Thumb Wrestling in Stereo – A Classic Icebreaker and Group Energizer
I first learned this great activity from Ryan McCormick at Project Adventure in Boston. It is now one of my “go-to” activities with groups of all sizes. My friend from Australia, Mark Collard, demonstrates this classically fun icebreaker that helps groups break down physical barriers and creates a huge sense of FUNN (Functional Understanding Not Necessary).
For more activities just like this one, check out Mark’s great work on playmeo, the largest online database of group games & activities in the world. You can also buy his two awesome books, No Props and Count Me In, two books that should be in every facilitator’s game bag.
Below you will find my explanation on how to lead this activity with your group:
Thumb Wrestling in Stereo
Number of Participants: 2-200
Time: 5-10 minutes
Activity Level: Moderate
Props: None
Objective: To become the Thumb Wrestling Champion of the world.
Description:
I love this old school activity with a new twist. Use a creative way to form partners and ask them to place their left hand behind their back. Instruct them to extend their right arms, curl their fingers into each other’s fingers, and stick their thumbs into the air. Their goal is to now pin their partner’s thumb down. That’s right, old school Thumb Wrestling. Play three rounds and declare a winner very loudly.
After round one, invite the participants to challenge each other with a two-person, two-handed thumb wrestle. Do this by clasping right hands together, just as in round one, and clasp left hands together underneath or above the right hands. Play both hands simultaneously.
For round three, group the participants into groups of three and ask them to place their left hands behind their back. All three members of the group will then extend their right hands, curl their fingers inside the palms of the other participants, creating a three-handed thumb-wrestling match.
In round four, invite the participants to play three-person, two-handed thumb wrestling by combining their right hands like before, and mimicking the action with their left hands.
If you would like help implementing this activity or any other activities into your curriculum, don’t hesitate to contact us at Paradigm Shift.
Snakes – A Trust Team-Building Activity That Focuses On Non-Verbal Communication
Number of Participants: 2-30
Time: 10-15 minutes
Activity Level: Low – Moderate
Props: Blindfolds, Throwables, Buckets, Rope/Tape for barrier
Objective: For every member of the team to place a throwable into the bucket.
Set Up: Create a large circle barrier with the tape or a rope. Place a bucket in the middle of the circle. Toss the throwables randomly inside the barrier.
Description:
*****It is very important to ensure and instill a sense of trust within the group before attempting this activity. Please do not try Snakes before building trust on a smaller/safer level. Sequence several build-up trust activities prior to Snakes.
Depending on the amount of people in the group, ask the participants to get into teams of 5-7 people. Ask the participants to stand in a single file line and place their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them. All participants will be blindfolded except for the person standing in the very back of the line. This is a no-talking activity, but allow the group to take 1-2 minutes to pre-plan.
The person in the back of the line will guide the participants around the circle barrier by simply tapping the shoulders of the person in front of them, who will tap the shoulders of the person in front of them, and so on, until the person in the front of the line will move towards a throwable. When a throwable is approached, the person in the front will grab the throwable and then be guided to the bucket where they will drop the throwable.
When a participant drops the throwable into the bucket, they will then remove their blindfold and move to the back of the line and become the sighted team member. The person who was in the back of the line then puts on a blindfold.
Continue this process until all team members have placed a throwable into the bucket. If there is more than one team, the first team to finish is the winner and then should encourage the other teams until they are finished. If the teams are uneven, the team with the least amount of members will continue to rotate until they have dropped as many throwables into the bucket as the largest team would have to drop into the bucket.
Check out the video below to see the activity in action:
Have you attempted this activity? What are your thoughts on using trust activities as a team-building exercise?
Fill The Bucket – A Fun Team-Building and Leadership Activity
Fill the Bucket is a collaborative team-building activity that requires participants to plan ahead to achieve a group goal. I first learned this activity from the great and wonderful Diane Walker. We consistently used Fill The Bucket as a planning and goal setting initiative.
Fill The Bucket
Number of Participants: 7-25
Time: 15-25 minutes
Activity Level: Moderate
Props: 3 Buckets, 30-40 throwables (yarn balls, Beanie Babies, etc.), and tape/rope/webbing to mark the boundary
Objective: To hit the team’s goal by scoring as many points as possible during each round.
