分类: Videos

House Puzzle of String (a Paired Activity) with Video

8/19/2025

[NOTE from Chris: Before you watch the video, if you want to participate in a little 'Thought Experiment' check out my invitation below.]

Several months ago, I started purposefully collecting and documenting problem-solving activities for pairs. I like using concentric circles* with groups giving all pairs icebreaker questions to answer. Then, moving one circle "to the left" three people forms new pairs quickly. Now, instead of just using icebreaker questions, why not throw some fun problem-solving into the mix where two people work together on a task? Mixing it up makes for good engagement and a bit more complex interaction.

*Concentric Circles – an 'outside' circle of people facing towards the center of the circle and another 'inside' circle with each person facing someone from the outside circle.

A couple weeks ago in the FUNdoing Fridays email I shared a quick idea I had for a paired activity calling it the House Puzzle of String. Sam Sikes, in his 1995 book, Feeding the Zircon Gorilla and Other Team Building Activities, calls it The House – he uses a long activity rope. Here's a little snapshot of history:

Sam's Instructions (brevity brilliance): "Ask the group to pick up the rope." [An untied 40- to 50-foot rope for up to 12 participants lying in a pile on the ground.] "Tell them they can slide their hands along the rope, but they can't let go and/or trade places in line. Their task is to form a house or an envelope, whichever they prefer, without the rope doubling back on itself. You may need to provide a sketch of the end product for them to see." [I love the reference of the 'envelope.' I wonder if that's a recognizable image now.]

The image on the left would be the 'sketch' of the end product. So the group, everyone holding onto the rope, is challenged to form the house puzzle like the solution in the picture above. (After the group in the picture above solved the puzzle, they set it on the ground.)

House Puzzle of String
The image above on the right is the one I created for the House Puzzle of String paired challenge (the full size PDF download is below). The eight pathways in the house I call 'channels'. Using a 48-inch (122 cm) piece of string (or yarn), two people work together to lay out the string inside the channels without the string 'doubling back' on itself. The additional challenge is that the string cannot cross over any of the channel lines.

Video Note: I edited the video down to a about 8.5 minutes. It took my friend Dillon and I a little over 12 minutes to complete the task. (A majority of the time was spent getting the string within the channel lines – moving one part of the string often displaced another part of the string. Run with that metaphor!)

housepuzzle_diagram_cavert.pdf
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Thought Experiment: Here's an email from a FUN follower friend of ours. After reading about House Puzzle of String he inquired:

Tell me please, why do you need a pair to do it with the string? Can you do this alone?

The Experiment: Watch the video and then speculate how I responded to our friend. After a bit more contemplative prose I'll share my response (just a little trivia and a way to hide my response for now).

The House Puzzle is a 'Transum' or 'Path Puzzle' (Dillon discovered this.) Here's an image I swiped from the results of searching 'Transum'. Solve all the shapes (tracing over all the lines and dots) without taking your pen off the paper or doubling any line.

One Answer for the House Puzzle of String:

What have you speculated? Why would I program this activity for two people? Here's my response:

Yes, this one can be done solo. However, I'm anticipating the interaction between two people doing this task will be noteworthy – open up some good learning conversations.

And another Yes. Many tasks are much 'easier' (in some ways) doing them alone – "I'll just do it myself." With this mindset we are losing the practice (and benefits) of working with others....I like to use partner activities for some low risk people practice.

If you considered another reason for using this activity with pairs, I'd love to know! And, what other solo activities can we turn into a paired experience? Leave us a Comment below.

People Practice Questions to Ask

What parts of the challenge were difficult? What parts of the challenge were easy?
Raise your hand if you could have done this challenge on your own. What changes in a task like this when you are working with someone else?
What are some of the things you do and say when you're working well with someone else?
What benefits do you get from knowing how to work with others in a productive way?

Keep me posted!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Tools for Team Builders: Making a Hole Tarp (video)

4/27/2025

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I learned the Hole Tarp activity from my friend Tom Heck, probably about 10 years ago. In the last three weeks I saw the Hole Tarp several times during some of my activity hunting boughts (and then realized I never got this one to the FUNdoing Blog). So it's still alive and well. HERE'S a retro video from Tom. In his video you'll see some white tape near each hole. His challenge for the group was to get them to roll the tennis ball across each piece of tape without the ball falling off the tarp.

As you'll see in the video (below), I use lines of different lengths to cross. I have also developed a nice progression with the Hole Tarp (below) to account for the skills and abilities of each group in play. Each Hole Tarp can accommodate 6 to 8 participants. When you have more than 8 people in your group, be sure to have more Hole Tarps on hand. Each group is then free to work their way through the different challenge levels at their own pace. I like to see how many Levels each group can make it through in 15 minutes. (I hope to have a video of some groups in action soon.)

Here is a quick summary of the challenge Levels:

Main Rule: The ball many not be touched while it's on the tarp.
Level 1: Cross as many lines as possible before the ball falls off the tarp. When all five lines are crossed, move to the next Level.
Level 2: Circumnavigate each hole. This means, the ball must travel around each hole crossing the hole's line twice. When all five lines have been crossed, move to the next Level.
Level 3: Circumnavigate each hole ON BOTH SIDES of the tarp. After going around all five holes on side one, get the ball to side two, without touching it, and go around all side two holes.
Level 4: Circumnavigate as many holes as possible. Go around the five holes on side one. Get the ball to side two and go around all five holes. Then, go back to side one and circle the five holes there. Then, back to side two, and so on.

