Balloon Trolley
Do you have a group learning to work together or who needs to consider how individual roles affect the whole team? Balloon Trolley is perfect for just that. Participants are given a task to work through as a team that will promote active participation, working together and problem solving. Though the end goal is a group success, individual actions and movements make a big impact. It may seem simple in the beginning, but this activity is a true challenge!
Time Needed: 15 minutes
Group Size: 5-15 people
Materials: One inflated balloon per person (minus one) and masking tape
Directions: Before you begin, place two strips of masking tape on the ground to signify start and finish lines, approximately 10-15 feet apart.
Ask participants to line up shoulder-to-shoulder behind the starting line. Hand each of them a balloon except for the last person in the line. Instruct them that, in a moment, each of them will put the balloon between their shoulders (i.e., two people standing next to each other will be holding the balloon on either side with their shoulders). They must hold the balloon there without touching it with their hands. They will need to walk to the finish line as a group. If any balloons touch the ground, the entire team has to start again.
*Helpful hint: If this activity is done outside, be aware that balloons dropped in grass are much more likely to pop than if they fall on other surfaces.
Debrief Questions:
- What happened during this activity?
- Did any one person emerge as a leader? If so, who was it and what did he/she do?
- How did you work together to accomplish your goal?
- How did individual actions impact the success of the team?
- How does this activity relate to the teamwork that happens when you have to work on a project in a group setting?