Group Size: 11 to 25
Time Needed: 20 minutes or more
Goal: Gain understanding of individual differences and the unique challenges that each person faces in life.
Audience: Couples, Teens, Parents, Children, Singles
Special Considerations: May need to assist some participants inflate a balloon
Resources Needed: One balloon per person, different sizes of balloons, masking tape, small candy bars (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Divide group into two teams and form two side-by-side lines (one line per group).
- Place a long piece of tape on the ground to mark the start line and each group’s line should stand behind it at one end of the room. There should be plenty of room in front of the tape.
- Randomly distribute a balloon to each participant.
- Explain to the groups that when you say “go” the first person in line is going to blow up his or her balloon at least halfway full but do not tie it. They should then step up to the line and release the balloon. Some balloons will shoot straight out while other balloons will fly all over. That person should keep track of the balloon, but leave his or her balloon where it lands.
- Explain to the group that the goal of the game is to see which team can get a balloon the farthest away from the line, but the balloon must be in front of the line and they cannot cross the line to release it. If a balloon lands behind the line, then it is out of play and the participant does not get to go again.
- As soon as the first person on the team has a landed balloon, the second person on the team can begin blowing up his or her balloon and do the same thing. Repeat until everyone has blown up and released a balloon once.
- When both groups are finished, determine which balloon is the farthest away, who it belongs to, and which team has won. Reward the group with small candy bars, if desired.
- Expect the other team to be upset and start to protest the fairness of the game. As participants return to their seats, feel free to apologize and give candy to the other team before you begin to discuss the activity.
Tips for Discussion and Processing
Ask groups how they felt about playing the game. Discuss if there were anything either team could have done to enhance their ability to win. This can lead to a discussion about luck in life and how we are all born with different gifts and abilities. This can also be used to talk about challenges in life and how we all have different challenges and cannot always predict what we will need to deal with in life. You can also talk about the importance of acceptance and doing the best you can with what you have.
Note: These activities can be modified to reflect a variety of skills.