Designate two ‘safe zone’ areas approx eight to twelve metres (25′ – 40′) apart.
Ask your group to stand within one of the safe zones, and supply every person with one stepping stone, plus one extra for the group.
The group’s task is to cross between the two safe areas, without touching the ground in between.
All movements across the area will necessarily involve the use of the stepping stones, with two conditions:
– Everyone must remain in contact with the stepping stones at all times; and
– If a stone is left untouched while it is placed within the forbidden area, that stone may be taken away from the group.
Also, if someone happens to touch into the forbidden area, the group will be required to start over.
Allow your group 20 to 30 minutes to complete the task.
When ready, invite your group to reflect on what happened and what they may have learned.
Resources Premium
This is where you'll download all of the Print+Play resources you need to save time & money.
Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?
Love this activity. In groups of 15 – 20, usually i give 1 “stepping stone” per participant and they go about it. Depending on the group, my variation is to walk behind the last person and collect the stones they leave behind. Once the group has reached the safety bank, i congratulate them and we reflect on the experience..
I choose to then tell them that ” there is a new hazard and they now need to return back to the starting point.. but at this time they do not have any stones left.. and possible would have been worthwhile hanging on to the stones even if they think that they do not need it.. lead into conversation about resource management or supports.. who are our supports in our life (parents/ teachers ) etc.. and keeping these alliances strong as we never know when we may require their assistance or when we can be of assistance to them.. lots of possible conversations there… love it
Terrific David, thanks for sharing. Yes, I enjoy guiding a group through a reflection to see how well they prepared for ‘contingencies’ in the event something went wrong. The approach you typically see may also speak to the ‘disposable’ culture some communities have developed.
Can work very well with one group of up to 50 or 60 people. With groups of between 20 and 60 people:
– allow your safe zones to be around 8m apart
– give the group only 8 or 9 stepping stones
– everyone must stay in contact with each other the entire time (holding hands, shirts, etc), from the moment the first person enters the ‘forbidden area’ to the most the last person crosses into the far safe zone. If someone breaks the connection, everyone starts again
– if someone’s foot, heel or toe touches the ground off the stepping stone, everyone starts again
– when they start again, they recover any lost stepping stone
– the last person to come across the ‘forbidden area’ must collect all the stepping stones
Brand NEW book featuring 150+ outrageously fun group games & activities. Scan QR codes to connect to tons of digital content including video tutorials.
Love this activity. In groups of 15 – 20, usually i give 1 “stepping stone” per participant and they go about it. Depending on the group, my variation is to walk behind the last person and collect the stones they leave behind. Once the group has reached the safety bank, i congratulate them and we reflect on the experience..
I choose to then tell them that ” there is a new hazard and they now need to return back to the starting point.. but at this time they do not have any stones left.. and possible would have been worthwhile hanging on to the stones even if they think that they do not need it.. lead into conversation about resource management or supports.. who are our supports in our life (parents/ teachers ) etc.. and keeping these alliances strong as we never know when we may require their assistance or when we can be of assistance to them.. lots of possible conversations there… love it
Terrific David, thanks for sharing. Yes, I enjoy guiding a group through a reflection to see how well they prepared for ‘contingencies’ in the event something went wrong. The approach you typically see may also speak to the ‘disposable’ culture some communities have developed.
Can work very well with one group of up to 50 or 60 people. With groups of between 20 and 60 people:
– allow your safe zones to be around 8m apart
– give the group only 8 or 9 stepping stones
– everyone must stay in contact with each other the entire time (holding hands, shirts, etc), from the moment the first person enters the ‘forbidden area’ to the most the last person crosses into the far safe zone. If someone breaks the connection, everyone starts again
– if someone’s foot, heel or toe touches the ground off the stepping stone, everyone starts again
– when they start again, they recover any lost stepping stone
– the last person to come across the ‘forbidden area’ must collect all the stepping stones