Trust Walk
Build a sense of connection with this seemingly simple exercise. Partners work in teams to guide one blindfolded member across the playing field and back again. This is an exercise that works both partners at the same time, teaching both responsibility and trust.
- 1 blindfold per pair
- 2 cone markers (or some type of markers)
1. Make sure your playing field is free of any harmful items: chairs, tables, etc., that could cause injury if a player accidentally misguides his partner.
2. Set up cone markers on two opposite sides of the field: one is the start line, and the other the turn-around line.
3. Spilt your group into pairs. Designate one player as the leader and one as the partner.
4. Hand out blindfolds, one to each pair.
1. Explain that this exercise is about responsibility and trust. This is not a game about speed or winning. The leader is responsible for their partner, and the partner must trust that the leader will take care of him. No one should run during this exercise.
2. The object is for one player to lead their partner across the playing field and back again, without running into any objects or other players.
3. The leader may use their voice and one hand on the elbow of the partner to guide them across the playing field and back again.
4. Once the pair have gone across and back, switch places and have the partner become the leader, and the leader become the partner.
1. Set up chairs on one side of the playing field. Have the partner sit in the chair, then stand, before returning to the other side.
2. Set up a box with balls or other items; have the partner retrieve an item and then place it in a waiting receptacle before returning to the starting line.
3. For older groups (tweens and up) have the leader use only their voice, no physical contact, to guide their partner.
4. For older groups, set up a simple obstacle course, and have the leader guide their partner through using only their voice.
1. Have lots of adults on hand to serve as referees to make sure that the leaders are taking their job seriously.
2. Set up a safe word (like "Freeze!"). When a leader says that to a player, they must respond by freezing in place until the leader says "Go!" again. In this way, the leader can protect the partner from traffic problems or unexpected obstacles.
3. Make sure the leader looks out for any obstacles, such as little branches or rocks.