Set Up:
Place the tape/rope/webbing in a straight line about 20’ – 25’ long. Place one bucket 5 feet from the line, another bucket 10 feet from the line, and the third bucket 15 feet from the line. The buckets need to be 5 feet apart, thus creating a staggered line of buckets. Lay all of the throwables along the line on the opposite side of the buckets.
Scoring:
- 5 points for throwables tossed into the closest bucket
- 10 points for throwables tossed into the middle bucket
- 15 points for throwables tossed into the furthest bucket
Description:
This game is comprised of four (4) one-minute rounds. Each round has different rules, but before each round the group declares a group goal score. Also, before each round suggest (or require, depending upon the group) a two-minute planning period.
Round 1:
Instruct the participants that their goal is to score as many points as possible by tossing the throwables into the buckets.
Rules:
- The participants cannot cross the line.
- Once time is up, the participants cannot toss any more throwables
- The participants cannot retrieve any throwables from across the line.
- If the group throws all items before a minute, the round is over.
At the end of the round, encourage the group to help you add up the score. See if their score matches or exceeds their goal score.
Round 2:
Follow the rules for Round 1, but challenge the group to reevaluate their approach to the activity and see if they need to make any changes. Ask them to give you a new goal score for Round 2.
When the minute is over, ask them if they set an appropriate goal.
Round 3:
Follow the rules for Round 1, but this time give the team a new resource. Invite three participants to become “runners,” teammates who can cross the line and retrieve throwables that have not landed in the bucket.
Runners can only retrieve one throwable at a time, and must hand the throwable across the line, not toss it. Encourage the team to pre-plan and then ask for a new group goal score.
After the round, ask the group to evaluate their progress and determine the validity of their group goal score.
Round 4
Follow the rules for Round 3 (including the runners), but this time give the group another resource, “Backboards.” Three participants will serve as backboards that will straddle the buckets, sitting on their knees with their back to the bucket.
Ask for a goal score, and complete the activity. After they are finished, process the activity with a creative and insightful debrief.
Questions for Discussion:
- What was one word to describe Round 1? What about Round 4?
- Did the group allocate adequate time for pre-planning the activity? What pre-planning steps did the group take?
- What ideas did the group find to be the most successful to complete the activity? Which participants developed the ideas?
- How did the new resources change your plan? What action steps did you take to implement the new resources?
- How did the group communication during the activity?
- Did any members of the group take charge? Who? How?
Facilitator Notes:
- It helps to record the group’s scores after each round on a white board or flip chart. This allows the team to see the progress over the rounds.
- Some groups need instruction on how to communicate during the planning period. Either provide that instruction or build up to that point throughout the day’s activities.
Have you used this activity? Do you have any fun variations for Fill The Bucket? Where did you learn Fill The Bucket?
Henderson State University Educational Talent Search Middle School Team Building Day
The Paradigm Shift team worked with over 200 middle school students from all over southwest Arkansas at the Henderson State University Educational Talent Search Team Building and Leadership Day. It was organized chaos as we played games, got to know each other better, learned about goals, and developed our leadership skills. Enjoy the pictures below and check out all of the pictures here.
This group of students was one of the most well-behaved and respectful groups I have ever worked with! Thanks for allowing me to learn with you!
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Upward Bound Summer Staff Workshop
The Paradigm Shift team was fortunate enough to partner up with NEO in Miami, OK to host a half-day team building and leadership workshop for the Upward Bound Summer Staff. We had loads of fun! Enjoy the pictures below, and find the rest of the pictures here.
Thanks for learning with me! I had a blast and can’t wait to hear about your success from the summer!
Kentucky TRiO Professional Workshop
For every professional, there are milestones along your career that mark off huge accomplishments. The workshop that the Paradigm Shift team facilitated in Kentucky was one of those milestones. It was in a new state (Paradigm Shift has now facilitated in 12 states), and we expanded the team a little with the addition of Rusty Reid.
Thanks to the fine folks at Lindsey Wilson College and Eastern Kentucky University for participating and providing an awesome environment for growth and development. Enjoy the pictures below. You can see all of the pictures of the event by clicking here.
Playmeo – The World’s Premiere Online Activity Database
I am excited to team up with Mark Collard, author of the best-selling activity books No Props & Count Me In, to provide facilitators with the world’s premiere online database of adventure-based activities…playmeo!
Playmeo is the largest online database of group games & activities in the world, used by PE teachers, corporate trainers, recreation & youth leaders, high school and college educators, and ropes course facilitators. It features 200+ group based activities including ice-breakers, energizers, warm-up and stretches, fitness games, trust exercises and team-building activities.
