caught the ball once. Remember the sequence a ball is thrown to each person in the group; really you just have to remember who to catch your ball from and who to toss it to. Repeat the sequence with one ball a few times, then add a second ball to keep in sequence. Keep adding balls until you have as many balls as people in the circle. * Body English- (can be done virtually)
A group tries to spell out words with their bodies (not fingers) and the other group tries to decipher it. Then, switch. Again, you can take pictures and send it virtually to another group or do a video conference. *Circle the Circle-
Lots of games can use large rings (hula hoops). In this cooperative team building game the group holds hands in a circle. 2 large hoops are placed through the hands of 2 pairs of people. The goal is to move the hoops around the circle like threading people through the hoops. Now try sending the hoops in opposite directions around the circle of people. * Play multi-player online games- (can be done virtually)
**Get a parent's permission first! Some free games have advertisements. Choose free games that do not require a log in if possible. Select 2 -player or Team and have a known friend or group of friends sign in at the same time to play together. http://armorgames.com/category/multiplayer-games http://www.miniclip.com/games/genre-2/multiplayer/en#t-n-C |
Brainstorm Time!
What plans can you implement to insure your adventure includes positive teamwork?
Share your Kaper/job chart and/or some team building games you plan to use (either ones mentioned or new ones you find) with someone or click "share your work" in the navigation menu.
What plans can you implement to insure your adventure includes positive teamwork?
Share your Kaper/job chart and/or some team building games you plan to use (either ones mentioned or new ones you find) with someone or click "share your work" in the navigation menu.