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Description

A team-based, skills-focused activity designed to develop communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Teams of 4–6 rotate through three challenges, each linking to expedition skills. The session is energetic, hands-on, and encourages teamwork, creative thinking, and adaptability.

Resources

Challenge 1 – Communication: Bamboo canes, empty tin cans, blindfolds

Challenge 2 – Problem-Solving: Ropes (to mark boundaries), folded tarpaulins (stepping stones), optional: bamboo canes, mats, cardboard, cones, blankets

Challenge 3 – Leadership: Cones, sticks, tarpaulins or other small obstacles/items, optional: leftover materials from previous challenges

Instructions

Challenge 1 – Communication: Describe & Build
Each team selects a “describer” who can see a pre-built structure.
Team members are blindfolded and must rebuild the structure based only on verbal instructions.
Builders cannot touch the original structure; only the describer can guide.
Encourage questions, but describer cannot physically assist.
Time limit: 15–20 minutes.
Debrief briefly: what made communication effective? How did the team adapt?

Challenge 2 – Problem-Solving: River Crossing / Lava Floor
Mark a “river” or “lava floor” with ropes.
Place folded tarpaulins at the start as stepping stones.
Teams must cross the area without touching the floor.
Only certain team members can carry stones; rotate responsibilities.
Stones can be placed one at a time.
Optional twists: blindfold one member, introduce a “flood” by moving/removing stones mid-game.
Time limit: 15–20 minutes.
Debrief briefly: which strategies worked? How did the team handle challenges?

Challenge 3 – Leadership: Rotating Leader Challenge – Expedition Relay
Set up a short relay or multi-stage task using cones, sticks, tarpaulins, or other items.
One person starts as leader and directs the team for the first stage.
Rotate leadership every 3–4 minutes or at each stage.
New leaders must quickly assess and continue without undoing previous work.
Objective: complete the task within ~15 minutes.
Debrief briefly: how did leadership styles differ? How did the team adapt?

Running Times:
Total activity: ~90 minutes
Challenge 1: 15–20 minutes
Challenge 2: 25–30 minutes
Challenge 3: 25–30 minutes
Debrief: 5–10 minutes

Tags

• team building

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