I'll do a full write up of other aspects of the Hole Tarp (like using two tennis balls) once I catch some groups in action. Until then, fill in the blanks as to what makes sense for the challenge Levels.

And, you can reach out to me if you have questions.

Editorial Note: Shooting video by oneself is a bit tricky. Forgive the 'interesting' moments and absorb the intent. Thanks.

Have fun out there!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

P.S. A big thanks to Training Wheels for letting me film at the warehouse!

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Aga Zumba Zumba - Action Song (Video)

10/24/2024

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I'm back after an amazing journey in India. There is so much to 'unpack' (figuratively and literally). I thought this video would be a fun way to start sharing some of my learnings.

My friend Agyat (salmon-colored shirt on the right) led an early-morning 'Play for Peace' session at the 2024 AEE Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Pune India. (Learn more about the amazing work of Play for Peace – "From conflict to compassion." – HERE and more about AEE Conferences HERE.)

When I use them, I include Action Songs at the beginning of a program as a way to frontload some of the experiences ahead. Here are some examples:

In most cases, the Song will be a 'first-time' experience for everyone. They will be learning something new together.
Mistakes will be made along the way. Then there will be an opportunity to practice to get better if we are motivated to do so.
There is some safe social risk-taking, but most people are more focused on their own actions instead of noticing others.
Not everyone will be good at everything right away, more work will need to be done.
Spontaneous laughter and celebration occur even during something challenging.
(And, I can program Songs for small and larger groups.)

After a Song, we'll briefly explore some of the concepts (practice) and behaviors (laughter) they experienced during the Song. It's a simple thought-provoking exercise to prepare them for what's ahead.

Please let us know if you have a visual source for other Action Songs so we can build our collection together. Leave a trail for us in the Comment. Thank you!!

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Tarp Tossing (3 Challenges)

7/7/2023

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Tossing stuff with tarps, sheets and towels has been a fun team building activity for a long time. (My favorite memory: Karl Rohnke getting a group to tarp toss over 100 corks in the air - check out Raining Corks.)

I finally got some video of my go-to Tarp Tossing sequence. It's part of a 2-hour curriculum I wrote focusing on cooperation. (Cooperation processing ideas below.)

Needs & Numbers: I use 6 by 8-foot medium duty plastic tarps - a good price range and they hold up well. If you can afford it, get the heavy duty plastic tarps or canvas drop cloths. (SAFETY WARNING: Be careful around the metal grommets found on most plastic tarps - don't let fingers get into the holes. I like to roll/fold up the edges a couple times [2 rolls only] to cover the grommets - this also provides for a better grip on the tarp.)

You'll also need a safe tossable object. I use a slightly deflated playground-type ball (those dollar store inflatable ones work well). I deflate them enough so if the catch is missed the ball does not go (roll or bounce) very far from the group.

Tossing works well with 4 to 8 players per tarp, middle school ages and older. (NOTE: When I worked with elementary ages the parachute was my go-to prop for tossing stuff together.)

Challenges
Here are the three Phases/Challenges I like to present (and if you are near basketball hoops, there is another challenge):

Phase 1: Toss Up - Each group/tarp in play is challenged to toss up their object approximately ten feet into the air and then catch it in their tarp. You (the facilitator) can be the judge of height or hold each group accountable for 'height validation' - was it high enough or not? After some practice, try the 2-minute challenge: How many catches can each group get in the two minutes? (Maybe, each group sets a goal prior to the attempt. How about a second attempt to improve on the score?) BONUS Challenge: If you have a basketball court at your disposal, try to 'Toss Up' into the basket.

Phase 2: This challenge needs at least two tarp groups. Start out with one tossable for every two groups. After getting practice with 'Toss Up' (above), the two groups will toss back-and-forth to each other. The tossable must go at least 10-feet high, ultimately being caught by the tarp group that did not toss the tossable. After some problem solving and practice, try the 2-minute challenge: How many catches in two minutes? (Maybe a second round after some first-round problem solving to improve the score.) NOTE: If you need to form a group of three, position the tarp groups in a triangle formation. BONUS Challenge: Give each tarp group a tossable and challenge pairs (or a group of three) to toss and catch simultaneously.

Phase 3: When there is time (and still some Tarp Tossing energy), present this single group challenge. Tarp groups are tasked to 1) toss up their object, 2) turn their tarp over 180 degrees, and 3) catch their object in their tarp. This challenge takes a bit more time to work out the 'problems' that arise and get "on the same page." The 2-minute challenge for this one: How many catches 'in a row' can be made? That's, toss-turn-catch.

During this third Phase, I have the groups discuss, plan and practice for a while in order to build competencies. Then, we take some time for each group to share how they are approaching the challenge - one tarp group at a time shows everyone else. Then, groups get back to practicing. This part is brought up later in the processing session to see if groups had any influence on another group's process. What is the 'best' way? Is there a best way? What factors influence the best way? Who won?

After a bit more practice we move into the 2-minute challenge - catches in a row. Again, I always like to provide a process improvement opportunity after the first attempt.

