HELIUM STICK

OBJECTIVE
Learning how to work together and communicate in small to medium sized groups.

PROCEDURE
a) Line up in two rows which face each other.
b) Introduce the Helium Stick- a long, thin, lightweight rod.
c) Ask participants to point their index fingers and hold their arms out.
d) Lay the Helium Stick down on their fingers.  Get the group to adjust their finger heights until the Helium Stick is horizontal and everyone's index fingers are touching the stick.
e) Explain that the challenge is to lower the Helium Stick to the ground.
f) The catch: Each person's fingers must be in contact with the Helium Stick at all times. Pinching or grabbing the pole in not allowed - it must rest on top of fingers.
g) Reiterate to the group that if anyone's finger is caught not touching the Helium Stick, the task will be restarted.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1)What was the initial reaction of the group?
2) How well did the group cope with this challenge?
3) What skills did it take to be successful as a group?
4) What creative solutions were suggested and how were they received?
5) What would an outside observer have seen as the strengths and weaknesses of the group?
6) What roles did people play?
7) What did each group member learn about him/her self as an individual?
8) What other situations (e.g., at school, home or work) are like the Helium Stick?

MATERIALS REQUIRED
1 thin, light-weight, 10 ft Helium Stick.

APPROXIMATE TIME REQUIRED
25 minutes

SOURCE
http://wilderdom.com/