Don't Scrape The Snake!

Recently, I posted a set of large group icebreakers that I experienced and enjoyed at the AEE Mid-South Conference, held at the end of February in Louisiana.  I also had the opportunity to participate in a workshop in which we created our own activities; the results from my team are presented here.  Although we've only tried this out with a few others, I think this one is a real winner.  Would love to hear any feedback.

Supplies Needed:

1. 1 spot per participant minus one, placed randomly on the floor within a few feet of each other.

2. 1 20-30’ long rope, placed in a heap among/between the spots

3. 1 hula hoop

4. 1 blindfold

Directions/Facilitator Script:

1. Everybody take your place on a spot (except for one person -- you can either let them rush for the available spots or have someone volunteer to be without).  Are you comfortable?  Wonderful, because now you can’t move (switch orientation -- whatever way you're facing is the way that you have to face for the duration of the activity) or step off of the spot.

2. Everyone who is on a spot must now get two hands on the rope; make sure while you are passing the rope around that the rope does not cross itself.

3. Your team goal: the Hula Hoop must move from one end of the rope to the other without it touching the rope or any person; the person holding/carrying the hoop is your volunteer; and, by the way, that person is blindfolded.

4. Any questions?  Begin.

Facilitator Notes:

1. If the hula hoop touches the rope or any person other than the carrier, possible consequences are

   1. Start over (not recommended as this is an intense activity, but maybe useful for a hot-shot group)

   2. Go back one person

   3. Nothing – just keep track of the number of touches and apparent reasons for the debrief.

2. The event can be timed; after the first attempt, have participants brainstorm and then try again.

3. Allow the blindfolded person to trade places with whomever whenever they want – state this on the front end.

4. If this is a high-performing team, allow them to initially distribute the rope in any fashion they choose -- any crosses in the rope will add to the challenge.

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