Processing Tarp Tossing focusing on Cooperation

This is the first question I like to ask:

How do you all define cooperation?

We put everyone's ideas together to form the group's understanding of cooperation. (Basically, cooperating to define cooperation.)

As an example, I asked ChatGPT (AI) to provide "a short definition of cooperation."

Response:

Cooperation refers to the act of individuals, groups, or entities working together towards a common goal or objective. It involves collaboration, mutual assistance, and joint efforts to achieve outcomes that benefit all participants involved. Cooperation often entails sharing resources, information, skills, or responsibilities to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. It is characterized by the willingness to compromise, communicate, and coordinate actions for the greater good, fostering harmony and positive interdependence among participants.

Many of the concepts I've bolded above are brought up by group members forming their definition. I then pick a few of the concepts to explore depending on the overall outcomes the group is working towards:

What did "working together" look and sound like for you in your group? What did you enjoy about working together with your group? How could you be better at working together?
What 'common goals' did you work on together during the challenges? What goals were imposted by someone else and which ones were generated by you? Which goals did you reach or exceed? How do you feel about your successes and your failures to achieve the goals? What is difficult about setting goals? How do goals help us?
Think back on how you 'communicated' with each other - what are your thoughts about the way your group communicated? What went well? What could be better? Share examples of the ways you would like others to communicate with you. What barriers prevent good communication? How can we eliminate these barriers?
What is the 'greater good' for you all right now? What does this mean to you? Why is it important to you?
What does 'positive interdependence' look like to you right now? What is important about this concept?

Tarp Tossing is easy to set up, fun to experience and rich with take-aways. The cooperation focus is simply one direction you can take the discussion.

Let us know where it takes you!

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Stepping Words (Stepping Stones Variation)

6/8/2023

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(About a 5-minute read and a 3-minute video.)

(Important Note from Chris: I really wanted to get this idea out into the wild so we can experiment and refine the rules - so lets develop it together. Please leave your ideas in the Comments. Thanks!)

Here's a little twist on the classic, Stepping Stones (Karl Rohnke, The Bottomless Bag 1991 and then in Quicksilver 1995). Below is the first (1991) write-up from Karl (exactly as written - only 1/3 of a page):

Divide your group into smaller groups of five. Each group is given 4 rubber (plastic) gym markers and asked to physically cross the width of a basketball court as quickly (timed) as possible. Allow 2-3 minutes of planning time before the start.

Rules (1991):

Only the markers can be stepped on.
No one may touch the gym spots with their heels - ball of the foot only.
If someone inadvertently touches the floor, he/she must also return to the start, and anyone touching them must also return.

Considerations:

Try to emphasize efficiency and group cooperation in your debriefing.
Try different combinations of gym sports and group sizes.

[A very physically demanding challenge when the floor cannot be touched by the heel.]

In 1995, Karl noted, "This seemingly simple activity is fast becoming one of my favorites." In this updated description of Stepping Stones he included some choices for "Stuff You'll Need" like 12-inch square "rug pads" [carpet squares], "rubber deck spots" (from the Project Adventure Store), or "(12) 18-inch lengths of 4-inch by 4-inch lumber." Here's a picture from Quicksilver using the 4 by 4s [today, some consider the 4 by 4s too risky - 'rolling' potential]:

Rules (1995):

Anyone touching the ground between the boundaries must return to the start.
Stepping stones must be touched at all times while in-between the boundaries - if a stepping stone is untouched "even for an instant" it is removed from play.
Stepping stones may only move in the forward direction [eliminating the "rescue" of players required to return to the beginning after a touch]. Or, use this Rule: Stepping stones can only completely cross the boundary area one time.
Boundaries: "Generally, it makes sense to set the boundaries far enough apart so that the group will need to recycle some of their props in order to cross the gap."

[There is a full page description in Quicksilver of Karl's "fun way" to frame Stepping Stones using intergalactic travel starting from planet "Lrak-Dna-Evets" (a little word play here you might recognize if you've followed Karl's work).]

Stepping Words

I used Stepping Stones a lot over the years. My go-to prop was 12-inch long 2-inch by 6-inch boards - starting out with one board per person. As boards were lost (untouched), the challenge for the group increased. It is a good, easy-to-lead challenge. [NOTE: We can put letters on these boards as well, but we might need some other Rules?]

Recently I was asked to make some larger Stepping Stones to make it a little easier for some of our camper groups to accomplish the task (the 4 by 4s we have can limit success). Once we cut the 16-inch by 16-inch by 1/2-inch particle board, I took some time to think about adding another (less physical) 'problem' to solve as a variation. The 'board tiles' got me to think 'word tiles' and Stepping Words emerged. Here is the original set of 12 board-tiles:

After some figuring, these 12 letters can get us 17 letters. The 'I' can be a lower case 'L'. The 'U' can be a 'C' and a lower case 'n'. The 'W' can be an 'M'. and the 'P' can be a lower case 'd' (when thinking 'out-of-the-box' as we like to encourage).

I stenciled the letters and then outlined them with a permanent marker to make them stand out a bit more. Then I had a colleague build us a tile-holder for easy storage.

So, let's Play!

