Guidelines for trust games 2

Game 5 - Pushing in a circle

Warn the group that the games here on in are becoming more difficult and dangerous, and that they should obey all rules and listen carefully.

The ideal number to play the next game is 10, but you can go as low as 7. Strip away some from each of the current two teams to form a 3rd team, each team now being of equal number if possible. Also, where you can try to make them of boys or girls.

Each team forms an even circle, standing loosely shoulder to shoulder. One person becomes the volunteer (the faller) and stands in the middle. He or she closes their eyes, and crosses their hands over their chest. It is important that they stay as straight upright as possible for this game. Keeping their feet still in the middle, the group pushes on the shoulders of the faller so that the faller falls and is caught by the other side of the circle. Who in turn push them to someone else in the circle. Care should be taken as to how safely this game is being played.

Three or 4 people can take a turn in the centre of the circle. Try not to let the circle get too big as this is when there are problems, also make sure that there are no gaps for the person to accidentally fall through.

Game 6 - shoulder carry.

Emphasise to the group that in this next part there should be no talking. This is both to allow the teacher better control should you see a dangerous situation, and also for the volunteer to fully experience this aspect of trust.

Performed under safe conditions there is little risk. However over playing the drama of the whole thing seems to add to the level of trust required by the volunteer.

One volunteer from each team lies down on the floor and perhaps the lightest member - not someone wearing a skirt for this one - and crosses their hands over their chest. Explain that in a moment they will be lifted from the floor by the people around them and carried around on shoulders. How does the volunteer feel at this moment in time. Do they trust the people around them? How do they know they can or can�t trust them? What evidence is there? What do they base their opinion on? What do they think that it will feel like to be up in the air?

The rest of their team gathers around them like this

1 person at the head - point out that this is the most important role and that only someone really trust worthy should be their - if they wish the volunteer may choose their own head person.

2 people at the shoulders

2 people at the middle back

2 people at the thighs and knees

1 person at the feet.

The rest of the team should spread themselves evenly around to assist. Reiterate that the head is the area which must be protected at all times. If they feel they are in trouble then they should carefully lower the person down immediately, feet first and taking great care of the head and shoulders. When the game finishes they should lower the person to the ground with great care. If some of the group are talking or being silly it might be worth stopping the game now, and then restarting it.

At the count of 3 the teams lift their volunteer onto their shoulders. They can be lifted higher - though this adds to the risk factor and in the end makes not a lot of difference to the whole faith experience. Once safely up, for the next two minutes the teams can carry their volunteer around the room.

If there is not sufficient room for all 3 teams at once, then they can do this one a time.