Every activity comes with downloadable ‘Print-n-Play’ instructions, a short video tutorial, leadership tips and lesson plan ideas. Use the powerful search function to find the perfect activity for your class, and access the entire database ‘on the go’ with your mobile device, eg smart phone or tablet.
Most activities require few, if any props, young people love them, and they are ideally suited to developing an increased level of agility, physical co-ordination and collaborative learning skills.
Annual subscription plans: $47.00 / year (individual)
Unlimited Institutional subscription plans: $497 / year (for 15+ people)
Here are six reasons you’ll love playmeo:
- Searchable – find the right activity easily, by narrowing your search by group size, time, equipment needs, and relevant keywords.
- Watch Real Groups – watch dozens of video tutorials to learn what every activity looks and sounds like with real groups.
- Learn How To Adapt – know how to tweak every activity to suit your group’s needs.
- Easy & Portable – download simple PDF instructions to your mobile device for easy reference.
- Save Time & Money – access exclusive ‘print-n-play’ activity resources.
- Expert Lesson Plans – download ‘print-n-play’ lesson plans prepared by experts.
Subscribing to playmeo gives you access to the most comprehensive online database of group games & activities in the world. Here’s what else you get:
- Immediate access on sign-up.
- Unique video tutorials featuring expert leaders in front of ‘real’ groups to know exactly what every activity looks and sounds like.
- Print or download ‘Print-n-Play’ instructions for every activity onto your mobile device for future reference.
- Save time by following our lesson plans.
- No-risk, 60 day money-back guarantee.
If you would like to sign up for playmeo, click here! 
Rogers State University College of Business Ropes Course Day
Paradigm Shift was recently able to facilitate at the Roger’s State University Hillcat Challenge Course with the school’s College of Business. It was a great day as the participants learned the true value of teamwork, leadership, and goal setting.
The Who, What, Where, When, and Why of Icebreakers
I love a good icebreaker, and the best icebreakers are group-generated ones! Use Who, What, Where, When, and Why? To create conversations amongst participants and encourage group presentation skills.
Number of Participants: 4-25
Time: 10-25 minutes
Activity Level: Low
Props: None
Objective: To get to know another participant better.
Description: Group the participants in twos, threes, or sevens (depends on the size of your group, obviously). Ask the groups to find their own space, get comfortable, and ask their partner(s) five questions:
- Who?
- What?
- Where?
- When?
- Why?
Leave the instructions open-ended and vague, encouraging the participants to answers those questions anyway they see fit.
After a moderate amount of time has passed, ask the participants to come back to the group, circle or square up, and introduce their partner to the group by telling everyone their partner’s answers to the questions. Allow the participant who is being introduced to clarify any statements made by the participant.
Variations:
- Ask the participants to create a secret handshake to share with the group.
- Have participants switch their position in the circle or their seat after each introduction. This keeps participants engaged.
Have you facilitated this activity? What suggestions do you have to encourage conversation amongst participants?
NSU Educational Talent Search Senior Day at OSU Outdoor Adventure
The NSU-ETS group took 44 seniors to the OSU Outdoor Adventure challenge course at Camp Redlands in Stillwater, OK. It was freezing cold and even snowed on us, but it was a wonderful send off for these awesome students who are transitioning into college in the Fall. Below are some pictures and videos from the course! If you want to see all of the pictures click here, and to see the videos click here.
Take a Stand Debrief – A Perfect Way to Process a Team Building Activity
Adding props to a debrief or processing activity can often help participants open up to the rest of the group. Take A Stand Debrief utilizes props to create conversations about an activity, initiative, or even at the end of a day.
Number of Participants: 2-200
Time: 5-20 minutes
Activity Level: Low
Props: Any prop that you have handy
Objective: To encourage the group to process an activity
Set Up: Place several throwables or random items around the room.
The object of this debrief is to encourage the participants to stand by a throwable or item. Each item will have a specific meaning or description pertaining to the previous activity or sequence of activities. After the participants take a stand by the item, they discuss their thoughts with the others standing by them. This creates an opportunity for participants to discuss their thoughts with like-minded individuals.
Example: Place a red, green, and yellow throwable in three different areas of the room. Ask the participants to stand by the red throwable if they felt frustrated or if the activity halted their progress, to stand by the yellow if they were confused by the activity, and to stand by the green if they felt like they completely understood and enjoyed the activity.