Rules (2023):
I led Stepping Words during our recent camp staff training for the first time with two groups and here are the Rules we plan to use/try over the summer with our campers:

Boundary Area: 50-feet across from Start to Finish (we're using lengths of webbing as the banks of our Lava River).
Spell words to move across the 'Lava River' (we have a "Prehistoric" Theme at camp this year - hence the Lava).
Words can be 2 to 5 letters long. [We didn't limit length at first and it was too easy to cross using longer words - not enough interaction.]
Words must be placed alternating between "UP" and "CROSS" directions - UP words go towards the Finish line and CROSS words go parallel to the finish line.
As letters are placed, they must be stepped on to keep from floating away (being taken away). We will give our campers a '1-second' grace period to step on a board-tile.
If a player places a board-tile they are 'bound' to this tile. Example: If I place the 'W' tile, I am now responsible for the 'W' - I keep possession of this tile throughout the journey. [NOTE: I'm not sure how this Rule will play out - we're going to try it.]
Players can be bound to two tiles as long as they are touching them in some way.
Once a word is in place - fully spelled - and players are stepping on all letters, the word can be disassembled so letters can be used in other words during travel.
No jumping from tile to tile - one foot on a tile at all times between the boundary lines.
If a player touches the Lava (ground) they must return to the Starting shore for 'first aide' before beginning again. Remember: Returning players can only enter the boundary area onto a word of 2 to 5 letters.

Ready? Go!

Let us know what you think. One of my goals for this version of Stepping Stone is to make it more interactive. Let's see how it works.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Team Tower Turning (with Videos)

3/26/2023

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(About a 10 minute read.)

A friend and fellow team builder, Linda Williams, recently showed me her version of Team Waterwheel (from the book, Cup It Up: Team Building with Cups which Linda edited). She adapted Waterwheel for a training with over 300 people. Her design purpose was to work on the concepts of 'planning' and 'task implementation' with participants from a world-wide organization. I've used it now over a dozen times and I really like the versatility and outcomes.

Linda provides a set of directions (PDF download below) for each Tower Turning team that includes general info and some goal setting (Tower Height Goal and a Building Quality goal - which is the number of 'collapses' the team will allow themselves along the way), and Team Tower Build Operational Procedures. There is also a Team Tower Turning Reflection Questions handout for you - a variety of questions to choose from to bring out the learnings from the experience (these Reflection Questions could also be given to each group to work through on their own during the designated reflection time).

Team Tower Turning Participant-Directed Handout

teamtowerturning_2023.pdf
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Large Group Facilitation: When Linda worked with the group of 300, the participants were seating at round tables. All the building supplies and instructional handouts were preset at each table. During her introduction to the activity she used slides to emphasize the main points (some of her slides at the right) - one of the slides had an embedded video of the 'turning' process. My largest 'turning' group so far has been 72. I didn't use technology, just verbalized the instructions and showed them an example of how to start and how the turn is done.

Here are the basics of the activity to supplement the handout:

Needs & Numbers: You'll need 12 plastic cups and 15 - 4 by 6 inch index cards for each group of four to six participants.

Time: This one can take up to 40 minutes depending on the amount of time available for the reflection phase. Breakdown: 5 min. to introduce, 10 min. of 'required' planning time to read through the 'Operational Procedures' and set Goals, 12 min. of building time, and at least 10 (to 20) min. of reflection time.

Note to Facilitator: It is important to include enough time to debrief the activity with your participants. See the sample Reflection Questions in the handout to consider including in your after-activity discussion. Feel free to modify or add questions that will best suit your participants and the desired outcomes of your session.

Group Reflection: Read through the Reflection Questions in the handout to see the learning possibilities in the activity.

Why I Like Tower Turning:

Easy to find and use props (and there is so much more you can do with CUPS!)
Self-Directed instructions provide more decision-making and problem-solving for a group.
There is a clear picture of success and failure - when the tower falls, the group has the opportunity to identify and then solve the falling problems.
It can be scaled to almost any size group (if you have the cups and a way to project your voice).
When I want to go deeper, I have groups take about 5 to 10 minutes to identify the attributes of a good working team and write these findings on the index cards (you'll need some markers). And then we can use this attribute 'data' to consolidate a take-away list of behaviors the whole group wants to focus on after their team building program.

Let us know how this one goes for you! Leave a Comment below.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

P.S. Tools for Team Builders Bonus Video: Tube Turning

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Snowball Pick-N-Choose (with Video)

3/2/2023

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(About a 7-minute read.)

'Pick and Choose' was one of my go-to's when I was getting started in the adventure education world. I first discovered it in the 1984 edition of Silver Bullets, by Karl Rohnke (it was the first 'Adventure Games' book I encountered in 1990). Over the years it solidified in one of my mental models that we always use buckets and tennis balls (cause that's how I learned it). Here is the Silver Bullets picture that's imprinted in my mind:

To make a relatively long story short (and you know I love long stories), I ran into a variation of Pick and Choose involving marbles and tape. I made the jump to 'paper snowballs' after an 'Ask' podcast I did with Michelle Cummings (Episode 57: Team Building with Paper) and a new mental model was born - Snowball Pick-N-Choose.

