Trust
builders
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Slice 'n Dice (Mid-Risk)
A dramatic finale type trust activity for a large group. Seems crazy or impossible, but it works.
Students form two lines, facing one another, creating a corridor or gauntlet. Participants put out their arms straight in front. Arms should intersect, overlapping by about a hand with arms of people opposite.
The first person peels off and walks down the corridor. In order to let the person pass, people raise and then lower their arms, creating a wave effect - a ripple through which a person is walking. The person then joins in again at the end of the line. Next person, peels off, walks, down, and so on.
As the group gets more confident, invite people to walk fast, run, and then sprint down the gauntlet (people generally take great care to raise their arms in time). At some point, or for the finale, have people chop their arms up and down, only pausing to allow the gauntlet-runner through. It works!
Willow in the Wind (High-Risk)
Establish a genuine tone; whilst fun is allowed, the primary objective is looking after and caring for one another. This requires a calm, supportive atmosphere. If particpants are unable to genuinely sustain this kind of atmosphere, then look for a less serious activity. There is the potential for physical and psychological injury.
The group needs to be taught correct spotting technique (one foot in front of another, arms outstretched, elbows locked, fingers loose)
In groups of about 8, one person volunteers to be the "willow" in the middle. Facilitator demonstrates the willow (feet together, closes his/her eyes, arms crossed and hands on shoulders, keep butt cheeks tight and body straight, establishes contract with group). The final step before leaning is to create a contract between the "willow" and the group during which they make sure everyone is ready.
Mine Field (Low-Risk)
Distribute "mines" e.g., balls or other objects such as bowling pins, cones, foam noodles, etc. Participants operate in pairs. Consider how the pairs are formed - it's a chance to work on relationships.
One person is blind-folded (or keeps eyes closed) and cannot talk (optional). The other person can see and talk, but cannot enter the field or touch the person. The challenge is for each blind-folded person to walk from one side of the field to the other, avoiding the "mines", by listening to the verbal instructions of their partners.
Allow participants a short period (e.g., 3 minutes) of planning time to decide on their communication commands, then begin the activity. Be wary of blindfolded people bumping into each other. Decide on the penalty for hitting a "mine". It could be a restart (serious consequence) or time penalty or simply a count of hits, but without penalty.
Allow participants to swap over and even have several attempts, until a real, satisfied sense of skill and competence in being able to guide a partner through the "minefield" develops.