Here are two sample "Team Challenge" activities as well as a "Camp Craft" activity.

There are pupil handouts to accompany each challenge. These can be downloaded by right-clicking on the appropriate icon and choosing "Save Target As" from the pop-up menu.

TANK TRACKS

OBJECTIVE: Develops teamwork & communication.

The group (6-8 students) must move over a defined distance without touching the ground, using two mats.

Equipment: Gym mats

Rules: No member of the group is allowed to touch the ground.

Procedure

To start, the group stands on one mat with the other above their heads. They must put this mat on the ground, all get on it without touching the ground, pick up the first mat and repeat. This process is repeated until the group have travelled over a certain distance.

Variations: Races between the various groups in the class.

Review: Teamwork card and discuss outcomes.

THE DIMINISHING LOAD PROBLEM

OBJECTIVE: Develops group co-operation and problem solving.

The aim of this activity is to move a group or series of groups (teams) across an open field as quickly as  possible. The distance can vary with the estimated strength of the groups.

Rules

• To cross the open area a person must be carried.

• The carrier must return and be carried him / herself.

• The only person allowed to walk / run across the open area is the last person.

• If the carried person touched the ground while being transported both members must return to the start.

• The number of people being carried and carrying can vary with the strength and / or imagination of the group i.e. one-to-one is not the only way.

Variations

The aim of the activity can be changed to move the entire group across the distance in as few trips as possible.

Safety: The usual safety precautions with regard to lifting and carrying apply. Care must also be taken to ensure that students who are self conscious about size are not put into a situation which might cause them some embarrassment.

Review: Teamwork card and discuss outcomes.

 

 

CAMP CRAFT

MATERIALS

• Tennis ball cut in half
  

  Right Click and "Save Target As" to download Camp Craft diagram
• Penknife
• Matches
• Ground sheet
• Sticks
• Sheet of plastic (2m X 4m}
• Cord Round Pebbles
• Stones or bricks

GUIDELINES

• Get a strong sheet of plastic. Open it out and lay it on the ground.
• Attach a cord to each corner of the sheet and to the centre of the longer sides.
• Wrap the sheet corners around the round pebbles and tie the cord around the sheet corners and pebbles securing with a reef knot.
• Wrap the cords loosely around large stones or bricks to hold the sheet down. Tie half-hitch knots in the wrapped cords around pebbles to secure them onto the stones or bricks.
• Use the two cut tennis balls to attach the sticks to the plastic sheet as uprights. Slide the tops of the sticks into each end of the folded sheet. Push the sticks into the ground and pull the sheet to make the sheet form a triangular shape (the tennis balls prevent the sticks from puncturing the plastic at the apex).
• Adjust the stones to tighten the plastic sheet on the shelter. This will also ensure that the rain will run off the shelter. To make your shelter more comfortable put a waterproof ground mat inside. Make sure the ground sheet is not sticking out as rain will collect on it and flood the shelter. Also ensure that the edges of the shelter plastic are not touching the ground.
• Students should not enter the shelter until it is safely secured.