Snowball Pick-N-Choose

Set Up: The picture below is the set up in the video (above). This is a good configuration for a group of up to 10 players. IMPORTANT NOTE: I used a combination of targets - hula hoops and masking tape - in order to demonstrate options. If I'm traveling light and playing inside, I'll just bring paper, masking tape, and an activity rope. The hoops are great if you have them on site or if you're okay traveling with them.

If you have a larger group of 11 to 14 players, add another Snowball receptacle behind the line and more Snowballs - about 3 Snowballs for every player in the group (e.g., 12 players 36 Snowballs divided between the two receptacles). Then your first target row will have four targets, the second row will have three targets and the third row will have two targets.

Distancing: The first row of targets is about 8-feet from the throwing line, the second row is about 13-feet from the line, the third row is about 18-feet from the line. NOTE: Paper Snowballs do not go very far when thrown. An 18-foot distance to the highest points is doable, but not easy.

Scoring: You can choose any combination of scores for your targets. My first row is worth 15 points, my second row is 30 points, and the third row is 50 points (I want to make the farthest target(s) enticing). I put little point markers (index cards) at each distance but it's not necessary.

Objective: Score as many points as possible in 90-seconds. (Karl's original version is 2-minutes, which can be a good cardio workout if needed.)

Play:

The configuration of the equipment may not be changed. Only the Snowballs can be moved (by being thrown).
A team will require at least two roles to be covered during play - Throwers and Retrievers. (Other roles can be created if needed.)
Throwers must stay behind the throwing line and only the Snowballs (paper) can be thrown.
Throwers can only take Snowballs from the receptacles behind the throwing line.
There is no limit to the number of Throwers.
Retrievers can move anywhere - near the targets and behind the throwing line - around the playing area to pick up Snowballs.
Retrievers may not 'influence' Snowballs into the targets.
There is no limit to the number of Retrievers.

Allow time for your group to plan and practice before each attempt. Be sure they understand and follow the rules. You can keep and call the time. And I like to record, in big numbers on flip chart paper, the scores of each round. Three or four rounds work well to notice some change in a groups process.

Why I like This One

The rules are super-simple.
To be successful a group must realize they need a lot more retrievers than throwers (but everyone wants to be a thrower to get points). How do they go about letting go of the glory for the good of the group or goal?
Its high energy in short bursts. Does/Can everyone give their all in that short burst?
'Problems' are easy to identify (there aren't that many) and solve - if people are willing to do the hard work (running around).
Hard work is involved. What else is hard work for people? What can be good about hard work? How do we want to handle hard work together? What's possible when we work on something together that is difficult?

Wonderings

Will a group uncrumple the Snowballs (paper) and make paper airplanes to fly into the distant targets?
Will a group uncrumple the Snowballs (paper), tear them in half and double their throwable Snowballs? Will a half-Snowball make it to the farthest target?

Have fun out there my friend!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Paper Transporter (with Video)

2/1/2023

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This is a long one. Prepare a nice beverage and dive in. Build some dendrites! (About a 15 minute read.)

If you've been following the FUN for a while, you know I love the activity 'Pipeline' (called Half Pipe in FUNN STUFF, Vol. 2, Karl Rohnke, 1996) and all its variants I've bumped into or created (Pipeline: Variations, Bridges & Traits, Immobile Chopsticks [video] and Materials Move). One of the props I've suggested using over the years is paper - each person rolls up a piece of 8.5 by 11-inch paper (either orientation) and you have a tube (or channel) to roll the marble (or other Orby shape) through.

Recently I developed this idea to target the concepts of creativity and change. (If you would like more of the backstory, and my developmental thinking about this activity, I've included it at the bottom of the post. Let's just get right to it....)

Objective: Explore the concepts of creative problem solving and innovation.

Preparation: I like to have about seven or eight people in a group. This allows for more active participation. So, if you have a larger group divide them into smaller groups. (I would lead this activity with up to 12 small groups of seven or eight participants.)

You'll need one 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper for each person (and have some extras just in case) and one small Orb (about 1-inch in diameter), like a marble or small rubber 'bouncy' ball for each small group. NOTE: Using the small rubber balls is a bit more challenging because it sticks to some of the paper transporters, like a cone.

You'll also need one copy of the Paper Transporter (PT) Directions for each group. (Your download of the PT Directions is near the end of this post and a quick view is just below).

Time: This one can take about 20 to 30 minutes (depending on the depth of processing).

Process:

Once small groups are formed, ask each group to send up one person to pick up the activity supplies. (It's okay to let the waiting groups talk amongst themselves during this time - maybe ask them a question to answer during the supplies pick up. For example, "Tell each other something you’re looking forward to in the future.")
Wait to make sure there is a person from each group standing in front of you.
Hand each person a copy of the Paper Transporter Directions, one of the small Orbs and a stack of papers (enough so each person within a small group gets one piece of paper).

NOTE: Take a minute right now to read the Directions you (the facilitator) will be providing. (Read it here or print out a copy - PDF download below.)

Before sending people back to their small groups, tell them, 1) to read the Directions for the activity to the group (or someone else in the group can read the directions, 2) then, begin planning and practicing for the first timed round, 3) and, you will call for their attention before the first timed round - all groups will engage in the 60-second timed round at the same time.
Ask and answer any questions before they go back to their groups.

