When I do a needs assessment with a potential client, I ask LOTS of questions to see what type of program they are looking for. And in my mind, there are three common types of programs in our field; Team Bonding, Team Building and Team Development. Team Bonding refers to fun, recreational programs that may involve some networking […]
Category Archives: Tips for Trainers
14
Nov
Nov
I absolutely love the Handshake activity. It has been around for a long time, and it’s still one I use often. It has so many great qualities. Here’s a short list of my favorite attributes: It’s a non-prop partner activity. Works well with large or small groups. With a little creativity, it’s easy to create […]
06
Nov
Nov
The Challenge There are a variety of movements that combine teamwork, support, balance, and timing, using this unique piece of challenge equipment. You can also use this prop for directing the focus of the groups, and during processing and debriefing sessions. Typical Presentation, Storyline, and Metaphor A variety of metaphors can be used with the […]
16
Oct
Oct
Source: The new book: Tag, You’re It, by Michelle Cummings Group size: 16-50 Preparation Time: 5 minutes Time Needed for Activity: 10 minutes Materials: None needed Activity Preparation: Create an open space for play. If you are indoors, put chairs around the perimeter of the room. If you are outside, find an open space to […]
09
Oct
Oct
My first job out of graduate school was with an organization that lead 10-day intervention programs with at-risk kids. I was a co-counselor with two other fabulous facilitators, and we had a fantastic lodge out in the woods on a hundred acres to lead this program. We had a low-ropes course, a high-ropes course in […]
01
Oct
Oct
Type of Activity: Energizer, Tag Props Needed: 6 Rubber Chickens for up to 18 people. If you have more people, add more chickens and taggers. Use enough rubber chickens to equal out about a third of the number of people in the group. Marker cones or other props to create a well-defined boundary. Set […]
01
Oct
Oct
Ah, the blindfold. To use or not to use… From the fancy sleep-style mask, the lycra-style blindfold to the good ol’ bandana, there are many things to consider when using blindfolds in a program. As experiential educators, we usually strive to provide participants voice and choice in the activities we present. Are we still making […]
05
Sep
Sep
Those of us in the Experiential industry often ask our participants to step outside of their comfort zones. I’ve used the concepts of Comfort Zone, Stretch Zone and Danger/Panic Zone with clients for years, and have written several past newsletter articles on the topic as well. Today I want to share with you a […]
29
Aug
Aug
Have you ever stood in front of a group, asked a question and got blank stares as the response? Pairing and Sharing is a wonderful technique to use that helps ‘warm’ your participants up to talking. Some people are not likely to raise their hand and share their thoughts in a group setting unless they […]
22
Aug
Aug
The human brain can only hold so much information before it starts to disconnect or shut down. In general, people can remember 3-4 things at a time before they start to miss details. When giving instructions to a group, it’s important keep this in mind to help set you and your participants up for success. […]