Author: David Priestley

Orienteering is a sport in which participants compete and navigate round a series of checkpoints (control points) using a large scale map and relying heavily on teamwork. Although the fastest team back wins, navigational skills are more important than running speed – the activity can be performed both for fun and competitively and is suitable for all ages. In this article we are going to focus on how you can deliver your own introductory Orienteering experience when working with children and how to do this on a budget (less than $25). Orienteering can take place in the school grounds, woodland…

Groups work together to tackle the challenge of firing an egg onto a landing area without breaking it. They must present, design and build their rocket before competing against other teams. The team that lands their egg closest to the landing area, wins the challenge. Equipment Required: Egg/s (depending on the number of teams) Pen & large piece of paper Landing area (create a circle with a rope, bungee cord or hulahoop) For launch, you require: cork and bicycle pump Materials to protect the egg (2 x plastic cups, roll of sellotape, newspaper) Space Required: Large outdoor area to carry out the ‘practice‘ & the ‘final firing’…

If you coach a sports team and you haven’t taken advantage of delivering a few team building activities as part of a pre-season camp then you are definitely missing a trick. A common problem and often a struggle for many coaches is how to get players of mixed ability and different backgrounds to perform as a team. Many great coaches have emphasised that having a group of extremely talented athletes does not guarantee a successful team but rather that success is more often the result of a group that chooses to work together to achieve a shared team outcome. If you’re…

Equipped with just 2 ropes, the group must work out how to transport a bucket of ‘Toxic Waste’ and return it back to the safe zone without tipping over the contents.  This fun team building challenge can also be known as ‘Bomb Removal’. This is an excellent team challenge for highlighting the importance of teamwork, problem solving and leadership. Equipment Required: 1 x toxic waste bucket (1 large bucket) 1 x rope for the radiation zone 2 x ropes of the same length to use to transport the waste bucket 1 x raised platform (can use a stool seat to place the waste bucket) 6 x…

Go-Fence is a fantastic way to get school and summer camp children interested in the ancient sport of fencing! It was developed by Leon Paul and can be taught to children from the ages of 8 and above (you can even teach adults using this system). The system uses plastic and foam equipment, making it quick, easy and adaptable. The best bit is, you can get started for less than $450/£275 and no previous fencing experience is necessary! It’s safe, affordable and most importantly great fun. All you have to do is follow the simple session plan we have developed below. This…

Paired listening is an excellent training exercise for teaching learners about effective communication skills and active listening. It is also great for allowing everyone to be heard and enables participants to explore and formulate their own opinions on a subject matter or workshop topic without interruption. Split the group into pairs, one person will be listening whilst the other speaks. The speaker talks about their thoughts on a topic that you’ve selected. Encourage the speaking to speak as thoughts enter the mind without analysing or holding back. The role of the listener is to give full attention to the speaking,…

In this fun and challenging blindfold activity, groups are split into smaller sub-teams and must compete against each other to try and retrieve an object. One person is blindfolded in each team and directed by a teammate to try and find the object before the other team does. Equipment Required: 1 x blindfold per team, markers, object to retrieve (can be anything: water bottle, ball etc.)Space Required: Medium-Large. Delivered indoors or outdoors. The bigger the space the better.Group Size: 8-24 (per instructor split into smaller teams) Total Time: 40 minutes 5 minutes to brief and set up 25 minutes to achieve the outcome 10 minutes to review…

Here are a selection of 5 quick and easy to deliver blindfold team building games. These blindfold activities can be delivered in less than 20 minutes and only require a blindfold and a rope. Great for developing communication skills, especially active listening and they are also good fun! Equipment Required: Blindfolds, length of rope Space Required: Small to large (depending on the challenge). Indoors or outdoors. Group Size: 12 to 15 ideally, but can be done with up to 30 participants. Key Keeper In a good sized room or space, set out an area as a start/end point. Next lay a set of keys (or any object)…

Working as a team, blindfolded participants follow a rope and try to navigate their way around a series of obstacles. Trust, support, leadership, and communication are essential for this challenge. Equipment Required: Blindfolds, rope/tracer, poles, course obstacles (tyres, cargo netting, soft floor mats, etc) Space Required: Medium. Indoors or outdoors. Group Size: Any. Maximum of 15 participants per facilitator. Total Time: 55 mins 5 minutes to brief and set up 15 minutes Introduction task and task review 25 minutes on the main challenge 10 minutes to review Suggested Learning Outcomes Comfort zones Communication Cooperation Leadership Risk awareness Sensory awareness Trust The full description for Night Trail can be found in…

Two teams compete against each to try and find the other team’s flag. Once they have located the flag, they must then try to bring it back to their home zone, without getting caught and tagged by the opposite team. It involves a lot of teamwork and running and is a great game to use if you have a large outdoor space. Equipment Required: 2 flags (or bright items to retrieve such as jumpers, cones etc), cones to mark area Space Required: Very large. Delivered outdoors Group Size: 10 or more (Minimum of 5 per team) Total Time: 30 mins 5 minute briefing and set up 15-20 for main challenge/game 5 minutes…

This article was written for teachers and leaders looking for inspiration and guidance on providing team building and experiential learning activities for their students. Below, I have put together 4 sample team building programmes for download to help you provide your next outdoor learning experience for your students. The programmes are designed to promote teamwork and leadership skills, encourage active participation and provide an opportunity for students to understand responsible risk management (all of which link to the curriculum). Above all, the programmes are designed to be fun! The basis for any team building programme should be that your learners are safe and…

Working in pairs, blindfolded participants are led on a walk around the surrounding area or a course by their partners. This is great activity for focusing on communication skills and developing trust. Equipment Required: Blindfolds Space Required: Medium. Indoors or outdoors. Group Size: Any. Maximum of 20 participants (10 pairs) per facilitator. Total Time: 35 minutes 5 minutes to brief and set up 20 minutes = 2 x 10min Trust Walks 10 minutes to review and debrief Suggested Learning Outcomes Communication Creative thinking Leadership Risk awareness Trust The full description for Trust Walk can be found in my eBook, The Team Building Activity Book. The eBook provides easy to…