Category: Videos

Team Tower Turning (with Videos)

3/26/2023

(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
File Size:	81 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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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Micro Cup It Up Activities: Flip Flop Tower & Reverse Pyramid Build (with video)

8/13/2021

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If you've been following the fun for a while, you know I love team building with cups (in non-alcoholic ways). And, you might also know I'm the co-author of the book, Cup It Up: Team Building with Cups (with Barry Thompson). The book is available for immediate download or paperback version.

Recently I was organizing some pictures and video files and found some cup action using the smaller one-ounce cups (initially presented at NCCPS: The National Challenge Course Practitioners Symposium - a.k.a., the Un-Conference near Boulder Colorado).

Those of you who have been team building with cups for a while should be able to pick up the steps from the video. (As always, if you have any questions be sure to email me: chris@onteambuilding.com) Here are some finer details for each activity:

Flip-Flop Tower
All the details are HERE for the Macro Cup version - plays the same with the smaller cups!

Reverse Pyramid Build
You will find complete details for this one in the Cup It Up book (along with lots more cup activities). Here are the basics:

Pyramid Rule: Each horizontal level/row of cups has only one more cup than the level above it.
Start with one cup on the table (i.e., flat surface).
Only the cup(s) touching the table can be lifted.
Cups may only be added underneath the pyramid structure.
If a cup falls from the pyramid in any way, start over with one cup.
If you are not lifting the pyramid, only by the bottom row, you can use your index fingers (only) to touch the pyramid structure.

The Reverse Pyramid Build is one of my favorite cup activities. It has the tactile, visual and auditory connections that engage participants. It brings up great conversations about success and failure (when you fail you see it and you hear it) and small groups are active in planning and carrying out particular roles and responsibilities - some are more demanding than others. All good stuff to talk about.

Do let me know if you have questions! Email: chris@onteambuilding.com

Have FUN out there.

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Blind Relay (a FUNdoing Share)

7/9/2021

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First and foremost, thanks to Chetan 'Bobby' Patil for the awesome share!!

Here's a really clever version of Obstacle (Mine) Field I've been waiting to share for over a year now (the face-to-face restrictions held me back).

The super-short video teaser will give you a quick view of the idea. Here is Bobby's full write up of the activity:

blindrelay_chetanpatil.pdf
File Size:	317 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

What I Like About This One

It has a way of 'unsighting' people without blindfolds or closing the eyes. (Bobby does share the idea of eyes closed if you want to go there.)
I like the role of the 'safety guide' - How will this person watch over/care for someone else? (Another way to also practice spotting.)
The goal setting is good and asking the group to set the time they need to achieve said goal.
The collaboration between other inside (and outside) players is genius. There is small group work that depends on cooperation (and planning) with others.
Of course, you have permission to adjust the activity in a way to best serve the needs of your group (i.e., if somethings missing, add it in).

Bobby and I would love to hear how this one goes for you! Leave us a Comment below.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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Distancing Sticks: Three Team Building Activities with PVC (video)

2/7/2021

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Late last year I participated in a ZOOM call with Karen Whittaker and her super-staff. They wanted to share some of the team building goodness they have created for there in-person groups. (Karen has shared some FUN content with us before: Macro Liner Quotes (print-n-play) and Life Skills Memory Match (print-n-play).

Here is the first installment of activities from the call (more on the way). Karen and Staff share three activities using 1-inch PCV piping - 10-feet long, schedule 40 thickness. I've dubbed them, Distancing Sticks.

Activities on the Video (Karen's Names):

Egyptian Pyramid - Use the pipes to build a standard pyramid out of milk crates.
Chop Sticks - Move Orbs from point 'A' to point 'B' by rolling or tossing (played like Loops: Toxic Waste Removal - using the PVC pipes is a great lead into the LOOPS version).
Letter Opener (picture above) - Create a Scrabble-like puzzle manipulating wooden letter tiles with the PVC piping (use all the tiles provided).

Do check out the video below. If you have any questions about how to set up and play any of these activities, send me an email: chris@onteambuilding.com

Thanks again to Karen and the super-staff!!

If you have any distancing sticks ideas, include them in the Comments. We would love more!!

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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See Ya! for Connecting and Processing

10/1/2020

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Recently I led three live workshops sharing, Community Building Activities While Safely Distancing. I pulled See Ya! from one of the Video Replays. It can be used at the beginning of a program as a way to connect players through ice-breaker questions and then it can be used again at the end of a programming to open up discussions with processing questions.

