Navigate the Minefield: Blindfolded teamwork like never before!

What is Minefield?

The Minefield icebreaker activity is a great way to get people moving and communicating. The game involves setting up an obstacle course with "mines" that players have to navigate around. These "mines" can be anything from cones to chairs to toys. The objective of the game is to get from one end of the obstacle course to the other without stepping on any of the "mines."

To play the game, start by setting up the obstacle course. Scatter the "mines" randomly throughout the course, and make sure there is enough space for players to navigate around them. Divide players into pairs or small groups, and choose one player from each group to be blindfolded. The blindfolded player then has to navigate their way through the obstacle course with the help of their partner's verbal directions.

The goals of the Minefield icebreaker activity are to build trust, communication, and teamwork skills. It's a great way to encourage people to work together and rely on one another to achieve a common goal. The game is suitable for a wide range of ages and can be played both indoors and outdoors.

However, it's important to note that the Minefield icebreaker activity should not be played with people who have mobility or vision impairments. It's also not suitable for groups where players may have physical limitations or be easily overwhelmed. As with any physical activity, ensure that players are aware of any potential hazards and take appropriate safety precautions.

To make the Minefield icebreaker activity more fun, try increasing the difficulty level of the obstacle course as the game progresses. You can also add time limits or challenges such as carrying an object through the obstacle course with one hand. Encourage players to communicate clearly and give positive feedback to one another. With the right attitude and approach, the Minefield icebreaker activity can be a fun and engaging way to break the ice at any event.

Materials needed for Minefield

• 20 Various Objects (Quantity depends on size of play area)

How to play Minefield

• Gather everyone in a circle: Start by forming a circle with all the participants standing close to each other.
• Select a 'minefield' area: Identify a designated area where the minefield will be set up. This area should have enough space for participants to move around.
• Place objects on the 'minefield': Start placing various objects randomly within the designated area, resembling a minefield. These objects can be anything, like cones, balls, or even paper cups.
• Divide participants into pairs: Split the participants into pairs. Each pair will consist of a 'blindfolded' player and a 'guide' player.
• Blindfold one player in each pair: One player from each pair will be blindfolded and is not allowed to see anything during the game.
• Instruct guide players: Inform the guide players that their role is to guide their blindfolded partner through the minefield safely. They can only use their voices to communicate and help the blindfolded player navigate.
• Start the game: Once everyone is ready, start the game by instructing the blindfolded players to slowly and cautiously navigate through the minefield, relying on their guide player's instructions.
• Monitor progress and announce winners: Observe each pair's progress and announce the winners based on the first pair(s) to successfully cross the minefield without touching any of the objects.

Benefits of Minefield

Team building activities are far more than just fun and games. They pack a punch when it comes to the range of benefits they can deliver. Some of the benefits of Minefield include:

• Team building: This activity helps build a sense of unity and teamwork among participants. It requires communication, trust, and cooperation, which are important skills for any team to succeed.
• Problem solving: Minefield requires participants to think strategically and critically to find the most efficient path to the other side. This is a valuable skill that can be applied in many other situations, both in and out of the workplace.
• Fun: Playing Minefield is a lot of fun! It's a great way to break the ice and get people laughing and enjoying themselves. This can make any meeting or training session much more enjoyable and productive.
• Physical activity: This icebreaker requires movement and physical activity, which can be a welcome break from sitting in meetings or trainings for extended periods of time.
• Inclusive: Minefield can be adapted to suit any group size or ability level, making it an inclusive activity that can bring people of all backgrounds and skill levels together.

Why we like Minefield

We love Minefield because it encourages trust, communication, and teamwork. It's also a versatile game that can be adapted to various group sizes and difficulty levels.

Reflection questions for Minefield

Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing Minefield.

1. What was your strategy for navigating the minefield? This question encourages participants to reflect on their approach to the activity and consider what strategies worked well or could have been improved.
2. How did communication play a role in your success or challenges during the activity? This question prompts participants to think about how clear communication between partners was necessary to successfully navigate the minefield.
3. What emotions did you experience during the activity? Asking about emotions helps participants explore their personal experiences and connect with others who may have had similar feelings during the icebreaker.
4. What surprised you about the activity? This question encourages participants to think outside of the box and consider unexpected outcomes or impressions of the icebreaker exercise.
5. What did you learn about teamwork and trust during the activity? This question helps participants reflect on the importance of trust and collaboration in problem-solving situations, and how those skills can be applied in other settings.
6. What could you have done differently to improve your performance? Participants can use this question to identify areas for personal growth and to brainstorm solutions for future teamwork challenges.

Which skills does Minefield build?

• Trust - Trust skills are important for icebreakers and team building because they help create a safe and open environment where team members can feel comfortable sharing and collaborating. This promotes better communication, cooperation, and fosters stronger relationships within the team.
• Communication - Communication skills are essential for icebreakers and team building because they facilitate effective and open dialogue, allowing team members to connect and understand each other better, which leads to improved collaboration and problem-solving.
• Teamwork - Teamwork skills are crucial for icebreakers and team building because they foster effective communication, encourage collaboration, and promote a sense of unity among team members, leading to better problem-solving and increased productivity.
• Spatial awareness - Spatial awareness skills are crucial in icebreakers and team building activities as they help individuals understand their physical surroundings better, leading to improved coordination and communication. This awareness also fosters a sense of unity and cooperation within the team, enhancing overall performance and problem-solving abilities.