Minefield is a perfect combination of physical and verbal
activities if you want to enhance communication with your partner. In this game,
one of the partners is blindfolded and guided verbally through the room by the
other. The goal of the game is to get the blindfolded partner safely
across the room by using verbal cues to avoid the obstacles, aka mines, you set
ahead. This fun communication game for couples requires you to trust
each other and be precise when instructing to achieve the goal.
The game is even more fun, if there are multiple couples
are playing simultaneously, making it significantly more challenging.
Materials Required
A very large outdoor or indoor space; several light, soft
objects to serve as obstacles (such as large paper cups, empty plastic bottles,
cones, soft foam balls, etc.); a blindfold.
Recommended Number of People: Recommended group size is 3
to 5 couples in one session
Time Required: 30 minutes to an hour
The game can be easily adapted according to your needs.
Setup
Find a good large outdoor field or large indoor space.
Be sure there are no dangerous items or hazards nearby. Set up the
“minefield” by placing “mines” (large paper cups, empty plastic bottles, cones,
soft foam balls, etc.) in many places all over the space.
Once the minefield is set up, divide players into pairs.
Create pairs carefully. In each pair, one person will be
blindfolded and will be not allowed to see or talk. The other person is
allowed to see and talk, but is not allowed to touch the other person or enter
the minefield. Have each pair decide which role they want to play and
distribute blindfolds.
Playing the Minefield Game
As you lead the activity, try to inspire the players and
emphasize the importance of trust and safety. Promote a serious
environment.
The goal is for each blindfolded person to get from one
side of the field to the other. He or she must safely avoid touching the
“mines,” by carefully listening to the verbal guidance of their partners.
Give each pair a few minutes of planning and preparation
for their communication strategy. Then, have all pairs go to one end of
the minefield. Once blindfolds are worn and everyone is ready, say “Go!”
and the activity begins. The blindfolded person cannot talk; he or she just
listens and walks. The guider can’t touch his or her partner, but he or
she can speak to his partner and use whatever verbal strategy he or she wishes.
After a pair successfully reaches the other side of the
minefield, swap roles and repeat the process.
Note:
§ Be
careful that blindfolded people don’t crash into each other. The
facilitator should ensure collisions don’t occur. He or she can walk
around and help keep people separated.
§ Create
a penalty for touching a “mine”. Perhaps a time delay, or a loss of
points, or (worse case) a restart.
§ Perhaps
suggest that a pair develop a unique communication system. When
participants swap roles, give participants some review and planning time to
refine their communication method.
§ If a
person prefers not to play, do not force a person to be blindfolded.
At the end of the time, debrief and allow for reflection;
consider what have you possibly learned from this experience.