Building trust is important in groups of people both young and old. Kids need to trust each other to feel comfortable and safe playing together. While all group games require cooperation and teamwork, not all games provide for the development of trust that must be present to allow these positive actions to occur. Organize these games with kids to boost their confidence and faith in each other, as well as watch their play times improve.
Trust Falls and Wind in the Willows
Trust Falls is an activity commonly practiced by groups who want to strengthen their confidence in one another, such as the Boy Scouts of America, who have two variations on the exercise. As the name states, Trust Falls involves purposefully falling---and most importantly, being caught. To start performing Trust Falls, break kids into groups of two. One partner stands in front of the other, makes his body stiff and communicates when he is going to fall backwards. When he falls, the kid behind him gently catches him and lowers him to the ground. Partners should start close together and put greater distance between them as they become more confident with themselves and each other. Always be sure this exercise is done safely.
If you think your kids are ready for a larger group bonding experience, they can join other partner groups for a common variation on Trust Falls called Wind in the Willows. To play, the group stands in a circle with one child in the middle. The center child makes his body stiff and falls in any direction when everyone is ready. The kids in the circle use their hands to gently push the center kid away from them and pass him around the circle until he is again upright.
Trust Walks
A Trust Walk, also known as a Blind Walk, is an activity that encourages children to expand their boundaries and trust one another. To perform this exercise, separate kids into groups of two. Blindfold one of the pair and instruct each couple to hold hands. The non-blindfolded half of the pair guides the "blind" child as they slowly walk together on normal terrain or through obstacles on a course you have arranged, such as stairs, railings or furniture. Again, be sure any obstacles set up are safe and age appropriate.
Children should switch roles so that they each get to have both experiences as this will help them better understand each other.
Helium Stick
Youth Group Games suggests another game that engages and entertains kids while forcing them to work together in order to complete a challenge. To lead children in Helium Stick, instruct them to stand in a circle, hold their arms parallel to the ground and stick out their pointer fingers. Place a light-weight but large object on their outstretched fingers, such as a hula hoop or stick. Tell them they must lower it to the ground without their fingers losing contact. You will find that children are usually surprised when the stick seems to float upwards although they are trying to will it down--hence the name "helium" stick. Help the children develop a sound strategy for moving the "stick" down, such as counting and moving it inch-by-inch or dropping one side at a time.
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