Plane Crash
If you are looking for a teambuilding activity that allows groups to get down to the nitty-gritty of teamwork and communication, plane crash is a great option! Ideal for larger groups, participants are given a task to work through as a team that will promote active participation, working together and problem solving. Though it may seem simple at the beginning, this activity is a true challenge that will motivate your group and boost morale upon completion!
Time Needed: 20 minutes
Group Size: 15-20 participants
Materials: Blindfolds (enough for each participant to have one), large rope with the ends tied together (big enough for all participants to sit inside)
Directions: Explain to the group that they were going on a trip together (come up with a fun story!) but that, unfortunately, on their way the plane crashed. Luckily, they all survived, but everyone was blinded in the crash. The good news is that a rescue plane is looking for them and will fly overhead in 6 minutes. However, this is a special rescue plane and will only respond to a specific symbol. It will only save them if they are all seated inside a rope in the shape of a triangle with one arm raised in the air. AND, after 3 minutes the crashed plane is going to explode, which is going to cause them all to lose the use of their vocal cords (so after 3 minutes they can no longer talk).
Ask the group to put on their blindfolds. Once everyone is blindfolded, hide the rope somewhere in your group’s area. As you do so, remind them that their goal is to find the rope, get it in the shape of a triangle, sit inside of it with one arm raised – all in 6 minutes – but that after 3 minutes they will no longer be able to talk.
Once the rope is hidden, start the time and tell them to begin. Be sure to give them time updates, and at 3 minutes tell them that they may no longer speak. Watch participants closely to make sure everyone stays safe while completing the activity.
Debrief Questions:
- Did your group come up with a plan or just dive in and start working? If you had a plan, did you follow through with it? Why or why not?
- What would you have done differently if you had the opportunity to do this activity again?
- Did your group work well as a team? Why or why not?
- In your opinion, what did your group do the best? What could you use the most improvement on?
- Any other comments or observations?