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Group Size: 1 to 50
Time Needed: 15 to 20 minutes
Goal: To encourage group cohesion and cooperation
Audience: Couples, Parents, Teens, Children, Singles
Special Considerations: For a variation of this activity, give the groups different sizes of vinyl to illustrate how resources (or lack of) can effect how easily a problem is solved.
Resources Needed: One 3 x 4 foot piece of vinyl per 5 or 6 people (measurement does not have to be exact)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Divide participants into groups of 5 or 6.
  2. Give each group their “magic carpet” (the piece of vinyl) and have all group members stand on it.
  3. Explain to the group that they are now on their magic carpet. They can fly all over the world and see many interesting things.
  4. Inform groups that their instructions on how to land their magic carpet are on the other side. In order to land their carpets, they will somehow need to flip them over. But none of their group members can step off because they are flying in the air.
  5. Choose to either have groups compete to see who can flip their carpets over first or just let the activity play out. Keep reminding them not to let any members fall off.
  6. Participants usually solve this dilemma by squeezing in very close together and turning over enough of the piece of vinyl to allow one person to step on it. Then they turn a little more to allow the next person and so on. It is tricky but solvable!

Tips for Discussion and Processing

Groups really get into this activity. If you are working with families, try to keep them together. This activity is all about team work and group problem solving. It is also a lot of fun and can be used to discuss how groups communicate.

Note: These activities can be modified to reflect a variety of skills.