Facilitator’s Notes:
- Be creative with your props and you will be surprised by the participants’ in-depth answers.
- Use photos, numbers, toys, books, etc. as props.
Have you used this style of a debrief before? What was effective for you? What is your favorite prop to use?
Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance Annual Conference
I have been fortunate to be a member of the Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance since 2006. ODSA is the state organization for the TRiO programs in Oklahoma, and is comprised of some of the most influential and inspirational individuals in my life. This conference was one of the best I have ever attended…thanks to everyone who made it a success! TRiO Works!
Avatar – A Challenging Group Team Building Activity
I love initiatives that require activity and group communication while challenging the group’s thought process. Avatar does just that, and allows for the group to have some fun while solving the group problem. I first learned this fun activity from my favorite trainer Nate Folan at Project Adventure.
Number of Participants: 5-20
Time: 15-30 minutes
Activity Level: Moderate
Props: Rope Barrier, Hula Hoop, Spot Markers
Objective: To get the entire team from their spot around the circle and through the hula hoop as fast as possible.
Set Up: Place the spot markers around the circle and place the hula-hoop in the middle of the circle. Ask participants to stand on a spot around the circle.
Rules:
- The hula-hoop must start in the middle of the circle every time.
- Participants cannot leave their starting position until time is started.
- Time is stopped when the last person gets back in their position and yells stop.
Description:
This initiative challenges the group to communicate and work together to achieve a common goal. Each participant must pass through the hula-hoop and return to their starting position as quickly as possible. The team will get four rounds to complete this activity, and will set a team goal in between rounds.
Variations:
- Add two hula-hoops for large groups.
- If activity is your primary objective, make the circle very large.
Facilitator Notes:
- Leave the instructions vague about passing through the hula-hoop, but do make sure that the participants entire body passes through the hula-hoop.
- Ensure safety during the activity as some groups will try to jump through the hoop to save time.
- Make sure that the time does not stop until the last person yells stop. This is a very important step.
Bear, Ninja, Cowboy – A Fun & Competitive Icebreaker
Bear, Ninja, Cowboy is a perfect partner icebreaker that will get your group energized and laughing. It can be used as a name game, a competitive icebreaker, or as a ridiculously fun activity. It is a fun alternative to Rock, Paper, Scissor.
Bear, Ninja, Cowboy
Number of Participants: 2-unlimited
Time: 5-15 minutes
Activity Level: Moderate
Props: None
Objective: To have the most winning actions at the end of three rounds.
Description: Pair up the participants in as fun a manner as possible and teach the group three new actions:
- Cowboy – This action is made by placing your hands on your holster and then shooting your hand pistol while making your best gun noises.
- Bear – While standing on your hind legs, raise your arms in true bear fashion. Growl as loud as possible to intimidate your partner.
- Ninja – A ninja will obviously be sly and intense as they kick, punch, or throw their ninja star.
Obviously, a Cowboy would shoot and defeat a Bear, a Bear would maul a Ninja, and a Ninja would defeat a Cowboy with their Ninja star.
Ask the partners to stand back to back and then walk off three paces. After three paces the participants will immediately turn around and act out one of the three actions. Depending on what they choose, one participant will become the winner. If both participants choose the same action, then they both immediately choose a new action. Play three rounds to see who will be the win the best out of three.
Variations:
- This can be played as a competitive activity, where the winners of each game move on to play winners of other games until there is only one champion.
- You can play this in a Rock, Paper, Scissor Olympics style where the winner of each round gains the following of the participants they just defeated. Play until there are only two players left, with half of the room rooting for one player, and the other half cheering for the other.
- After each game, ask the partners to pair and share with each other an interesting fact, name, etc.
Questions for Discussion:
- Did you have any strategies during the activity? What were they?
- Did you play to compete or for fun?
- What are the differences between playing for fun or competition?
Have you played this fun activity? Do you have any variations I should add to this list? Please comment below!
Dream Catcher – A SMART Goals Initiative
This activity is meant to help your participants discover and develop their dreams and goals. Dream Catcher is based on the SMART goals theory that goals and dreams must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
Number of Participants: Any size
Time: 15-45 minutes (depending how in depth you would like to go with your group.)
