Title of Activity: Stepping Stones

Number of Teams & Group Size: Minimum 6 people per group Maximum 12 people per group At least 2 teams for competition

Logistics Needed: For each group: 10 x Paper Plates OR 10 x sheets of A4 Paper 1 x Marker

Time Allocated: 20 - 40 minutes

Goal: To get the entire group across the stepping stones in the correct order

Preparation & Set-Up: Write number on each of the paper plates / A4 paper There should be 10 numbers for each group, from number 1 to number 10 Place the numbers in a random non-sequential order on the floor, not in a straight line - Some numbers on the left, some on the right, some beside other numbers, etc. Ensure each number is within striding distance, so participants have to stretch to reach it

Directions for Conducting the Activity: 1. Inform participants that before them lies a river / canyon / minefield, and the only safe way across is on the stepping stones. 2. Inform them that the stepping stones have been numbered from 1 to 10, and the entire group must get across by stepping on each in sequential order. Number 1, then number 2, then number 3, etc. 3. Instruct participants that there must be 2 feet on each stepping stone at all times, except for the first and last person in the group. Also, each person cannot have both their feet on the same stepping stone at the same time. 4. If any of the Specific Rules are broken, the entire group must start over.

5. Observe participants during the activity, and get them to restart the activity for any misstep.

Specific Rules: 1. Groups must step on each number in order, from number 1 to number 10. 2. There must be 2 feet on each stepping stone at all times, except for the first and last person in the group. 3. They cannot have both their feet on 1 stepping stone at the same time. 4. If anyone within the group steps on a number in the wrong order, has only 1 foot on the stepping stone, or steps outside the stepping stone on the floor, the entire group must start over.

Variations: 1. Divide 2 teams by gender, and have participants hold hands as they cross the stepping stones. They cannot release their hands at any time. 2. Time the attempt. Then get groups to improve on their timings. 3. Give them a fixed timing (~ 30 seconds). If they fail to meet the timing, they have to start over. 4. Use 2 different coloured stepping stones. Each group member must step on an alternate colour stepping stone at all times.

Learning Points: Teamwork Perseverance Co-ordination Checking and ensuring Helping each other Trust Communication Listening skills Observation Alertness Danger of overconfidence Patience Working under pressure

Facilitator Notes: When conducting this activity, the specific rules must be strongly enforced, so groups that break the rules must be made to start over. This allows several learning points to take place, like patience, communication, danger of overconfidence, encouragement, etc.