Whale Watch - Activity

Hey folks!
Sorry that this has taken so long to post. I've had a pretty hectic month of May (as I'm sure that most have). The last two weeks have been extra-special hectic because I broke my 4th finger on my right (dominant) hand and ended up needing surgery...a plate and 6 screws. Awesome! So it's taken me a little bit to get back in the swing of things with writing and typing.
This next activity is a staple among my staff. When we have multiple team building blocks happening at once - this is one that is most often fought for. It's very simple but for obvious reasons - needs a physical apparatus to do. But it's value as part of a permanent program is very high
Check it out!

The Whale Watch
Type of Initiative: Initiative
Group Size: 5-15 people
Equipment: The Whale Watch platform (or a balance deck)
Objective:To balance the deck off the ground from the first person on to the last person.
Playing the Game: Because of safety concerns, it is very important to explain that the only way ON and OFF the Whale Watch is from the middle where the ground log is. There is NO jumping off of the ends or “catapolting” people up off the deck. The deck is not intended for such use. Participants are to enter one at a time from the middle, balancing the platform from the first person all the way to the last person and then exiting while maintaining balance.
The Platform Balance Rules: (Be creative and depending on group size)
    1. No sudden movements the captain doesn’t like it and it throws the ship off balance.
    2. No jumping off the ends of the ship (no man overboard)
    3. you may only enter the ship from the centre balance
Hints: (If You Choose to Use Them)
    1. Little baby steps work wonders, large steps cause major balance shifts.
    2. Have only one person do the balancing while everybody else remains still
    3. Sudden movements cause the platform to unbalance
    4. The idea is weight distribution
    5. Set a time limit for an added challenge
Frontloading: The group is out whale watching or pirating (really depends on your group) but whatever the case...it's very rough seas. You must balance the ship and keep it balanced as each of your crew enters the ship (always from the middle). If the ship capsizes (either end touches the tires), the entire crew must exit from the middle and begin again.
Debriefing Topics:
    • Did your group strategize before beginning? What was it?
    • What did we experience here?
    • Did your strategy change throughout the task?
    • What did you find was a key point in success?
    • Did anybody get frustrated during the activity? Can you explain why?
    • Did anybody feel that they could do it better themselves? Was that an option?
    • Where in life do we experience something similar to this activity?
Variations: Once the ship is balanced, you could suggest that a whale has been spotted and that everybody wants to see it. Have the group split and attempt to go to the opposite ends of the platform. Or all four corners.
 I'll go over front-loading and debrief soon! Peace out!

Comments

Corporate Compass said…
Volunteering together creates a sense of community and shared purpose in addition to strengthening relationships. It's a fantastic approach to support society and foster empathy and teamwork.
team building activities for employees
10:17 PM
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