Facilitation Notes 1:

During the planning and practice phase before each timed attempt, be sure to wander around among the groups so you can answer questions and clarify anything you see that does not match up with the directions. (NOTE: If you are working with more than four small groups, it is a great advantage to have one or two co-facilitators to help manage questions and confusion. (Suggestion: 1 facilitator to 4 groups is a good ratio.)
During each of the three timed rounds, continue to walk around the groups looking for behaviors that will be good to reflect upon after each round (e.g., are they following the rules).
Be sure you (the facilitator) have your timing device ready for each timed attempt (e.g., Smart Phone).
Get the groups' attention and let them know you are about ready to time an attempt. (I get their attention with my trusty Cow Bell - it saves the vocal cords.)
Ask if anyone has and final questions before they start.

Here is a possible script before the first timed attempt:

Just a reminder - your goal as a group, is to get as many points as possible in 60-seconds by following the rules you have been given. When I say GO! the time will start. When I say STOP! please stop counting score.
If you are in possession of the Orb, hold it up so I can see your group is ready. [Look around, be sure every group has an arm up.]
Okay. On your mark. Get set. GO! [Start timing]
Give time checks every 15 seconds, then a 10, 9, 8...countdown to "STOP!"
How did you do? Raise your hands up if you got at least 20 points, keep them up if you got at least 25...[keep going by 5 or 10s until you get a high score].
We can see what's possible based on each group's skills and abilities at this time.
I'd like to invite you to make a second attempt at this one, with the objective to produce a better, or higher, score, following the same rules. But first, let's do some planning and practice.
During this next planning and practice round, each person in your group must change the way their paper transporter is configured - basically, everyone must make a different transporter.
[See Facilitation Notes 2 for an option here...]
You'll have about 2 minutes to plan and practice for the next timed round. Be sure to change your paper transporter and also identifying something that was slowing you down during the first timed attempt (a.k.a., a problem) and see if you can fix it.
Alright, your 2 minutes starts now...[Start the time. Keep an eye on the time and allow for a little more if needed].

Facilitation Notes 2:
Before I inform the groups about the impending planning and practice session, I encourage everyone to really think about how they can "change" their Paper Transporter. I ask them to go beyond, "just bending over a corner" of their paper. "Go for innovation. Really change it. Try something you might not even believe will work - why not. We're just experimenting, looking for the possibilities."

Let them know you are ready to time their second attempt:

If you are in possession of the Orb, hold it up so I can see your group is ready.
Okay. You are all after a higher score. On your mark. Get set. GO! [Start timing]
Give time checks every 15 seconds, then a 10, 9, 8...countdown to "STOP!"
How did you do? Raise your hands up if you got at least 50 points, keep them up if you got at least 60...[keep going by 5 or 10s until you get a high score].

Before the final timed attempt, I do a quick 'mid-reflection' for a couple of reasons. I'm hoping that a purposeful pause may get them to consider how they want to approach the final attempt and I want to give everyone a little time to talk to each other about 'change' - something I plan to bring up in the final reflection. Here's what I ask everyone to discuss:

Did your paper transporter changes help or hinder the success of your group's score? [Give them about 2 minutes to talk...] When it feels right to transition, move them into the final timed attempt...

We're now going to move into the final timed attempt. During this next planning and practice session, each of you is required to change the way your paper transporter is configured - basically, everyone must make a new transporter that is different from your previous transporters.
Take the next 2 minutes to plan and practice. Take some of the time to identifying another problem that is slowing you down. Decide on and practice a solution to fix it before the next timed attempt. The goal is the same, try to get a higher score, following the same rules.
Alright, your 2 minutes starts now... [start the clock]

Let everyone know you are about ready to time them...

Here we go. This is your final attempt.
On your mark. Get set. GO! [start timing]
Give time checks every 15 seconds, then a 10, 9, 8,...countdown to "STOP!"
How did you do? Raise your hands up if you got at least 30 points, keep them up if you got at least 35 points...[keep going by 5s or 10s until you get a high score].

CONTEXT: I led Paper Transporter three different times in one day (three different groups), with college Freshman (more about the backstory below). So the following closure is tailored as such. For a general view, substitute 'college success' with 'life'.

Possible Reflection:
I'd like to invite you to consider this...

The scores you all achieved were based on your skills & abilities, motivation, and time constraints. Getting through college is going to be the same. Problem-solving skills play a big part in college success.

Consider this - you were asked to change your paper transporter twice during this last activity. What does change have to do with problem-solving during college?

Provide a maximum of 5 minutes for this discussion. Be sure to mingle around through your groups and even chime in on some of their discussion when appropriate.

After the discussion I like to ask for people to shout out some of the insights they shared or heard about what change has to do with problem-solving.

As you've noticed, I ended with one final question for the final processing session (and there was the other question they talked about before the third timed attempt). This is one way to explore some learning after an activity. This format works well for me when I'm facilitating larger groups. I like to focus in on one concept at a time, let the groups talk for a bit, have some quick sharing of ideas for everyone to hear, then jump right back into another activity. It makes for a good flow with a lot of people. Let me know how this one goes for you.

Here is the Paper Transporter Directions Handout

papertransporter_directions_2.0.pdf
File Size:	90 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Be well my friend! Keep me posted.