In the diagramming video, it shows players around a hoop or webbing circle, safely distanced. You can also set out spot-pods safely distanced apart in configurations for three or four players.

See Ya! can be played with 12 to 100+ people and works well with middle school ages and older. Check it out. And, if you have any questions, let me know.

If you'd like a copy of the Assets Package from the workshops, with over 70 safely distancing activity resources (45 described and diagrammed in the three video replays), you can find it over at the FUNdoing Store.

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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LOOPS: Toxic Waste Removal (with Video)

9/17/2020

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Back in April 2019, I posted, 'P-Cord Loop Activities' shared by Andrew Bogue and Ben Vanderzyden. At this first post you'll find the video, 'Ball Game with Ropes' and the 'Let's Get Loopy' PDF ebook with several p-cord loop initiative. After I became aware of the super-fun activities using 'loops' I put my kit together (p-cord loops and inflatable vinyl orbs), ready to play. Then everything slowed down in the early months of 2020. However, just before all programming stopped, I was able to get some film with some of my facilitator friends trying Loops: Toxic Waste Removal (video below).

At this moment in history, team builders are starting to get back out, face-to-face with groups. I think this one will be great for this transition time of team building while safely distancing.

Toxic Waste Removal plays well with 10 to 16 players per set-up. You'll be pairing up participants. Each pair will need one 'Loop' - a 25-foot length of p-cord tied together with a double fisherman's (Barrel) knot. (You'll see the details in the video.)

The Basic Set-Up: You'll need an 8-foot by 8-foot square of rope (webbing or tape) and a container (the grey circle in the graphic) in the center of the square. Then set out eight game spots about 10 to 15 feet away from the square in different areas. Place an orb on each game spot. I found some vinyl inflatable orbs (playground balls) about 6-inches in diameter at a local Dollar Store. Dodgeball-type orbs are really good as well. (Tennis balls work too, but these are more challenging to move.)

Objective: The specialists (your group), are tasked to move all the radioactive orbs (ROs) into the protective container located inside the quarantined square.

Procedures:

The ROs may only be touched by the Loops.
If an RO touches one of the specialists, this person must stand perfectly still for 60-seconds so the radio waves do not move through the skin into the blood stream.
When a pair of specialists is moving an RO they may not move their feet (too much risk of contamination).
If an RO is dropped to the ground, another pair of specialists must take over moving this RO. (The pair that dropped the RO must evacuate the area around the RO to avoid the immediate pulse of radio waves.)
If an RO is dropped inside the 8 by 8-foot containment area (the rope square), any pair can pick up this RO using their loop.
ROs may not be rolled, on purpose, along the ground (or floor) - this causes an excess of radio waves to be released and may lead to a complete evacuation of the specialist team and all of the local inhabitance.
In order to avoid a complete evacuation of the local inhabitance, you must safely contain all the ROs within ______ minutes. (You will need to decide a fair, but challenging, time for the goal.)
DISTANCING RULE: (If needed) Specialists must stay at least 6-feet away from each other to provide enough room for the slow leak of radio waves to pass between each other. (You will need to decide how this will be monitored.)

Facilitator Notes: One of the main facilitated objectives I see with this activity is the opportunity to learn and practice a skill set, and then put this skill set to use. (And then be able to process how this experience was for the participants.) In the video (below), you will see the group initially learning about and practicing the use of the p-cord loops. (FYI: This video was taken pre-COVID, so we were not concerned with distancing and waring masks.) Then, they jump in to move the ROs to safety. Not as easy as it sounds.

This activity is still in Beta Testing mode. I have yet to play a full round of moving 8 ROs - I'm guessing this can take a while depending on how long you let the group practice and how far the ROs are placed from the square. When you can, get out there and try this one (and some of the others shared in the Let's Get Loopy PDF). Let us know how it goes!

All the best,

Chris Cavert, Ed.D.

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<<Previous

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

Micro Cup It Up Activities: Flip Flop Tower & Reverse Pyramid Build (with video)

Blind Relay (a FUNdoing Share)

Distancing Sticks: Three Team Building Activities with PVC (video)

See Ya! for Connecting and Processing

LOOPS: Toxic Waste Removal (with Video)

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