Innovative Activity #2: Minefield

An activity that came to mind when doing this research is from a binder I put together for another class.  The activity is called Minefield and is a group initiative activity.  I really enjoyed this activity, and found that there were several therapeutic benefits to it.  When doing group initiative activities there is a certain leadership style to follow.  Usually the activities have a lot of meaning behind them and facilitators want to front load and debrief appropriately to get the maximum effect out of the activity.  An initiative is a problem that is presented to a group that must be solved using the physical and/or intellectual resources of the entire group.  When introducing the activity you always want to present the group initiatives ahead of time.  You don’t want to front load so much though that you give the meaning of the activity away, but making sure that there are some goals mentioned without giving “hints” is appropriate.  I feel that this is an awesome activity to do with corrections and especially at-risk youth.  During the activity you are supposed to think of life’s obstacles or certain stressors that are getting in the way of your productivity, so using this for people who have gotten into trouble and are struggling will make them confront the issues.  The confrontation and sharing is usually done after the activity is over during the debrief portion.  Also, during debrief there can be discussion of how to move forward and overcome these obstacles.  Teamwork is a major aspect that is used in “Minefield” because you are blindfolded so you need to trust the person who is guiding you; of course this isn’t a real minefield but only a pretend one you make up.  It addresses all four domains and you can reach goals in each section.  This activity involves a lot of physical movement and the need to be on your hand and knees crawling with good listening skills.   You could adapt this activity to being in a wheelchair or using a walker to dodge the objects.  This wouldn’t be appropriate for geriatrics or people with low functioning skills.  It’s very cost effective because you can use random objects that you have lying around; you don’t need to buy specific ones and can be thrown together easily.  The only thing you would need to worry about is having blindfolds for the participants.  The website that I found it on is located under the reference section of the activity description.               

Minefield

Activity Type:  Group Initiative/Non-Competitive Game

Activity Description:  An entertaining activity that helps a group to build better trust with each other.

Purpose/Goals:

1.   To build trust in between group members.

2.   To learn how to successfully work together to complete a task.

3.   To have fun while working with other group members.

Activity Level:  Moderate to High

Appropriate Audience: School aged children to adults with 2-30 participants.

Physical Setting:  This activity can take place indoors or outdoors in an open area large enough to accommodate the participants and the “minefield.”

Equipment and Materials:

-          Many different objects to be used as the “mines”

-          Blindfolds (optional)

-          Markers to indicate the boundaries

Instructions/Facilitation:

1.   Have the group get into groups of two (or the leader can assign partners).

2.   Inform the group that one partner will be blindfolded, and the other will be directing the partner through the “minefield” from one side to the other.

3.   Explain that they must stay within the boundaries and cannot touch any of the mines, and if they do, they will get a penalty (i.e. starting over, freezing for 5 seconds, etc.)

4.   Have the one partner put on their blindfold (or close their eyes), and have them begin.

5.   Once everyone has made it to the other side safely, the partners switch roles and go through the “minefield” again.

Physical and Emotional Safety Precautions:

Inform the group of Challenge by Choice, but encourage everyone to participate.  Also, stress to be very cautious of the blindfolded people not bumping into objects or other participants.  Tell the group that everyone should be encouraging and supportive of other group members.

Variations:

1.   Have one of the partners not be able to talk.

2.   Have the blindfolded people have to go into the “minefield” to “rescue” an object and take it to safety, which is outside of the boundaries.

3.   Make the minefield even more challenging by hanging “mines” from above.

Special Notes: Make sure that all participants keep a positive attitude throughout the activity.

Discussion Questions/Processing: 

1.   How much did you trust your partner (out of 10) at the beginning of this activity?

2.   How much did you trust your partner (out of 10) at the end of this activity?

3.   What did your partner do to help you feel safe and secure?

4.   What could your partner have done to help make you feel more safe and secure?

5.   What communication strategies worked best?

Reference:
Minefield. (2009). Retrieved March 29, 2011 from http://wilderdom.com/​games/​descriptions/​minefield.html