Team steeplechase - an activity

Purpose. To encourage:

Group participation

Planning

Re-appraisal

Communication

Trust

Procedure: One of the group volunteers to brief the rest; that person is then told the following information

The aim of the exercise - which is to pass one member of the group along the route.

The line of the route, which should incorporate obstacles e.g. moving through undergrowth, slopes/steps, across a small stream (no more than ankle deep), bog, over a low wall, etc.

Rules:

a) Every member of the group needs to be involved.

b) Those who are passing cannot move their feet when they are touching the one whom is being passed

c) The one being passed must not touch the ground or any object along the route.

The group is then briefed, and the exercise starts when they feel they arc ready.

Materials needed: None

Variations. Changing the length of the route and degree of difficulty i.e. type and number of obstacles — as appropriate to the physical capabilities of the group and their cohesiveness as a team.

Building in a compulsory planning and practice element.

Comments for facilitators. The length of the course and its difficulty should be matched to the group so that everyone works together for at least 10 minutes.

Penalties for any infringement — need to be flexible in response e.g. penalties would be counter-productive if the members of the group are working hard and at their physical limits.

Don’t be afraid to stop, rest the group, shake out muscles, assess what is working, what isn’t (or who is and who isn’t!), before continuing.

Emphasize the need to protect the head of the person being moved.

Name of agency/originator: Viv Carnea at Getaway Girls — based on exercises observed on a number of occasions in different places. © 1999.