Activity Level: Moderate
Props: A bucket to act as the Dream Catcher and a throwable for each participant to act as their dream (If you do not have enough throwables, have the participants wad up a piece of paper)
Objective: For every member of the team to toss their dream (the throwable) in the dream catcher (the bucket) as quickly as possible
Set Up:
Organize participants into a circle and place the bucket in the middle of the circle.
Description:
While the participants are in the circle, challenge them to think of their dream. During each round the participants are trying to complete the round as quickly as possible and help each participant “achieve” their dream by placing it in the Dream Catcher. This activity will have three timed rounds:
- Round 1: The goal is for each participant to say their dream and place it in the “Dream Catcher” as quickly as possible.
- Round 2: Challenge the participants to restate their goal, making it more specific and time bound. The team still has the same goal for this round: Each participant says their dream and places it in the “Dream Catcher” as quickly as possible.
- Round 3: This time the group gets even more specific and has the same goal: Each participant says their dream and places it in the “Dream Catcher” as quickly as possible.
In between each round, challenge the participants to really think about their dream and start to “own it” by declaring that they will achieve their dream each time they share it with the group. The group always has the goal of completing the activity as quickly as possible while every participant “achieves” their dream. They may start out by tossing their dream into the Dream Catcher or even running to the middle to place their dream in the Dream Catcher. There are no rules on how their dream gets into the Dream Catcher, and they can even pick it up and pass it around the group.
Variations:
- You can use this activity just as a dreams activity without the actual initiative involved.
- Do the activity with five rounds and follow the SMART goal steps.
Questions for Discussion:
- Were the participants inspired by each other’s dreams?
- Were there any ideas or options to help them more quickly “achieve” their dreams?
- Could they have moved the bucket? Are there any things in their actual life that could help them achieve their dreams?
Facilitator Notes:
- Use the processing time as an opportunity to help the participants plan out ways to achieve their dreams.
- Challenge the participants to come up with a dream that is actually achievable or attainable.
Leadership Man…or Woman
Leadership Man/Woman is a perfect way to implement a Full Value Contract with your group while discussing leadership characteristics, group social norms, and expected group contributions. I love to start a day off with this interactive and engaging activity.
Number of Participants: 7-15 per piece of butcher paper
Time: 20-30 minutes
Activity Level: Low
Props: 7-8 feet of butcher paper per group, and colorful markers
Objective: To discuss and write down the leadership characteristics the group finds important in a “perfect leader.”
Set Up:
Cut a piece of butcher paper long enough for any participant to lie down upon. Provide markers for the group to write on the paper.
Description:
- Trace the outline of one of the students.
- Name the leadership man.
- Talk about the leadership traits the group wants to demonstrate throughout the camp, afternoon, week, workshop, summer, etc.
- Have each member write the trait inside the leader in the spot that the trait should be located (courage in the area of the heart, knowledge by the brain).
- Explain that these are the traits we want to display throughout the camp. Each group will then will take an oath to try to model these traits for the next few days.
- Encourage each member of the group to sign the leadership man.
Variations:
- This can be done on an individual basis (especially with small groups with limited space). The individual can share with the entire group.
Questions for Discussion:
- Why did you write down your certain terms and characteristics?
- Where there any characteristics you disagreed with?
- What opportunities have you had to experience these traits?
- Did you think of a particular leader when you thought of these characteristics?
Facilitator Notes:
- I often ask the group to find one or two characteristics that they would like to model for the rest of the workshop, and then try to emulate those traits.
- This pairs up very well with Character Card Matching, or any other leadership activity.
Have you used Leadership Man/Woman? What types of Full Value Contract activities do you use with your group?
Ryan Eller
Founder, Paradigm Shift
ryan@myparadigmshift.org
ORU Young Adult Burn Survivor Conference
There is nothing better than being inspired. I attend conferences to hopefully inspire, motivate, or encourage others to achieve their goals and dream big dreams…but the participants at the ORU Young Adult Burn Survivor Conference completely inspired me. I have never met a group of young adults so courageous, so goal-driven, and so motivating. These students have faced life, grabbed it by the face, and told life who was boss.
Click here to see all of the photos of the event. Thank you all for inspiring me, and I expect you all to be Dreamers of Dreams and Music Makers.
Ryan Eller
Founder, Paradigm Shift
Likert Scale Debrief
There are times before, during, or after an activity when the facilitator needs to check in with the group and Likert Scale Debrief fulfills that need.
Number of Participants: 1-100
Time: 1 – 15 minutes
Activity Level: Low
Props: None
Objective: To rate a participant or group’s energy level, engagement, etc., using their own personalized Likert Scale.
