This simple but challenging activity pits two teams against each other. One person on each team is blindfolded. The others in the team then give instructions to the blindfolded person to retrieve objects from the playing area.
Communication skills and trust are vital to succeed at this game.
Number of participants: 6-24
Duration: 45 minutes
Objective: Build communication skills
How to play
1. Set up a play area with several objects like water bottles, shoes, books, etc. around it. The objects must be unique enough that people can differentiate between them by touch alone. Also place a large basket in the center of the play area.
2. Divide the players into two teams. Ensure that the number of objects in the play area is at least twice the number of players on each team (like ’12 objects for 5-member teams’).
3. Ask the two teams to assemble on opposite ends of the play area. Ask them to choose one volunteer to be blindfolded from their team.
4. Play blindfolds on the volunteers, then call out a random object from the play area for each team.
5. The blindfolded volunteers from each team have to race against a clock (2-3 minutes) to pick up their respective team objects and drop them into the basket in the center of the room. They cannot see or ask questions; they must rely entirely on instructions from their teammates.
6. Teammates cannot name the object; they have to first describe the object, its shape and its intended purpose. Then they have to instruct the volunteer on how to reach the object and get it to the basket.
7. The team that gets its object first into the basket wins the round.
8. Repeat the process until each person in the team has had a chance to be the volunteer.
9. The team that wins the most number of round wins the game.
Strategy
The blindfold is one of the simplest, yet most effective tools in any team building exercise. It immediately increases the importance of communication and forces teammates to work together.
This game, because of its focus on verbal instructions, is great for building communication skills. It also requires leadership and decision-making; teammates have to decide who will volunteer and who will offer instructions.
