CEEPS On-Line Activity Database

It happens every symposium - and seems to be a common theme at other gatherings:

Everyone's always looking for new activities!

CEEPS has a tradition of sharing activities and writing them up for symposium attendees.  In 2006, we decided to take it one step further.  We now host an on-line database of activities that contributors have created or simply written up for us.

Quick-Find Criteria

Types:   Mixer,  Game,  Problem-Solving,  Risk Challenge,  Processing/Debrief Tool

Audiences:   All Ages,  Children (< 12),  Youth (13-19),  Adult (> 15)

Minimum Group Size:   Refers to the minimum number of people typically needed to make the activity successful.  We only indicate a maximum if particularly relevant to a single group attempting the activity.  If an activity is especially effective with a large group, we put "Large" instead of a minimum.

Time Required:   This is the minimum time needed for the activity itself.  Processing and debrief times (if applicable) are extra.

Mixer Activities

Name	Description	Audience	Minimum Group Size	Min.Time	Equipment
Are you More Like...?	Individuals revealing preferences and perspectives by their choices and explanations of choice.	All ages	Large	6 mins.	None
Come 'ere, come 'ere!  I'm outta Here!	An activity that involves people getting into groups and then moving people around.  Everyone gets to find out bits of information about the people in their group.	All ages	Large	3 mins	None
Domino Grouping	A simple problem-solving activity that arranges participants into groups of 2, 3, or 4.	All ages	Large	3 mins	One or more domino sets
Have you Ever...?	A circle game where we get a taste of what each person has (or has not) done.	Adult	15-40	5 mins.	Place markers
Personal Mind Maps	Creative, graphic way for group members to introduce themselves to other members of the group.	Adult	4	40 mins.	Large paper & coloured markers

Games

Name	Description	Audience	Minimum Group Size	Min.Time	Equipment
Who Nose?	A fun competitive game for large groups, collecting tape on your nose.	All ages	Large	3 mins	Masking tape
Win As Much As You Can!	An activity from Game Theory, allowing participants to explore collaboration, competition, greed, and trust.  Played in 4 groups or groups of 4.	Adult	4-12	15 mins	Scoring paper

Problem-Solving Activities

Name	Description	Audience	Minimum Group Size	Min.Time	Equipment
Blind Square	Simple objective, tougher solution - an activity to study how a group listens and what roles people play.	Adult	5-15	40 mins	Blindfolds & 25m of rope
Don't Touch Me	Everyone switches places with their partner across the circle, while going through the centre.	Youth	8	20 mins	Place markers & timer
Helium Stick	Just lower the stick to the ground.  Why is it so hard?	All ages	6-12	10 mins	6' pole or hoop
Scuba Diver Maze	A blindfolded group navigation challenge.	All ages	5	30 mins	Blindfolds, trees, and lots of rope

Risk Challenges

Name	Description	Audience	Minimum Group Size	Min.Time	Equipment
Silent Lift	An effective alternative to the classic "Trust" or "Commitment" Fall, which offers more safety, and more participant empowerment.	Adult	10	15 mins	Optional waist-height platform

Processing/Debrief Activities

Name	Description	Audience	Minimum Group Size	Min.Time	Equipment
Birth Order	Yet another way of exploring diversity and common experiences.	All ages	15	30 mins	Paper & pen for notes
Focus Roll	A kinaesthetic way to compare focusing on obstacles versus goals.	All ages	Any	4 mins	Flipchart paper or 3' sticks, tape, & marker
Polarity Loops	A personal way to experience the continuity of Polarity Management.	Adult	Any	10 mins	Printed form, pens, & transparent tape
Thumbs and Aircraft	Two simple activities that explore assumptions.	All ages	Any	3 mins	Paper
Value Judgements	A story that inspires discusions of comparative values.	Adult	3-30	5 mins	None

Obviously, creating a fully comprehensive database like this would be a MASSIVE undertaking.  I don't think there's any question that it would be a useful resource.  If you agree, perhaps YOU can help!

If you would be willing to write-up a favourite activity, or share one of your own creations, send us a simple text file from NotePad (rather than a Word document) or even just a normal email, with the following:

1. The name of the activity (and other names it is known by).

2. A short description of 30 words or less.

3. The five quick find criteria, as described above.

4. Make sure that you attribute the source as best as you can.  We want to give credit where credit is due.

5. Instructions for the activity.

6. Facilitator notes for the activity, including variations and debrief notes if applicable.

7. Include your name and organization so that we can give you credit (with a link) for writing it up!

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