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

Backstory & Activity Thinking (If you want a little more about my thinking on this one.)
I was hired to lead a teambuilding/connection program with a large group (up to 120 at one time) of college freshman. One of the objectives was to tie in ideas about college success. In my experience teaching college freshman (and teaching classes on college success), creative problem-solving is right near the top of a college success skills set.

My thinking then moved to "I've got 120 people divided into groups of about 10 - what resources can I provide that would lead to some creative thinking for each person in the group." It came down to paper - I love using paper as a team building prop. (Check out the 'Ask Michelle & Chris About Teambuilding' podcast Episode #57: Teambuilding with Paper.)

I remembered the idea I've had about using paper as a 'channel' for pipeline. "What if I let them make their own transportation device. Then, what if they had to change their device three different times? In this way I could force a little creativity and maybe even some innovative thinking," I said to myself.

The activity formed around the idea that a group would move an Orb around a circle of players with their 'Paper Transporters.' Then it became the question of what type of Orb? After a little testing (wiffle golf ball, a mid-sized marble, a small marble and a small rubber ball), I went with the small rubber ball because it actually was a bit more challenging to move with some of the different paper configurations - it stuck a little bit to the paper.

So, I had my plan...on to the initial test.

Footnote:
More than one person will tell you throughout your career as a team builder, that you should always play-test a new activity with a group of friends or colleagues. I believe the advice is based on the fear of a flop - one might want to know if something is going to work before using it. I certainly do this when I can, when I have a group to play-test with.

When I don't get the chance to test something new, I make my best prediction and give it a try with the next best group. Sometimes I'll even say, "I've honestly never tried this one before, are you up for seeing how it goes?" Every time I've asked, my groups are very open to trying it out and then providing honest feedback over the outcome. It's all about the experience - and there is ALWAYS (again, ALWAYS) something to talk about.

DON'T FEAR THE FLOP! (And be sure you have other amazing activities you know will work.)

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Onezies to Fivezies (Macro Tenzi) with Video

3/22/2022

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Speaking of FUN! I have been having so much of it learning how to use some the "board and table-top" games on my shelves in new ways, from the new book, Teambuilding from the Toy Aisle by my friends Matt, Michelle and Trevor!

And recently I attended a fun-tastic ACCT workshop presented by Matt, Michelle and Trevor. We spent 90-minutes playing some of the gems from the book (don't get me started on "Dude!").

I grabbed some video (below) of the Macro Tenzi game that was super-fun to watch (don't know Tenzi? HERE are some videos.)

Onezies to Fivezies (A Competitive Game)
NOTE: For this game you'll need some dice - 10 dice for every group of 4 to 5 people. I loved the large foam dice used during the workshop. However, you'll find, after a quick search, the large foam dice are an investment. You can certainly go with smaller dice. How about this. HERE'S a free die template so you can make your own using card stock. (If this one is no longer there/free, I'm sure there is another one out there on the web.)

Numbers: I plan to play this one with 12 to 50 participants (3 to 10 teams), middle school age and older. (If elementary ages are ready for 'friendly' competition, go for it.) It can take a while to get to the winning team. The game is full of surprise wins - the underdog is never out of the race!

In Teambuilding from the Toy Aisle, the trio calls this one, "Onezies, Twozies, Thumbsies, Singsies." I'm simplifying it a bit. Here's my take - just Onezies to Fivezies:

Divide your group up into smaller teams of four or five players.
Provide each team with 10 dice. (The dice do not need to be all the same color, but it does help when dice roll astray.)
First Round: When you say, "GO!" all teams begin rolling their dice. Every team is going for 'Ones' in this Round. When a one is rolled it is set off to the side. Non-ones are picked up by anyone on the team and rolled again. When all the dice of one team are ones, they yell, "Onezies!" All rolling stops. If there is a verifiable tie, declare the tied teams winners of the Round.
Next Round: On this next Round, the winning team(s) from the first Round will be rolling for twos - or, Twozies. All the other teams are still rolling for ones - or their Onezies. Teams don't move up a number until they win at the subsequent number.
The Next Rounds After That: I think you get the idea. Comebacks are possible. The journey can be long. Teams don't advance to the next number until they complete the number they are on. When a team calls, "Fivezies" the game is over.
Optional Challenge: Change up the way all teams must roll during the Round: Rolls must be tossed from above the hips; Rolls must be tossed from above the shoulders; Rolls must be done with only one hand - the other hand covers one eye; Rolls can only be made with fingers - press your thumbs into your palms...

"Rematch" they call!! If you've got the time....

Processing Ideas
(Even though this is a competitive game, there can be lots to talk about - if it's part of the plan.) Here are some concepts to consider:

Planning and Strategies (what worked and didn't work)
Respectful Play (any sabotaging)
Team Camaraderie (how did teammates treat each other)
Skills and Abilities (was everyone all in, or just partly in)
Winning and Losing (how do we manage with the feelings of each)
Underdogging (did you hang in there every Round of give up/in)

The video below was the First Round at the ACCT Conference Workshop. Tons of Thanks to the players and presenters. So much energy. So much FUN!

Keep me posted!

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Floor Safe (Venn Key Punch Reprise) with Video

2/20/2022

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At the recent Association for Challenge Course Technology conference I attended a fun and informative activity workshop, "A Fresh Perspective on Three Favorites" led by KC Ray (thanks KC, so much fun!!). One of the three favorites was Key Punch (Rohnke, Quicksilver). KC shared the Venn Key Punch setup I learned a while back from a fellow facilitator. (HERE is the original FUNdoing post.)

