From WildWiki

Ice Breakers

Goals:

• Build up safety and create an atmosphere of inclusivity

• Create a sense of cohesion and commraderie

• Establish group norms and attitudes

• Set tone of safety, fun, and support

Some activities that help make this happen:

• All My Neighbors

This activity is great anytime but can be a great early ice-breaker. Group stands in a circle and person in middle states something that is TRUE FOR THEM. Such as "all my neighbors who have a pet cat". If it is true for anyone in the group, you have to switch places- basically musical chairs. The one left standing is now in the center and starts the process over. IMPORTANT: if you do this early, set the expectation that the game is kept "G-rated". That will avoid uncomfortable shares. If they choose to play it later after safety has been established, the game can be quite fun as "PG-13".

• 3-Min Autobiographies

This activity is best done several days into the course after some basic relationship and safety have been established. Have group in circle and set a heavier tone (best done around a campfire at night if possible). Explain that this will be an opportunity for us to continue to get to know each other better as we continue our journey. Each person will have three minutes from which they are invited to speak about and answer the following: "here is something that you should know about me to help to understand me better." Explain that each person gets the full three minutes- no more and no less. If the person stops talking, we will hold the silence until the three minutes are up (this minimizes people saying a few words and stopping there). It is CRITICAL that you space the instructors at the beginning, middle, and end of the "go around." That way, the 1st instructor can start to set the appropriate tone. The middle instructor can either "lift up" the tone if it is getting too serious or "drop it down" if it is too light. The third instructor bats clean-up in the same way. This activity, done right, is a real relationship accelerator for the group.

• Snowflake Process

This activity involves a paired-share rotation around several questions. Have people partner up and then ask a question like "what is one of your favorite places?". Answer FIRST as the instructor to model an appropriate answer (it helps to be a little vulnerable to help students open up) then have pairs answer with each other. Have them switch partners when completed and ask a new question like "who is an inspirational person in your life?" Same thing- you model first then have them answer in pairs. Switch partners again and ask a question like "what was a moment of courage for you?" Notice that the questions get progressively more "risky." Finally, have them switch once more. Ask them to consider the following: "if your life was a highlight film, what would be on it?" When done in pairs, bring whole group together and have partner introduce his/her partner by summarizing their life story to group (it helps if you suggest that they may want to pay attention to what their partner is saying because they may have to repeat it!). If there ever was a "guaranteed winner" ice-breaker, this one is it.