Description: Before, during, or after an activity, ask the participants to pull out their Likert Scale. Likert Scales are made by holding 10 fingers in the air. The participants will hold out a number of fingers rating anything the facilitator or group wants to rate. Typically 10 is high and 1 is low, but feel free to mix it up from time to time to measure the participants’ focus.
Examples:
- On a scale of 1-10, how safe did we play in that last activity?
- How was lunch?
- How much effort did you put into that game?
Facilitator’s Notes:
- Feel free to use the Likert Scale Debrief for as short, or as long as you would like. You do not always need to elaborate on why the participants held up a certain number of fingers.
In what circumstances would you use the Likert Scale Debrief? Have you used this activity or one similar to it?
Ryan Eller
Founder, Paradigm Shift
ryan@myparadigmshift.org
Quadrants – A Powerful Time Management Activity
I have used Quadrants many times to really help my clients and participants focus on what is most important in their everyday life. I challenge them to live a life hanging out in Quadrant 2. It appears this activity was popularized by Stephen Covey and created by Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Number of Participants: Unlimited
Time: 15-30 minutes
Activity Level: Low
Props: Quadrants Worksheet
Objective:
To determine what is important, not important, urgent and not urgent.
Description:
For those who are not familiar with quadrants, here is a picture and a brief overview.
- In Quadrant 1 (top left) we have important, urgent items – items that need to be dealt with immediately.
- In Quadrant 2 (top right) we have important, but not urgent items – items that are important but do not require your immediate attention, and need to be planned for.
- In Quadrant 3 (bottom left) we have urgent, but unimportant items – items which should be minimized or eliminated. These are the time sucks, the “poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part” variety of tasks.
- In Quadrant 4 (bottom right) we have unimportant and also not urgent items – items that don’t have to be done anytime soon, perhaps add little to no value and also should be minimized or eliminated.
Have the participants fill in the Quadrants one at a time as you give them examples for each square. Really dig deep to define which areas of their life fall into different Quadrants. This activity goes perfectly with other time management initiatives that help the participants really break down the things they do on an everyday basis.
Variations:
- Instead of this being a time-management activity, make it a budgeting activity. What are some items that we purchase that are in Quadrant 1 (replacing water heaters, medical bills, etc.)? Quadrant 2 (Savings, Vacation Planning, College Fund)? Quadrant 3 (overdue bills, interest charges)? Quadrant 4 (Video Games, Things from Sky Mall)?
Questions for Discussion:
- What are some things you can eliminate from your schedule (Quadrant 4) immediately?
- How do some things from Quadrant 3 keep you from being productive?
- Can you name the times when you felt most productive? What Quadrant were you in?
Facilitator Notes:
Be prepared with examples for each quadrant and really help each participant brainstorm. This has several practical applications if the participant will truly focus on staying in Quadrant 2.
Have you used this activity? How would you implement it into your program?
Ryan Eller
Founder, Paradigm Shift
ryan@myparadigmshift.org
If you would like to receive information regularly that will include new and fresh activities and materials, please subscribe to my blog by clicking here.
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Refuge Catalyst Communication Workshop
There are very few groups that I can really experiment with, but I love trying new activities with the Refuge Catalyst team. Sometimes the activities are successful, and sometimes they aren’t, but I always have a great time with this team. Thanks for helping me grow as a leader, facilitator, and overall person.
Ryan Eller
ryan@myparadigmshift.org
NEO Upward Bound Team Building Workshop
This last Saturday Paradigm Shift was at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in chilly Miami, OK playing with the great students from Upward Bound. We played a ton and learned a lot about leadership and goal setting.
I had a great time with you guys and look forward to seeing you dominate your dreams.
Check out the rest of the pictures by clicking here.
Ryan Eller
ryan@myparadigmshift.org
Eyeball Tag
Eyeball Tag
Not all tag games are equal, and Eyeball Tag is my all-time favorite. This game does not need athletic prowess and quick hands to be successful, but rather great timing mixed with courage and bravery.
Number of Participants: 5-25
Time: 5-10 minutes
Activity Level: Moderate
Props: Chairs
Objective: To make eye contact with another seated participant and then switch seats without the person in the middle sitting in your chair.
Set Up:
Each participant gets a chair and the group arranges the chairs in a circle. The facilitator or a volunteer does not have a chair and stands in the middle of the circle.