KC's (purposefully subtle) directions revealed an additional "fresh perspective" involving an added problem-solving opportunity. Here's the take-away I'm calling, the Floor Safe Challenge:

Set Up: The picture above is from the original Venn Key Punch post. Each rope circle (above) includes 30 numbered spots. (If I remember correctly, I think each rope in the picture above was 25-feet long. KC indicates the ropes - seen in the video below - are each 30-feet.) I suggest, in this particular write-up, using 24 numbered spots in each rope circle due to the timed challenge. Here are some set up considerations:

There will be numbers 1 through 24 in each rope circle. In the overlapping 'eyeball' section of the two circles, the numbers inside are shared by both circles/groups.
The numbers in the eyeball are not sequential. For example, if I use four numbers, I'll put down a 3, 9, 15 & 21. Avoid putting the number 1 in the eyeball. The more numbers in the eyeball, the more coordination between the two groups in play.
The size/diameter of each rope circle in play will determine the level of challenge (based on this write-up). The smaller the rope circles, the easier the challenge. NOTE: In the video below, the groups are able to reach all the numbers (if they wanted to), by leaning into each circles and touching the numbers. If the circles are bigger participants may need to step into them to get to the numbers. Hence, taking more time to complete the task/challenge.

The Story (if you want one): In front of you, and the rest of your salvage team, is a giant floor safe filled with unimaginable riches. An identical safe was discovered recently half way around the world by your main competitor. They figured out the steps to unlock the safe. One of their team members, disappointed in the cut s/he was going to get, contacted you and offered your team the instructions for double what s/he was going to get. Shortly after you agreed to the terms and encrypted email was sent to you with the instructions to open the safe. [This is where you give the group the Floor Safe Instructions sheet - PDF Download below.]

You also just found out that your main competitor knows you discovered this identical floor safe. Some of their team are on their way to crack the safe - which means you will only get half of the riches inside since you discovered the safe. Your competitor will get the other half for opening it. They will be arriving to this site in 30 minutes. Will you get all the riches of just half?

Floor Safe Instructions (This is the information included in the PDF Download (below) that you will hand to the group(s) - handing out multiple copies of the instructions will make the challenge a bit easier.)

You have 30 seconds for each attempt at opening the safe. If you fail to open the safe in 30 seconds you will need to wait 60 seconds before the next attempt - the safe seems to be resetting itself.
The two woven ropes around the numbered keys and the numbered keys themselves may not be moved - the safe locks itself down when the ropes or numbers are moved.
All the numbered keys inside both keypads must be touched in sequential order starting with the number ones.
Numbered keys must be touched by hand or foot (it doesn't seem to matter) and each numbered key may only be touched once.
The two numbered keypads appear to be weight sensitive. Only one person can touch the surface inside each keypad at a time. In other words, it's okay for two people to be touching inside the keypads - one person in each pad.

floorsafeinstructions_vennkeypunch.pdf
File Size:	59 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Facilitation Notes:

Your role during the challenge is to let the group know whether they opened the safe, or not, in 30 seconds. This is all you can say: "Yes, you did it!" Or, "No, the safe is still locked."
So, this means you are watching for "Instruction" violations. You do not share your violation findings with the group. You wait for the group to finish or until 30 seconds have passed. Then, you share one of the two responses above.
Some of the basic Instructions are easy for the group to catch (or see), like more than one person touching inside a key pad, or the ropes or number keys being moved. The tricky bit involves the number keys inside the 'eye' (overlapping rope sections) which is the "fresh perspective" I picked up from KC. There is an Instruction that states, "...each number key may only be touched once." More often than not, (I'm going to presume) the groups working each keypad will each touch the numbers inside the eye - violating the "once" rule.
When you respond to the group, "No, the safe is still locked," there is nothing more you can say. The group is left to figure out what they (think they) did wrong and fix their plan during the 60 seconds they have to wait before the next safe cracking attempt. (You can be the one to time the 60 seconds.)

Processing Thoughts:

Lots of planning will go (or should go) into this challenge. How was this planning process for each person? Who was involved? Who was not involved? How did this 'sit' with everyone?
What roles and responsibilities were taken on, or given, to participants during the different attempts? What influenced any changes in roles and responsibilities during the challenge?
At any point during the challenge were you 'stuck?' What did being stuck look and sound like to you? If you were able to get un-stuck, what did this take?
What emotions surfaced for you during the challenge? How did you manage these emotions? How did the emotions influence the challenge?
What information do you want to remember from this challenge?

Let us know how this goes for you! Leave us a Comment.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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House Puzzle of String (a Paired Activity) with Video

Tools for Team Builders: Making a Hole Tarp (video)

Aga Zumba Zumba - Action Song (Video)

Tarp Tossing (3 Challenges)

Stepping Words (Stepping Stones Variation)

Team Tower Turning (with Videos)

Snowball Pick-N-Choose (with Video)

Paper Transporter (with Video)

Onezies to Fivezies (Macro Tenzi) with Video

Floor Safe (Venn Key Punch Reprise) with Video

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