Willow in the Wind

Game Description
Use this group building game to build community, teamwork, and trust within the group as members rely on the support of the group to prevent themselves from falling.

Game Materials
Blindfold (optional)

Game Preparation
This game requires a minimum of 8-10 persons to have an appropriate sized circle. Impress upon participants that this is not a time for joking around, but a time to be serious and inspire trust in each other. They need to be encouraging and affirming, helping to alleviate the fear associated with trusting someone else.

Game Play

1. Blindfold one volunteer or have them tightly shut their eyes.
2. The group of 8-12 people form a circle shoulder-to-shoulder around the blindfolded volunteer. Spacing is determined by crossing their arms across the chest, palms gripping opposite shoulders and facing toward the inside of the circle.
3. The blindfolded volunteer is to then to keep a stiff back and fall backward pivoting only on the heels of the feet to allow freedom of movement. The rest of the body should be kept straight.
4. Those in the circle carefully pass the volunteer around the circle using their hands as a willow gently flexing in the wind.
5. On occasion gently change the direction of the volunteer being passed around the circle. The volunteer is totally under the control of those in the circle.
6. Allow each member of the group to try being the volunteer.

Discussion Ideas

• Trust: How did it feel be forced to rely on someone else? What fears did you have? Did you trust they would prevent you from harm? How does this relate to trusting God with our lives?
• Support: In this game we have to support someone in the group. Do we as a group have an obligation to look out for each other? What are some of the ways we can support each other in our lives?
• Reliance: In this group, the person in the center had to rely on the group. What are some of the ways we have to rely on each other in the Christian life? Do we need each other?