Description:
The object of this activity is to switch chairs with another participant after making eye contact with them. If two participants make eye contact, they stand up and move to each other’s chairs as quickly as possible. If the facilitator in the middle sees the participants moving, they will try to sit in an open chair. If successful, the participant in the middle assumes their role and tries to find an open chair. Play this as quickly as possible with as many people switching chairs as they dare.
Facilitator Notes:
- Make sure your chairs are solid and secure. This game gets lively, and you do not want your chairs to break.
- Be sure to let your participants know that safety is the number one priority.
- It is often best to make this game a “walking” activity if your group is a little on the dangerous side.
Have you tried eyeball tag before? What is your favorite tag game?
Let me know if you have any questions on how to implement this into your program.
Ryan Eller
Founder, Paradigm Shift
ryan@myparadigmshift.org
If you would like to receive information regularly that will include new and fresh activities and materials, please subscribe to my blog by clicking here.
You can follow us on Facebook by clicking here or on Twitter by clicking here.
Top 11 Team-Building and Activity Books
I feel as if every facilitator is looking for new and fresh activities to energize and lead their group. If you are like me, you have a hard time finding activities that are applicable to your program’s goals. I have compiled a list of my favorite 11 books that are packed full of unique and engaging icebreakers, energizers, initiatives, name games, and processing/debriefing activities.
The Hundredth Monkey: Activities That Inspire Playful Learning by Nate Folan & Friends
The Hundredth Monkey is the newest Project Adventure publication, and I liked it so much that I wrote a separate post about it. This is my favorite activity book, and the first one I would tell you to buy.
Back Pocket Adventure by Karl Rohnke and Jim Grout
These two are some of the pioneers and legends in experiential education, and this short book is loaded with activities. Chances are you have tried or seen most of these games because of these innovators, but the activities, variations, and instructions are clear and fun to read. The best part…it literally fits into your back pocket.
Count Me In: Large Group Activities That Work by Mark Collard
Do you work with large groups? Do you find it hard to do anything with 50, 100, or even 500 people? (Consider yourself in the majority of leaders who have to work with large groups.) Mr. Mark Collard is the expert on large group activities. I use most, if not all of the activities in this book. You can find him at www.markcollard.com and at www.playmeo.com.
Exploring Islands of Healing by Jim Schoel and Richard Maizell
If you are a counselor, social worker, or work as a therapist in any capacity, this is the book for you. It is the follow-up to Islands of Healing, and it includes new activities, foundational adventure based counseling theories, and great assessment activities.
The Leadership Training Activity Book by Lois B. Hart and Charlotte S Waisman
This is the Ph.D of activity books, and the authors have placed a great deal of time and effort to make sure these activities are essential for professionals looking for solid leadership training.
No Props:Great Games with No Equipment by Mark Collard
Ever have to travel and can’t fit tons of hula hoops, fuzzy balls, and a game frame into your carry-on? This book is perfect for you! This one is also by our friend Mark Collard, and is absolutely awesome. I would tell everyone to add this book to their game bag immediately.
Quicksilver: Adventure Games, Initiative Problems, Trust Activities by Karl Rohnke and Steve Butler
Quicksilver has so many foundational and fundamental activities that it is a must-buy. It is an excellent reference and facilitators will check back into it over and over again.
Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath
Strengths Finder 2.0 is very different from the rest of the books on this list, but it just as powerful for knowing about your team’s strengths. The online assessment that accompanies this book is by far and away the best tool I’ve found for understanding an individual’s importance towards group dynamics. Their website also has excellent professional development and leadership resources.
Team-Building Activities for Every Group by Alanna Jones
Alanna Jones has put together a book packed full of unique activities for groups of all ages. It is great for youth groups, HS students, and even adults. It is off of the beaten path and is very easy to understand and implement. I am excited to read some of her other books.
The Adventurous Book of Outdoor Games by Scott Strother
If you are a camp counselor or spend time with students outside, this is the book for you. It seems as Mr. Strother thought of every game he played as a youth or as a youth counselor (he also came up with some awesome new ones) and placed them all into this book.
Not The Same Name Game Book by Ryan Eller and Jerrod Murr
Do you think I would put together a list and not include my book? I do think it is a solid name game book! Check it out, and buy it!
What book could you not live without? Did I leave something off of the list? I would love to read your favorite.
Ryan Eller
Founder, Paradigm Shift
